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Q: What led you to start your nonprofit organiza- tion, Madhatter Knits, and what is its mission?A: Madhatter Knits was born out of a desire to make a tangible difference in maternal and child health globally. My co-founders and I saw a gap in maternal care, particularly in underserved areas, and wanted to use knitting as a way to raise awareness and provide support for women and children. Our mission is to improve maternal and child health through awareness campaigns, support networks, and providing essential resources to communities in need.Q: What advice would you give to young girls inter- ested in pursuing careers in STEM fields?A: My advice would be to embrace curiosity and not be afraid to ask questions. STEM can seem intimidating, but it%u2019s full of opportunities to make a real difference in the world. Surround yourself with mentors who inspire you, and never let anyone convince you that you don%u2019t belong in these fields. Your unique perspective is your greatest strength.Q: What role has your personal journey of self-dis- covery played in shaping your advocacy work?A: My personal journey of self-discovery has been central to my advocacy work. Growing up, I struggled to find my voice amidst cultural expectations and discrimination. As I began embracing my heritage and identity, I realized the power of authenticity and the importance of empowering others to do the same. This journey has fueled my passion for advocating for cultural identity, girl empowerment, and self-discovery, and I strive to create spaces where young girls feel seen, heard, and empowered to be their authentic selves.Q: How does Madhatter Knits work to improve child and maternal health globally?A: Madhatter Knits improves child and maternal health by providing handmade knit hats to premature babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Each year, the organization donates thousands of hats to hospitals and clinics in countries like Sri Lanka, South Africa, India, Ecuador, and more. These hats help keep vulnerable newborns warm, reducing the risk of hypothermia and related complications, while raising awareness about maternal and child health issues.Q: How do you hope to use your platform to inspire others to find empowerment through self-worth?A: I hope to inspire others by showing that true empowerment comes from embracing who you are and valuing your uniqueness. Through my platform, I want to encourage young women to step into their power, recognize their worth, and use it to create positive change in their communities and the world.Q: hat challenges have you faced as a young woman in both the pageant world and STEM, and how have you overcome them?A: In both pageantry and STEM, I%u2019ve faced challenges like being underestimated or not fitting into conventional molds. Overcoming these challenges has required confidence in my abilities and staying true to my purpose. I%u2019ve navigated these spaces by focusing on my strengths, advocating for myself, and breaking stereotypes.Q: How do you balance your responsibilities as Miss Asia USA, a Stanford student, and a nonprofit founder?A: Balancing everything requires discipline, time management, and self-care. I set clear goals for each area of my life and prioritize them accordingly. It%u2019s not always easy, but having a strong support system helps immensely. Maintaining a balance between my academic, personal, and advocacy work is crucial, and I stay focused by reminding myself of the impact I want to make.%u201cMY INSPIRATION FOR COMPETING IN MISS ASIA USA WAS DEEPLY ROOTED IN MY HERITAGE AND THE DESIRE TO REPRESENT THE TAIWANESE COMMUNITY ON A LARGER PLATFORM. I WANTED TO SHOWCASE THE BEAUTY OF OUR CULTURE WHILE HIGHLIGHTING IMPORTANT CAUSES THAT I CARE ABOUT.%u201d10 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 56