Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Luong.
Nancy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a woman that fits in multiple boxes. I am a daughter of immigrant parents, a published author, a university educator, a woman in tech, and a mental health advocate. I am also Ms. Southern California 2023 and have recently graduated from Leadership Long Beach. Leadership Long Beach is a 1-year program where I learned about the opportunities and challenges of the Long Beach community and how I can make an impact.
These areas align with one another and with me because my intention is to make an impact. The biggest project I am most proud of is writing and creating the “How We Got Here Journal,” a guided journal filled with 50 meaningful questions for people to ask their parents (or loved ones).
I was so shocked and excited that it was the #1 New Release on Amazon when it launched! I wrote this because no matter how close you are with your family, it doesn’t come naturally to some of us to ask these meaningful questions and to get to know our parents on a deeper level. When I started to learn about my parents, I understood why they were the way they were and why I am the way I am. I broke down a lot of barriers between us. This journal helped me learn about my background, family, and culture; from that, I can break down the generational patterns that no longer serve me. My intention for creating this journal is to provide people with a way to ask/answer such personal questions comfortably.
Another passion I have is speaking and teaching students at my alma mater, California State University Long Beach. I am teaching students life skills to prepare them for success. Everything from how to network, show up, and be confident in who they are. It’s important for me to give back in these ways because growing up, I always felt out of place. I still do at times, and not until recently have I realized I belong. My mentors helped me throughout college and my career and I’m so grateful for them; without them, I would not be where I am, and I pay that forward by giving back at CSULB.
I sometimes forget I am Ms. Southern California because it’s still a bit surreal to me! I read that the winning titleholders would be able to give back to our community through volunteer opportunities and entered the day of the pageant. I had never watched a pageant and had no idea what I was doing, but I showed up as myself with a $15 Forever21 dress. I answered questions in interviews and on stage and was in complete SHOCK when I won! It has been such an amazing opportunity because I’ve been able to help Long Beach in many ways with donating and volunteering. I also get to represent Asian American women and redefine what beauty is, which also comes within.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No! How much time do we have here?
In short, my biggest struggle was not believing in myself. I had so much fear and imposter syndrome, and I’d overanalyze and not go for the things I wanted. I did not feel good enough. I felt like I did not belong in these spaces and held myself back. This all stemmed from not feeling good enough growing up, and as an adult, I had those FALSE beliefs. Reprogramming my thoughts has taken much time, self-work, reflection, and LOVE. I also have mentors, a wellness coach, and a great support system to help me through these times. I now know the tools to use when feeling this way, including that life has its ups and downs. We are all humans figuring out life; it gets better when we are kind to ourselves and have the tools to use.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My day job is with Salesforce, and I have a marketing, operations, and program management background. I am also part of a few organizations at work, such as Asiapacforce, an Equality Group for the Asian-Pacific community. Outside of that, I work with California State University Long Beach and have my book How We Got Here Journal.
I am very intentional and keep it REALS, which sets me apart from others. I am positive, fun can relate to others, and am genuine. I am also very compassionate and understanding and love hearing about others. I love learning and helping and truly see the beauty in each person I talk to or meet.
I am most proud of leaning into being myself. For so many years, most of my life, I struggled with who I was or trying to be. I have learned to love myself and how valuable I am. I have a big heart, and in life, to me, that’s what matters.
What were you like growing up?
This will be shocking for people who know me now, but I was shy! Mainly because I always felt out of place and like a weirdo (still do sometimes). I also had to grow up quickly because my parents were immigrants; they didn’t speak much English and worked a lot. One of the jobs they had was working at the flea market every weekend, selling clothes. I would go with them every weekend and didn’t have a ‘typical’ weekend as a kid. I didn’t get to watch Saturday morning cartoons or get to go to birthday parties and would have to skip out on any sports tournaments I had that were on the weekends. I worked with them and learned early on what working hard and making money to survive looked like. I knew how much things cost, what it was like to work hard, and how to be resilient. Now I appreciate life so much, especially when I travel or eat at nice places because that’s not something I grew up with. I am incredibly thankful for my life and would never change anything about my upbringing because it’s made me who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/How-Got-Here-Journal-Life-Changing/dp/B09M4XV6P9
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyluong17/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyluong17/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Nancyluong
Image Credits
MsSoCal2023_1: Justinrudd.com equality_work_at_salesforce2: Chloe Jackman Studios equality_work_at_salesforce: Chloe Jackman Studios
