His name is familiar to so many in the Bay Area as a radio personality since the late 1960s. Dana is a humble yet talented individual who is the first Chinese-American San Josean to put a radio station on the air (KKUP as a SJSU Masters project) then go on to success on the air, including KOME & KSJO, and in radio management, taking KBAY & KEZR to the top of the ratings.

My 4-year old daughter, Haley, recently experienced her first Broadway show when she went with her grandparents to San Francisco to see "Wicked." Her first response when she returned was that it "was really loud.". But she loved it and I believe a future Broadway star has been born.

Ryan is officially the first son that I have. He can now carry on the Russell legacy. 

Author of the 1st book selected for the Silicon Valley Reads Program, "Breaking Through."

nominated by Kim Worrall

Christopher was the first founding President of the Wildlife of Silicon Valley. The Humane Society of Santa Clara County had come into hard times, and hence decided to close the wildlife department, and concentrate on domestic pets. A group of concerned citizens held a meeting to discuss the demise of this department, and decided to form a new organization, which is now known as the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley.  

While pulling away in my Honda Civic from the BofA ATM at the park across from the Fairmont in downtown San Jose, I was not paying attention to where I was driving. My attention was then forced to look across the park from the center lane at the 2 cars that had huge flames coming out the backside. After looking forward I realized that my car was trapped in some sort of tall enclosed fence line. People were cheering me on from behind the fence. It then dawned on me that I was trapped inside of an actual race with formula one race cars. With a lot of faith in my civic and a pedal to the medal mentality, I barely got around the track. As it stands, I am the first person to ride a Honda Civic around a Formula 1 race track in an actual race against other Formula 1 race cars in downtown San Jose. I now look both ways before pulling into the center lane.

This year, I embarked upon a new career direction as a literary agent. I actually secured my first client and have been reaching out regularly to publishers. Very exciting for me!

My Aunt Young is the first of our family to immigrate to the United States back in the 70's. Her immigration lead to the rest of her siblings to follow including her younger sister, my mother, which ultimately resulted in me almost being born in a taxi in Los Angles as my mom rushed to the hospital.