Dear Miss AACO family, friends and supporters, As the 2011 Miss Asian American Colorado (AACO) Leadership Program Co-Chairs, we are honored to welcome you to the annual Miss Asian American Colorado Finale Show at the Colorado Heights University Theater in Denver on Sunday, June 26th. This is the fourth finale show of the Miss AACO Leadership Program since the debut of the program in 2008. This year’s Miss AACO finale show will inspire you with an unforgettable night of entertainment, showcasing 17 beautiful and talented young candidates from eight different Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) ethnicities. The finale show is dedicated to the mission of Miss AACO in that it is not your typical “beauty pageant,” but rather, an event that culminates a three-month long leadership program. The Miss AACO leadership program and finale show bring together organizations and individuals from the Colorado AAPI communities in an effort to provide opportunities for collaboration and an intricate network that promotes service, appreciates individuality and encourages leadership.

The candidates have impressed the 2011 Miss AACO Committee with their talents, passions, and willing-ness to volunteer in the community. They have gained new and amazing experiences and have become a part of a sisterhood and network of young Asian American leaders. With a remarkable, experienced and dedicated committee, consisting of the original 2008 founders and past candidates from 2008, 2009 and 2010, we are proud to share our unique and cultural finale show with all of you this evening! We would also like to thank this year’s committee for all of their hard work.

Thank you so much for your attendance at the finale show and your continuous support to the Miss AACO Leadership Program! None of this would be possible without you. Warmest Regards,

Abhinetri Ramaswami & Anh Thu Nguyen2011 Miss Asian American Colorado Co-Chairs

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4th Annual Miss Asian American Colorado Finale ShowWelcome

2008 + 2009 +2010 Miss AACO Participants at the 2011 Community BBQ Meet and Greet

Miss AACO 3

Sunday, June 26th, 2011Doors Open 5:30pm, Show Begins 6:00pm

Colorado Heights University Theater - 3001 South Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80236www.missaaco.com

Opening2011 Promotional Video

Performance by Denver Taiko

IntroductionAnnounce 2011 judges

Co-Chairs Welcome: Abhinetri Ramaswami & Anh Thu NguyenThank Sponsors

2011 Miss AACO Introduction Video

Meet the 2011 Candidates in Cultural Attire“I am proud to be an Asian American woman because…”

Part 1Candidates 1-6: On-stage Service Questions

Candidates 7-12: Talent PerformancesCandidates 13-17: On-stage Service Questions

IntermissionSpecial Feature: Mr. Asian American Colorado Competition

Part 2Candidates 1-6: Talent Performances

Candidates 7-12: On-stage Service QuestionsCandidates 13-17: Talent Performances

Big/Little Sister Program Chair: Christina Pham2010 Miss AACO Welcome: Pamela Yang

Miss AACO Commemoratory Video

Crowning and ClosingMr. Asian American Colorado

Miss Asian American Activist • Miss Network Savvy • Miss TalentMiss Impact, Second Runner-Up

Miss Unity, First Runner-Up

2011 Miss Asian American Colorado

4th Annual Miss Asian American Colorado Finale Show

Alameda SquarePacific Ocean Market

Surface remodeling will be complete by the end of July

Two spaces available• Unit 16: 620.42 Square Feet (North side of Pacific Ocean Market entrance)

• Unit 36: 1953.39 Square Feet (Between Super Star Restaurant and Noodle Restaurant in south of building)

Contact: Trong Lam at 303-936-4845 or Steve Liang at 303-410-8168

Truong An Asian Gifts333 S. Federal Blvd #116, Denver, CO 80219

Tel: 303-936-5004Web: www.truongangifts.com

Hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

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ANNIE GUOAnnie Guo graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia with a Bach-elor in Journalism in 2007. She is the President of Asian Avenue magazine, Executive Director of the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network, a 501(c)(3), and Director of the Miss Asian American Colorado Leadership Program. She has organized events from 300 up to 100,000 attendees, including the Colorado Asian American Leadership Conference, Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, and Democratic National Convention APIA Gala. She currently works at the Colorado Asian Health and Education Promotion and is a candidate for the MBA in Health Administration program at the University of Colorado - Denver.

KENNETH QUAN PHIKenneth Phi is a University of Denver alumnus with a B.S. in Molecular Biol-ogy. Currently, he’s attending the Illinois College of Optometry for a doc-torate. In Chicago, he was elected representative of the American Optom-etry Student Association and coordinator of the Multicultural Association. Throughout his undergraduate career, he helped establish the Miss Asian American Colorado Leadership Program and operated several community and student organizations such as the Next Generation Voices and Asian Student Alliance. He is the Production Manager for the Miss AACO Leader-ship Program and an optician at SEE Optical in Cherry Creek.

Kenneth Phi and Annie Guo, in collaboration with Victor Nguyen and Chun Guo, are the co-founders of the Miss AACO Leadership Program in 2008.

IVO YUEH

is a software engineer at Century Link and serves as a consultant for various side projects for small businesses. He strives to remain involved in minority communities. He has been an active member of the Chinese Evangelical Church of Denver since 1997, serving in various leadership positions includ-ing Youth Director from 2006 - 2009. As an INROADS alumnus since 2007, he continues to facilitate professional workshops and mentor minority interns on behalf of the organization as well as for other organizations including Junior Achievement and the Colorado Chinese Youth Foundation.

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SUzY SHImaSakI serves as Co-Director for the Equal-ity in Health (EIH) initiative at The Partnership for Families & Children. Suzy works closely with the rest of the EIH team to provide trainings and technical assistance to 26 health ser-

vices organizations across the state of Colorado in the areas of cultural competency, health disparities, and evaluation. Suzy is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Mile Hi Japanese American Citizens League, a member of the Board of Directors for the Asian Pacific De-velopment Center, a member of the Inclusiveness Project Committee for The Denver Foundation, and a member of NAAAP Colorado.

DIa BESHara is a Captain in the United States Air Force currently sta-tioned at Centennial Airport as a Flight Test Engineer for the 661st Aeronauti-cal Systems Squadron. Dia graduated from Cornell University in 2006 with a Master’s in Systems Engineering and went on to serve as a Weapons Test Engineer before deploying to Afghanistan as a Liaison Officer for US Special Operations Command. In 2005, he founded the Absolute Family - a collec-tion of musicians, deejays, dancers, and graffiti artists that volunteer and per-

form across the US while spreading their passion for music, art, and philanthropy. In 2010, Dia opened the Absolute Studios in downtown Den-ver as a safehouse for inner city youth that have a desire to learn the fundamentals of creative expression and community service. Today, the Absolute Studios is home to over 50 students with free classes in piano, saxophone, drums, deejay-ing, graffitti, photography, and dance. In his free time, Dia enjoys playing jazz piano, deejaying, and dancing in the streets with his boombox.

Dr. kHanH ngUYEn-LE earned her Ph.D. in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She specializes in the study of linguistic and cultural competencies that are critical for teachers to prop-erly serve students from traditionally underserved populations. Dr. Nguyen-Le has been involved in various projects for developing strategies for Colo-rado school districts to structure action plans that promote culturally sensitive school climates. She has designed and implemented research-based pro-fessional development courses for teachers and ad-ministrators on best practices for English language learners. Dr. Nguyen-Le is currently an ESL resource teacher at Jefferson County Public Schools and an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

HarrY BUDISIDHarta received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University of Los Ange-les, and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Colorado Law School. Prior to starting his own law firm, Harry worked at the Col-orado Public Defender’s Office, where he conducted dozens of jury trials on a wide variety of criminal cases. Harry has successfully acquired “Not Guilty” verdicts on serious felony and misdemeanor cases.Harry was awarded the Legal Aid Award in 2006 for his outstand-ing commitment and service to the Legal Aid and Defender Program. Harry serves on the Board of Direc-tors for the Mile Hi Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, the Arapahoe County Bar Associa-tion, Colorado Criminal Defense In-stitute, and OCA Colorado. Harry is also an active member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association and the Minoru Yasui Inn of Court.

7Miss AACO

DR. RANEE SHENOI wears many hats in life. She celebrates married life with her husband of 20 years, Dr. Norse Bear. She is actively involved with her two children, Christina (13) and Eric (11). She came to the U.S. at a young age of 12 from India. After working as a Chemical Engineer, Dr. Shenoi then attended medical school and became a physician in 1991. She specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilita-tion and has a part-time solo private practice in Lakewood. Dr. Shenoi is involved with community activism as an advocate for American Diabetes Association and science mentor for Girl Scouts. She is a Delegate to the Colorado Medical Society and on the Board of Trustees for Clear Creek Medical Society. She volunteers at her children’s school. She proudly represented Mrs. Colorado United States in 2008 and won the Civic Award at the pageant. At this stage in her life, she has assumed a full time role of mother focusing on taking her children to school and spending time on their activities of sports and music. She finds it incredibly rewarding to nurture the younger generation to be the future of the world.

JIE “JAY” ZHENG is a seasoned professional with innovative thought leadership and practical experience in culture and global business integration. Mr. Zheng’s career includes 16 years of pro-gressive business experience in business development, product development and corporate business integration at Prudential Financial, Sun Microsystems, StorageTek and Xerox Corporation. He is a Man-aging Partner at Volcano Asian Cuisine, a Colorado locally owned and managed fine-dining restaurant that offers Hibachi, Sushi and Chinese all under one roof. Mr. Zheng is a respected leader in Diversity and Inclusion across the nation. He transformed the Asian Employee Resource Group (ERG) practice at StorageTek and Sun Microsystems. He is the founder and the first term President of the Colorado chap-ter of National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) from 2006 through 2009. He was named by Diversity Edge magazine as a 2008 Diversity Champion. Mr. Zheng received an MBA in Marketing, E-Commerce and Entrepreneurship from Simon School of Business, University of Rochester and MS in Polymer Chemistry from Rochester Institute of Technology.

OUR MISSIONAsian Avenue magazine presents the fourth annual Miss Asian Ameri-can Colorado Leadership Program based on the premise that our world depends on the leadership today’s young and intelligent women. Our mission is to:• Showcase the leadership, service, intelligence and individual tal-ent of young Asian American women• Encourage unity and understanding among Asian Americans in Colorado• Provide scholarships to deserving and motivated Asian American women• Build a network between Asian American women, who undergo similar life and career experiences, that may develop into friend-ships and mentorships

We challenge conventional notions of beauty, culture, and intelli-gence, by emphasizing not on appearance but beauty that radiates within. Beauty and intelligence make these Asian American women, future leaders for Colorado’s Asian American community. The one-year experience develops leadership, friendships, teamwork, and interpersonal skills through group activities including leadership trainings, public speaking, and volunteerism. Candidates enrich their self-confidence to a level where they can challenge themselves to achieve their goals with diligence, grace, intellect and individuality.

ASIAN AvENUE MAGAZINE (AAm) is the pre-miere English magazine that features Asian businesses, events, din-ing and lifestyle in the Denver/Boulder area. Founded in 2006, its mission is to build bridges of awareness, knowledge and under-standing between the diverse Asian Pacific American (APA) com-munities and the general public through cultural insights, pop culture,

news and information. To reflect its mission, AAm programs events that reveal the rich traditions of APA culture, history, and philoso-phies to give mainstream society a more complete picture of APA perspectives. In this regard, AAm is pleased to host the Miss AACO Leadership Program.

MISS ASIAN AMERIcAN cOlORADOexemplifies what every woman should be: empowered, intelligent, and compassionate. Candidates are ages 18-25, residents of Colorado, and single (unmarried). The winner of the 2011 Miss Asian American Colorado will carry the title for one year, during which time she will represent the Asian American community in her new leadership role. She will be a role model within and a spokes-person for the Asian American community from July 2011-July 2012, attending events such as: Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, diversity fairs and conferences, city and state events, service proj-ects, Asian American community events, and more!

Miss Asian American Colorado will fulfill her service project and will also organize bi-monthly service projects to reunite the 2011 and previous Miss AACO candidates through volunteerism. She will receive $1000 and be featured on the cover of August 2011’s Asian Avenue magazine.

AND...Miss Unity, First runner-up - $700 scholarship Miss Impact, Second runner-up - $500 scholarship Miss Talent - Awarded for the best talent scoreMiss Network Savvy - Awarded for the most audience supportMiss Asian American Activist Award - Awarded for involvement in Asian American community

Graduate of Smoky Hill High SchoolIndian AmericanAge: 18

“Live, laugh, love... and DANCE!”

• Performer, Teacher and Choreographer at Mudra Dance Studio• International Baccalaureate Mentor• Relay for Life Team Captain• Speech and Debate

Talent: Indian dance performance infusing Eastern & Western stylesPassion for Service: Encourage self-Identity and cultural apprecia-tion at East Indian Heritage Camp

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#1 Linda PhamUniversity of Colorado - BoulderVietnamese AmericanAge: 20

“You have achieved success if you have lived well, laughed often and loved

much.”

• Mother’s Day Traditional Dance Coordinator

• Core Leadership Program Member of University of Colorado Gold

• Downtown Aquarium Animal Care Assistant

Talent: Singing “Count on Me” by Bruno MarsPassion for Service: Focus on Type I Diabetes Prevention

Sponsored by: American Family Insurance - John Vu, Craig Nguyen and My-Tran Tran.

#2 Whitnee NguyenUniversity of DenverChinese AmericanAge: 18

“There’s always going to be a tomorrow.”

• Lead Coordinator of the Committee of Zero-Waste Programs USG Sustainability Council, University of Denver• Asian Student Alliance A-Crew• Marching Band Section Leader• Key Club Vice President• Unity in Action President and Vice President • Colorado Columbine Girls State Junior Counselor

Talent: Instrumental piece, “I Want to Be Like You”, playing trombone, trumpet, flute and piccoloPassion for Service: Implement art programs for children

Sponsored by: Kim Jewelers and Kings Land Seafood Restaurant

#3 Eishita Nariani #4 Lucy TranUniversity of Colorado - DenverVietnamese AmericanAge: 18

“Be considerate, humble and sincere.”

• Choreographer and performer for Vietnamese Student Association Tet shows• Southwest Early College staff assistant• High School Varsity Tennis Team• Member of Leadership Unity Nationality and Alliance and Union of North American Vietnamese Student Association

Talent: Musical piece playing “Marry You” by Bruno Mars on ukelelePassion for Service: Work with people in poverty at Urban Peak

Sponsored by: University of Colorado Denver’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion

#5 Lisa Gaozoua YangFront Range Community CollegeHmong AmericanAge: 18

“Nothing is more beautiful than the good things we do.”

• Traditional Hmong Dancer and Instructor• Member of First United Hmong Alliance Youth Group

Talent: Traditional Hmong-Lao cultural dancePassion for Service: Create a project for young women to find their confidence called Blooming Into Originality (BIO)

#6 Ann MarianoUniversity of Colorado - DenverFilipino AmericanAge: 18

“We have no choice of what color we’re born, who are parents are, or whether we are rich or poor. What we do have choice over is what we make of our lives once we’re here.”

• Alpine Leadership International• Aurora LIGHTS Institute Program• Leadership Unity Nationality and Alliance• Union of North American Vietnamese Student Association (uNAVSA)• Minority Association for Pre-Health Students

Talent: Rapping “Where is the love?” by Black Eyed PeasPassion for Service: Create “Project Zimbabwe” to supply feminine care products and school supplies to victims of rape and abuse through the Alpine Leadership International

Sponsored by: Sunburst Grill Filipino Restaurant

Leadership, Service, Individuality

University of Colorado - DenverVietnamese AmericanAge: 19

“Don’t follow the beaten path. Go your own way and leave a trail.”

• Asian Pacific Development Center of Colorado Youth Strengthening Youth Program • Leadership Unity National Association• Vietnamese Student Association

Talent: Performing a self-written skit depicting the process of children’s social servicesPassion for Service: Develop a mentorship program to help kids express their emotions and directing them towards a successful path

Sponsored by: B&T Auto Service, Sammie Danh-Tran and University of Colorado Denver’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion

9Miss AACO

#7 Mi PhamUniversity of Colorado - DenverVietnamese AmericanAge: 18

“Never let anyone tell you who you should or shouldn’t be. In the end the

only person who can define you is yourself.”

• Outdoor Lab, Counselor• Believe It Or Not I Care (BIONIC) Club Member• High School Dance Team• Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

Talent: Contemporary hip hop dance performancePassion for Service: Promote awareness and raise funds to sup-port Action for Kids (AFK), an organization that works with dis-abled young children

#8 Joie HaGraduate of Smoky Hill High SchoolChinese AmericanAge: 18

“I do not want to follow any anyone’s footsteps. I want to create my own.”

• The Original Expression (TOE) Jam Charity Dance Competition Organizer

• Next Generation Voices President• Relay for Life Team Fundraising Captain• Honorable mention from Scholastic, Inc

Art & Writing Awards

Talent: Reading a self-written piece about familyPassion for Service: Provide younger generations with passion to help others through a leadership conference called [I]ndividual [D]iscovery

#9 Bien LoiGraduate of Regis UniversityVietnamese AmericanAge: 22

“Live, laugh love.”

• Father Woody’s Haven of Hope Assistant• Father Woody Commitment Program Tutor• Telefund Caller for Regis University• IT Assistant for Regis University• Black Student Alliance (BSA)

Talent: Salsa dancing to a song entitled “Aventura” by Don OmarPassion for Service: Build an organization to help the homeless

#10 Julie ThaoColorado School of MinesHmong AmericanAge: 18

“Everything can be solved with unbridled optimism.”

• World Vision Child Sponsor• Talent Show for Animal Shelter Co-director• Denver Santa Claus Shop Co-director• Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure• Rwanda Dinner, Invitations Manager

Talent: “My Time with You” by David Choi and Kina Grannis on ukelele with Tony ValasquezPassion for Service: Raise funds for orphanages in third world countries

#11 My-Tien Danh-Tran #12 June HomdayjanakulUniversity of Colorado - DenverThai-Chinese AmericanAge: 20“Never doubt the power of a small group of people to change the world. Indeed, it’s

the only thing that ever has.”

• Leadership Unity National Association Internal Vice President• Alpine Leadership International Marketing Chair • Schools for Schools Founder and President • • Sisters Involved in the Community President

Talent: Ancient Sukhothai dance, a traditional Thai dancePassion for Service: Implement an after school program called Al-liance Leaders where high school students have the opportunity to connect with students their age in other countries

Sponsored by: MK Services

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#13 Thoa NguyenJohnson and Wales UniversityVietnamese AmericanAge: 22

“Attitude is everything. Choose to be positive.”

• Union of North American Vietnamese Student Association (uNAVSA) National Secretary and Executive Director of uNAVSA-8 Conference• uNAVSA Staff and Public Relations Chair• Sponsorship Director of Viet Hope Tennis Tournament

Talent: Singing “Ugly” by Sugababes with her brother Phong NguyenPassion for Service: Raise awareness about eating disorders and encourage self-confidence and healthy eating to young girls

Sponsored by: Pho 95, Kim Thoa Cosmetics and Kim Jewelers

#14 Victoria VongphackdyGraduate of Westminster High SchoolLaotian AmericanAge: 18

“Exceed all limitations.”

• Westminster High Student Body President• Junior Counselor of Young Rotary Youth Leadership Camp• Vice President of National Honor Society• University of Denver Scholars• University of Colorado Pre-Collegiate Program• Concert Mistress of Orchestra

Talent: Violin duet with Ignacio Pardo, an Allegro Concerto XI by Vivialdi and a piece from J.B AccolayPassion for Service: Implement Operation Button for Belief to help and spread awareness of young girls who have lived through pov-erty, pregnancy or lack of support that affects them in receiving an education

#15 Trudy VoUniversity of Colorado - DenverVietnamese AmericanAge: 19

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars.”

• Environmental Learning for Kids • Army Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Battalion Staff and Honor Platoon (Women’s Drill Team)• National Honor Society• Save Against Violence Everywhere• Varsity Tennis and Varsity Swimming

Talent: Spoken word about “the language of love”Passion for Service: Increase awareness of youth and wildlife through a youth and family learning and information day

Sponsored by: Environmental Learning for Kids and Elegant Fashions

#16 Amuda MishraGraduate of University of Colorado - BoulderNepalese AmericanAge: 24

“Every life inspired or touched in a positive way is a life changed for the betterment. Each individual has the capacity to change at least

one life in a positive way.”

• Grass Root Onsite Work (GROW) Counselor• Research Assistant at CU-Boulder and UCHSC• Hunger & Homeless Campaign Coordinator• Globemed Board Member

Talent: Traditional Nepali folk dance representing the Gurung ethnicity Passion for Service: Initiate a youth empowerment program for underprivileged youth

#17 Dao ThanRegis UniversityVietnamese AmericanAge: 19

“It’s not the length of life, but the depth of life.”

• Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center Dragon and Lion Dance Member and Co-Instructor• Key Club Lieutenant Governor• Kiwanis Key Leader• Queen of Vietnamese Martyrs Parish Church School Class Coordinator

Talent: Traditional Lion Dance with members of CACHCPassion for Service: Promote art and its benefits

Sponsored by: Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center, Golden Eye Optical, Asian Chiropractic Inc, Baker’s Palace, Kim Jewelers, Advanced Garage Door, Vinh Xuong Bakery, Kim Ly Jewelry and CathySeelinger.

1) Program Involvement - 10% attendance, attitude, participation2) Leadership Skills and Strengths - 5%3) Group Service Project Completion - 10%4) Preliminary Interview with Judges - 25% academic achievement, leadership, service, confidence, personality, and attitude5) Introduction in Cultural Attire - 15% “I am proud to be an Asian American woman because…”6) Talent Performance - 15%7) On-Stage Service Questions - 20%

JUDGING GUIDELINES

11Miss AACO

OPENING PERFORMANCE DENvER TAIkO is a community based organization committed to honoring and sharing Japanese drumming through performance and providing an engaging creative outlet for those with interest in the art of taiko.

Founded in 1976, the ensemble of third, fourth and fifth genera-tion Japanese Americans honor their cultural heritage through the exhilarating performance art of taiko. Early inspiration for the founding members came through a visit to Denver by Sensei Seiichi Tanaka, the taiko master who brought this art form to the United States. He is considered by players in America to be the father of taiko.

#14 victoria vongphackdy

2011 PlANNING COMMITTEECo-Chair s: Anh Thu Nguyen and Abhi RamaswamiMiss AACO: Pamela YangLittle/Big Sister Program Chair: Christina PhamSecretary: Alexandria JooFinale Event Chair and Photographer: Trang LuongProgramming Chair: Mai Choua LeeAlumni Chair: Jennifer NguyenJudges Chair: Pakou XiongLogistics Co-Chairs: Sharee Nguyen and Wendy VueWeb Editor: Allison RileyWebmaster: Joey TengService Chair: Ngoc PhanPR Co-Chairs: Duacee Lor and Monique SarGraphic Design Co-Chairs: Vanessa Teck and Giane MorrisProduction Manager: Kenneth Quan PhiArt Director: Alex Mai Phi Photographers: Jake Edmondson, Joe Nguyen and Kien VuPublisher of Asian Avenue magazine: Christina Yutai GuoDirector: Annie Guo

2011 BIG SISTERS: Duacee Lor, Katrina Han, Sharee Nguyen, Linda Nguyen, Trang Luong, Wendy Vue, Christine Thai, Abhi Ramaswami, Jennifer Nguyen, Alexandria Joo, Allison Riley, Natalie Ta, Choua Lee, Monique Sar, Ngoc Phan, Pamela Yang, Vanessa Teck, Shaina Vo

SPECIAl FEATURE:2011 Mr. Asian American Colorado Competition

In the first ever Mr. Asian American Colorado competition, seven young men will compete for the title by showing their support for Asian American women and strutting their stuff on stage. Each contestant will prepare a unique outfit, share “why I love Asian American women” and perform a dance for the audience.

This year’s Mr. AACO contestants include:1) Phillip Trinh2) Michael Diep3) Craig Hirokawa4) Phong Nguyen5) C.J. De Dios6) Ophus Wong7) Khoa Nguyen

Mr. AACO will be selected by audience voting via text messag-ing. The winner will be announced at the end of the finale show.

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April 2 First Meeting and Photo Shoot Meet big sisters and program introductions

April 9 Miss AACO Leadership Workshop Led by Pamela Yang and Annie Guo

April 10 Service Learning I: University of Denver 9Health Fair

April 23 Miss AACO Mixer Meet past participants and L.I.F.E. mentees

May 7 EmpowHERment Workshop Led by Brenda Allen, Ph.D.

May 14 Service Learning II: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado at St. Vrain Greenway Riparian Restoration

May 15 Community BBQ Meet and Greet at Washington Park

May 21 Miss AACO Sleepover Practiced interview questions, reviewed past finaleshows,bondingandteam-buildingactivities

May 28 Global Health 5K Walk/Run Hosted by Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice

June 11 Service Learning III: Project C.U.R.E. Sorted and organized medical supplies

June 25 Preliminary Interviews in Business Attire Round-robinstyleindividualinterviewswithjudges

June 25 VIP Dinner with Judges and Committee at Volcano Asian Cuisine Thank sponsors and judges, present superlative awards and thank you gifts

June 26 Miss Asian American Colorado Finale Show

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APRIL 10TH 9HEALTH

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MAY 21STSLEEPOVER

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APRIL 23RDMISS AACO MIXER

SERVICE PROJECT BY 2010-2011 MISS AACO PAMElA YAngThe Objective: To implement a mentorship program between Asian American middle school girls and Miss AACO big sisters that strengthens interpersonal skills, self-identity and confidence.

The Result: Living in Full Exposure (L.I.F.E.) paired more than 25 middle school students with big sister men-tors. Organized by Pamela Yang, the program hosted leadership and team-building workshops, celebrated the lunar new Year at the Denver Zoo, went to Disney on Ice, hosted an award ceremony and dance mixer, printed t-shirts designed by the mentees, fundraised at restaurants and with a charity fashion show, provided a fishing clinic and ecosystem education, and ultimately fostered life-long relationships.

Each year, Miss AACO is required to fulfill a service project during her title.

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Pamela Yang is a Kindergarten teacher at Semper Elementary.

Coal Mine Dragon Restaurant29017 Upper Bear Creek Dr. • Evergreen, CO 80439Tel: 303.670.1341

Mile High Cartridges8923 Washington St. • Thornton, CO 80229Tel: 303.288.2901 • www.milehighcartridges.com

BrOnzE SpOnSOrS

American Data Bank, LLC110 16th St. 8th Floor • Denver, CO 80202Tel: 303.573.1130 • www.americandatabank.com

Alex phi Designs, Graphic Designeralex.t.phi@gmail.com • www.alexphi.com

philippine American Society of Coloradowww.coloradopasco.org

THAnK YOU’S• Brenda Allen, ph.D., Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of Colorado - Denver for EmpowHErment workshop• Absolute Studios for donating DJ services at L.I.F.E. mixer• Environmental Learning for Kids for fishing clinic training• V2 Bar and Grill for venue space for L.I.F.E. fashion show• Asian pacific Development Center for meeting space• Wildlands restoration Volunteers for Service Learning II • George Yoshida for help in organizing Service Learning III with project C.U.r.E.• Jie zheng and Volcano Asian Cuisine for VIp Dinner• Felica Goett and Colorado Heights University• Our 2011 judges and emcees• All of our supporters throughout these last four years!

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SILVEr SpOnSOrS

pacific Ocean Supermarket6600 W. 120th Ave #A • Broomfield, CO 80020Tel: 303.410.8168

Empress Seafood2825 West Alameda Ave • Denver, CO 80219Tel: 303.922.2822

Kim Jewelers333 S Federal Blvd #127 • Denver, CO 80219Tel: 303.935.4466

Harry Budisidharta, The Denver Firm1325 S. Colorado Blvd. Suite B-506Denver, CO 80246Tel: 303.377.3474 • www.denverfirm.com

King’s Land Chinese Seafood2200 West Alameda Ave #44Denver, CO 80223Tel: 303.975.2399

Environmental Learning for Kids6060 Broadway • Denver, CO 80216Tel: 303.291.7503 • www.elkkids.org

Saigon Bowl333 S. Federal Blvd. #134 • Denver, CO 80219Tel: 303.935.2427

Truong An Gifts333 S. Federal Blvd. #116 • Denver, CO 80219Tel: 303.936.5004 • www.truongangifts.com

Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage CenterTel: 303.669.1095 • www.cachcdragonlion.orgTHA

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Contact: Phong Vo

303-669-1095 or Pvo15@yahoo.com

Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe

We perform for New Years, grand openings, weddings, birthdays, parades, special events, etc.

WWW.CACHCDRAGONLION.ORG