In celebration of Women’s History Month, we shed light on the incredible women transforming the world and driving the community forward. This month, we are honored to interview the visionary at the helm of the world’s toughest multi-course race—the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon: Jennifer Lau. As the Vice President of Action Sports Events at IMG, Jennifer is a proud Chinese American who has constantly stayed at the forefront of the sports and entertainment industry for over 25 years.
PIONEERING CHANGE IN SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
It’s the era of women making big moves and solidifying their status in society. Jennifer is also part of the movement. Fueled by a passion for storytelling and inclusivity, Jennifer made her way into the sports and entertainment industry through determination and a vision for change. “I always knew I wanted to work in sports and entertainment,” she shares. “Growing up, I loved reading and watching movies, TV shows, and sports that featured stories I could relate to. Regardless of economic class, gender, or ethnicity, these stories resonated with me, and I wanted to be part of that creative process.” And what is her goal? It has always been through storytelling that she wants to connect and uplift others.
Jennifer has been dreaming of a narrative where she could pave her own path in the male-dominated industry, earn the top ranks with her own talent, and she did just that. She rose through the ranks at IMG and earned her place at some of the world’s most iconic sporting events—the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.
From dreaming of change to leading it, Jennifer Lau is making waves in the sports and entertainment industry.
Reflecting on this, Jennifer shares:
The sports and entertainment industries have historically been male-dominated, presenting challenges in leadership and visibility for women, particularly women of color. Throughout my career, I’ve had to advocate for myself, push boundaries, and challenge preconceived notions about what leadership in sports looks like. I’m grateful to the executive team at IMG. Over the last 25 years, they have always supported me and continue to encourage me to pursue new business opportunities and ideas, which has allowed me to grow and evolve.
FOSTERING INCLUSIVITY IN THE ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ TRIATHLON
The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon has roots in this stretch of odds, which holds a powerful claim of Jennifer’s commitment to inclusivity. The race, known for its strenuous course—plunging into the ice-cold waters of San Francisco Bay, biking on steep and bumpy hills, running through the dirt and rocks—pushes the envelope for many athletes. What makes the 2025 race special is that this year, an impressive number of 405 women will take part in this challenging race, exemplifying the growing influence of women in endurance sports.
This marks a significant milestone as women have long been underrepresented in the sports industry. Jennifer recognizes the need for greater Asian representation in the triathlon space.
Asian females, like many women, are underrepresented in sports and entertainment—whether behind the scenes, in management, as athletes, or as content producers. Growing up, I rarely saw stories that reflected my identity in the industry, which motivated me to push for more representation. The perspectives and stories from the Asian community are essential in shaping the future of the industry, not only for visibility but for driving meaningful business and cultural impact.
EMPOWERING ATHLETES AND FUTURE GENERATIONS
Beyond race day, Jennifer’s commitment is a reminder of sportsmanship, which is unity and camaraderie. She aims to highlight the human connections behind the competition, with a focus on the fact that the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is not about elite athleticism. The race is a beacon of people connecting, sharing, and uplifting each other. “The camaraderie that emerges as athletes cross the finish line makes the achievement even more meaningful. It’s a celebration of resilience, determination, and unity.”
Sportsmanship is not just about health and fitness, it’s also about unity and camaraderie.
“With the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, we’ve noticed that not many Asians participate in the sport,” she explains. “While many run or bike, swimming opportunities are often limited in Asian communities due to a lack of access to pools or open water environments. Our priority is to engage with Asian communities and other underrepresented groups, creating opportunities for them to experience this incredible sport.”
CONNECT WITH JENNIFER LAU
“One of my proudest achievements is seeing the events I’ve helped create continue to provide opportunities for athletes, inspire future generations, and entertain global audiences. Witnessing athletes who started in our events go on to compete at the Olympic level is incredibly rewarding.”
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“What fuels my passion is the personal stories of each of my clients. They teach me something new every day—whether it’s their high standards, attention to detail, or unique perspectives on the world,” states Grace Pei, founder of JINZA Oriental Couture.
Recognizing the power of handcrafted wedding dresses to connect people with their cultural heritage and express their unique stories, Grace is on a mission to highlight the beauty and sophistication of Chinese culture through JINZA Oriental Couture.
The First Threads
Initially, JINZA Oriental Couture specialized in Western wedding dresses and custom evening gowns at Jinza Couture Bridal. But one fateful day, Grace was approached by a third-generation Asian American bride who wanted a custom Qipao for her wedding reception.
Grace recalls, ‘This request sparked my journey into researching the Qipao and uncovering what had been lost over the years. Through this process, I discovered that my grandmothers used to wear tailored Qipaos in their time, and I began exploring my family roots.’
This reflective journey ignited a new passion in Grace: creating hand-embroidered designs that reflect her client’s unique family histories, cultural heritage, and personal stories.
With a decade of expertise in bespoke fashion, JINZA Oriental Couture now specializes in handcrafted Chinese wedding dresses, Qipaos/Cheongsams, and Tang suits – all designed and made locally in Los Angeles for weddings and cultural celebrations.
Qipao Wedding Dress at Modern Tea Ceremony (Image source: JINZA Oriental Couture)
Unraveling Tangles
Asian fashion has evolved dramatically over the years, with many traditional elements fading from modern designs. As a result, much of this cultural heritage has been lost or overlooked.
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my business journey is overcoming the misconception that Qipao and Cheongsam should be inexpensive or easily replaceable. Many people ask, “Why should I invest in something I can buy on Amazon or Etsy for $200?” Grace explains.
As the gap between mainstream fashion and Asian fashion narrows, Grace points out that these traditional dresses have become occasional pieces—costumes for special events rather than meaningful, handcrafted works of art.
To address this, Grace focuses on educating her clients about the value of bespoke fashion: the intricate embroidery, high-quality fabrics, and cultural heritage woven into every piece.
“At Jinza Oriental Couture, we see our mission as both an artistic pursuit and a learning journey alongside our clients. Every client brings a unique story, and we don’t aim to replicate what was done centuries ago but instead incorporate meaningful elements that speak to their identity today.”
Artisan hand stitching embroidery (Image source: JINZA Oriental Couture)
Threads of Resilience
“As a mother of two and a first-generation immigrant, I am most proud of the resilience I’ve shown throughout my journey,” Grace exclaims.
Whether overcoming depression or battling an avoidant mindset, Grace’s resilience has transformed JINZA Oriental Couture into more than a fashion brand, but a place for preserving culture and identity.
Grace’s resilience wasn’t built overnight but grew through her passion for helping her community. By preserving cultural heritage through bespoke fashion, she tirelessly designs intricate dresses that tell the unique stories of her clients’ identities.
Grace happily recalls, “Hearing their stories, especially when they share old family albums of grandmothers wearing Qipao, often brings tears to my eyes. The hand stitches, still vibrant and beautiful after 100 years, remind me that clothing can carry a story all on its own.”
From custom Qipaos and Cheongsams to Chinese wedding dresses, each piece reflects the personal histories of her clients. Grace’s vision for JINZA Oriental Couture extends beyond fashion—it’s about supporting female leaders, uplifting the Asian community, and ensuring these cultural treasures are passed down to future generations.
When asked which Asian or Asian American—real or fictional—she’d invite to wear one of her dresses, Grace responds, “Lisa Ling (a previous client) and Ronny Chieng are both role models for me due to their commitment to telling powerful stories, standing up for their communities, and offering true support. Phillip Lim is also a successful example of an Asian American designer who has carved out his own voice in the fashion world, and his influence and individuality would be a perfect match for the ethos of Jinza Oriental Couture.”
A piece from JINZA Oriental Couture (Image source: JINZA Oriental Couture)
Lessons in Resilience and Unity
The two most important lessons Grace has learned from her entrepreneurial journey with JINZA Oriental Couture are authenticity and community.
“My advice to Asian creatives, founders, and entrepreneurs is to always be authentic. There were times when I wanted to take shortcuts or find quicker ways to get things done, but I learned that staying true to who you are and doing the right things, even if they take longer, is what truly matters. Another important piece of advice is to belong to a community you truly believe in. It will make things a lot easier, even when things don’t go as expected. When we, as a community, stay true to our values and support each other, we can create a stronger and more united future,” Grace affirms.
When asked about her future plans, Grace excitedly shares that she’s honing her storytelling skills to speak more boldly about heritage, culture, and community. She’s also open to collaborations, partnerships, and creating more content to amplify her mission.
Grace concludes, “Together, we are stronger, and by working together, we can have a greater impact. I look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead and the opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations.”
After transitioning from her career as a teacher to an animation artist and illustrator, the talented Eunice Chen once again decided to test her abilities by creating an animated short film project called Táng (糖).
“人算不如天算” — in Chinese belief, every encounter is predestined and our current state is the fruit of past karma. One life ago, we were somehow, unknowingly, cultivating our karmic connections, which ultimately led to this present life’s encounters or coincidences.
Táng is a movie about one of those by-chance encounters as well that integrates the art of 糖画 (tánghuà). Through the lens of tánghuà – a traditional Chinese sugar-painting art, this unexpected relationship arrives and flourishes into a confounding yet paramount work of fatherhood, family, and fate.
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND TÁNG
Growing up between the U.S. and Taiwan, Eunice developed deep-rooted cultural memories that shaped her appreciation for her heritage. In this new venture, she continues exploring culture—this time, through nostalgia.
Where should we begin? Back to her childhood in Taiwan, like every other child, Eunice loved going out and visiting open-air markets. Bustling lines of food vendors, jittery echoes of chatters, and also a rare occasion when one can play games without their parents’ side eyes, open markets are the idols of many young children in Taiwan. It is also where she was introduced to the art of sugar-painting.
Reflecting on this memory, Eunice shares:
Yes, the idea of this story first came from my childhood memories of visiting open-air markets and night markets in Taiwan. Whenever I visited those markets, I would always make sure to visit the candy stalls, where master candy makers sculpted these lollipops that were amazing pieces of art and also very tasty confections. And I’ve always had a giant sweet tooth, so I started my film out of a place of joy.
The short film centers around the meaningful connection between a sugar-painting street vendor (left) and a student.
A REFRESHING TAKE ON FATHERHOOD AND FAMILY
In Chinese families, “血浓于水” (Blood is thicker than water) has long been a staple for centuries—that family is of utmost importance, and the bloodbound places more value than strangers. It is only natural that the concept of a “chosen family” may irk some, who put a sense of filial piety and duty in high regard.
Of course, it feels almost peculiar for Eunice Chen – the eldest child, who has switched careers, from landing a “safe” job at teaching to taking a more off-the-beaten-path direction towards doll-making and now…animation artist and now…film director!! So expect the unexpected layers and nuances Eunice has painted Táng. Táng is more than just a love letter to Taiwanese night markets. It’s one that Eunice picks up the lack of positive portrayals of father-and-son relationships in the Asian community.
“When someone makes art or a film, sometimes they are painting a world they wish they had or would like to see in the future. I wish I had seen more strong bonds between Asian fathers and sons as I grew up,” Eunice shares.
While Táng’s messaging can cover this complex matter only to a certain extent; here, Eunice is after something more personal for many Asians: “a healing balm” for those with similar experiences. However, Eunice adds that she’s been seeing a lot of change in parenting recently. She says, “I am super proud of how intentional and hands-on Asian fathers from my generation (and beyond) have been with their children!”
Now, Eunice is bringing Táng to life, but she needs our support.
A scene involving the art of sugar-painting.
JOIN THE JOURNEY: SUPPORT TÁNG
The idea for Táng came to Eunice during a storyboarding class, when asked to create quick story concepts. Táng was one of the ideas she came up with, leading her to develop a script—her first ever. While world-building and character design might be her forte, the real challenge followed: securing funding. Facing multiple rejections, it took one “yes” from what she thought would be her final meeting to reignite her determination.
The initial funding allowed her to assemble a small but passionate team, who have since created the film’s first three minutes. Now, they need additional support to complete the project, leading to the launch of their Kickstarter campaign.
But independent films—especially ones that bring forward Asian heritage and underrepresented narratives—need tremendous community support.
Supporting the Táng crowdfunding campaign is a step forward to preserving a piece of cultural heritage while amplifying nuanced Asian fatherhood stories, and ensuring that art like this can continue to thrive.
“Keep working on your art and portfolio. Get to know people already working in the industry and learn from them. And make art that comes from the heart and makes you happy. It’s going to be very difficult, especially given the current state of things in the animation industry as a whole, but if this is truly what you want, then don’t give up!”
