Penny Yao

Originally from Singapore, and a transplant to the U.S., Penny Yao writes about self-identity and the conflict between her East and West worlds. She is currently working on her first book about Asian American women.

Penny grew up in Malaysia, and went to an all girls’ boarding school in Somerset, U.K., at the age of nine. She earned a B.A. in International Affairs at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Master’s in Foreign Service at Georgetown University, also in D.C.

Her experience in leadership positions at corporate and nonprofit organizations has informed her writing about her topics.

Beginning in banking, Penny went on to be a Manager in Community Programs at a start-up, Primus Telecommunications, Inc., and transitioned to the nonprofit world. She was Assistant Director at the Asia Society Washington Center, started the Development department at the AFI (American Film Institute) Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, and Senior Advisor at the Chinese American Museum.

Penny has written articles for the Chinese American Forum magazine, Washington Artists’ News, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter, among other publications.