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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
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Category: INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
March 12, 2020

Bridgit Claire: A Heart for a Change

Bridgit Mendler: A Heart for Change

#Born on December 18, 1992, in Washington, D.C., Bridgit Claire Mendler is the daughter of Sandra Ford-Mendler and Charles Mendler. She rose to fame as an American actress, singer, and songwriter—gaining popularity through her roles in Disney Channel productions and her distinctive voice in pop music. But beyond her talent in the entertainment industry, Bridgit has proven herself as a compassionate and committed advocate for social causes, particularly those involving children and youth.

Promoting Education, Literacy, and Environmental Awareness

In 2010, Mendler became an ambassador for First Book, an initiative focused on promoting literacy by providing books to children in need. Her involvement was part of Disney’s Friends for Change, a pro-social campaign encouraging environmental responsibility and charitable action among youth.

As part of this movement, Mendler released a promotional single titled “We Can Change the World” on June 11, 2011. The uplifting anthem became the campaign’s theme song and helped raise $250,000 for the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund—supporting environmental protection efforts around the globe. Her contribution not only inspired fans to take action but also reflected her deep commitment to making a positive difference.

Mendler said, “It’s an easy way for kids to help little ones everywhere get a healthy start and an opportunity to learn just by doing something they do most weekends anyway.”

In 2012, Mendler was honored with the Role Model of the Year Award by Common Sense Media for her active stance against bullying. As the third young artist to ever receive the award—typically given to environmentalists and scholars—her recognition highlighted her influence as a youth leader promoting kindness, respect, and inclusion.

Her advocacy didn’t stop there. In January 2013, she participated in the UNICEF acoustic charity concert held in New York, using her platform to raise funds and awareness for vulnerable children around the world. Her work continued through various public engagements focused on children’s health, online safety, and mental well-being.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Throughout her career, Mendler has remained engaged in initiatives that go beyond the spotlight. She took part in campaigns to end cyberbullying, joined a charity race supporting children’s medical needs in under-resourced countries, and contributed to the Bay Sit-In project—an initiative encouraging teens to give parents a break while promoting early childhood care. She also represented Save the Children during its Annual Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., where she spoke on behalf of underserved communities and advocated for global child welfare policies.

Bridgit Claire Mendler continues to exemplify what it means to use fame and influence for good. Her artistic journey may have earned her acclaim, but it’s her commitment to meaningful causes that truly sets her apart. In both her advocacy and actions, Mendler reflects the very heart of the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s mission—to serve and uplift the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children with compassion, dignity, and hope. By standing up for the voiceless and supporting global initiatives that prioritize child welfare, she embodies the spirit of service that our foundation holds dear. We recognize Bridgit not only as an accomplished artist but as a true ally in advancing the well-being and future of children who need it most.

By admin
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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
January 4, 2020

From Foster Child to Hollywood Legend

No other Hollywood celebrity has captured the hearts and affections like Marilyn Monroe has done for decades.  Her stardom and popularity continued to glow even after she died in 1962.

#Decades after her passing, Marilyn Monroe image still graces posters, film reels, and cultural references—proof of a stardom that never faded. But behind the platinum-blonde beauty and camera-ready smile was a child born into hardship. Monroe, whose birth name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, began life as an orphan. Her mother, Gladys Baker, suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and was unable to care for her daughter, placing her in the foster care system at an early age. From one home to another, Marilyn experienced instability, loneliness, and abandonment—yet these early struggles shaped her resilience and gave rise to an icon who would later conquer the silver screen.

Monroe’s Hollywood rise was nothing short of remarkable. Her talent and magnetic presence catapulted her to stardom in the 1950s, starring in a string of classic films that have since become timeless. Among her most celebrated performances was her role in Some Like It Hot (1959), a screwball comedy in which she played Sugar Kane alongside Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. The film won her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical, cementing her legacy as one of cinema’s brightest stars. Other notable films include Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955), and Bus Stop (1956), each showcasing her range as more than just a glamorous figure—she was a performer with depth, wit, and undeniable charisma.

Marilyn Monroe’s life was not without continued hardship. From broken marriages to public scrutiny, and personal battles with mental health and identity, she faced many demons. Yet, she continued to strive for excellence in her craft, refusing to let her circumstances define her future. Her life remains an inspiring reminder that even in the face of trauma and rejection, beauty, creativity, and strength can emerge. As she once said, “Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing, and there’s so much to smile about.” These words reflect not only her personal philosophy but also the essence of hope she carried despite the odds.

Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing, and there’s so much to smile about,” said Monroe.

At the Mary K. Yap Foundation, we are proud to spotlight individuals like Marilyn Monroe, whose journeys from abandonment to accomplishment continue to inspire generations. Her life echoes our mission: to empower vulnerable and orphaned children with hope, opportunity, and dignity. Just as Marilyn overcame her difficult beginnings through perseverance and talent, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive, to be seen, and to become the best version of themselves—regardless of where they start in life.

By admin
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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
November 24, 2019

The Iconic Lady: Aung San Suu Kyi

To be kind is to respond with sensitivity and human warmth to the hopes and needs of others. Even the briefest touch of kindness can lighten a heavy heart. Kindness can change the lives of people.”

– Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi, the most visible and polarizing political figure in Myanmar’s modern history, has contributed much to the country. She is an advocate of freedom and democracy. She was awarded the 1990 Rafto Prize and the Sakharov Prize in 1990, awarded to individuals that have distinguished themselves in their work for human rights and democracy. She has also won a $1.3 million Nobel prize for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights that she used and donated to establish a health and education trust for the Burmese people, wherein she founded Daw Khin Kyi Foundation.

“By helping others, you will learn how to help yourself.”

– Aung San Suu Kyi

The Daw Khin Kyi Foundation, named after the memory of her mother, Daw Khin Kyi, is a non-profit charitable organization that promotes the country’s people’s health, education, and living standards, focusing its attention, especially on the needs of Burma’s least developed areas. The foundation has developed different programs to achieve the needs of the citizens in Myanmar, which are mostly concerned about health, specifically Mobile Library for education, Hospitality and Catering Training Academy, La Yaung Taw (a Horticulture Training Academy), which provides Humanitarian assistance, and others.

#The foundation’s mission is to achieve these goals irrespective of ethnicity, race, political division, or religion, believing that improvement in one place creates a better future for all. Aung San Suu Kyi has the purest heart and gives all their love to her citizens, as she stated that she is willing to donate her body organs to whoever may need them, even if this can cause harm and death. She also presented her house as an exhibition for the young generation to observe how Burmese Traditions and Burmese woman’s culture and outfits. Given her love for the country, Aung San Suu Kyi is considered the heart of Myanmar.

Mary K. Yap Foundation recognizes Aung San Suu Kyi’s undivided attention dedicated to the people of Myanmar and to providing humanitarian attention to the country she bravely extends to the fullest.

By admin
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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
April 22, 2019

From Orphan to a Civil Leader

International Orphan Day: A Tribute to Malcolm X,

As we commemorate International Orphan Day, the Mary K. Yap Foundation is honored to pay tribute to the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Malcolm X. His journey from a childhood marked by profound adversity to becoming one of the most prolific and impactful civil rights leaders of our times serves as a powerful testament to human resilience and the potential for transformation, regardless of early-life circumstances.

A Childhood Forged in Trauma and Adversity

#Malcolm X’s childhood began with an unforgettable traumatic experience. On September 28, 1931, when he was just six years old, his ministerial father, Earl Little, was brutally murdered by the Black Legion, a notorious racist terrorist organization. This devastating loss plunged the family into immediate crisis. The situation worsened considerably for the now fatherless Malcolm when his single mother, Louise Little, a resilient woman raising seven children, was tragically diagnosed with a mental illness. Her condition necessitated her registration at a mental institution, where she would remain for an astonishing 26 years.

The day-to-day survival became a massive, unrelenting struggle for the Little family. With no one able to consistently look after them, Malcolm and his siblings were fragmented, living in various foster families under the government assistance program. Malcolm’s formal education was abruptly cut short; he did not finish school past the seventh grade and was subsequently sent to a juvenile home in the nearly all-white community of Mason, Michigan. A few years after living with foster parents, a pivotal moment arrived in 1941 when Ella Collins, Malcolm’s half-sister, gained custody of the 15-year-old Malcolm, bringing him to Boston.

From Hustle to Self-Education: The Making of a Mind

As a youngster growing up as an orphan under his half-sister’s care, Malcolm seized every possible opportunity that came his way to make ends meet. This led to a series of challenging “odd jobs” on railroads, in restaurants, bars, shoeshine stands, and jewelry stores. His path during these formative years also included brushes with the law, even leading to convictions for breaking and entering and possessing firearms.

Yet, despite these misguided turns, Malcolm remarkably transformed his time in prison into an invaluable period of self-improvement. He made the absolute best of his jail time, dedicating himself to reading and devouring books at the prison library. Malcolm’s insatiable desire to read and learn as much as possible during his incarceration was his profound way of compensating for the education he had missed when he dropped out of high school. It was during this period of intense self-study that his intellect sharpened, his worldview expanded, and the foundations of his future leadership began to form.

A Powerful Voice for Black Empowerment

#Malcolm’s exceptional ability to inspire both Nation of Islam (NOI) members and non-members quickly became evident. This charisma and intellect earned him rapid ascent within the organization, leading to his appointment as the first minister to various temples, culminating in his highest appointment as the Chief Minister of Harlem’s Temple 7 in 1961, a role bestowed upon him by Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the NOI. Malcolm emerged as a staunch believer in the empowerment of Black people. He passionately advocated for Black communities to create their own power structures, build their own institutions, and generate their own wealth, directly challenging the then-dominant ideals of integration and racial acceptance. Malcolm also held a strong conviction in the notion of self-defense as a necessary alternative to nonviolent resistance, becoming extremely vocal on subjects he held so dearly, resonating with a segment of the Black community seeking a more assertive path to liberation.

Malcolm X’s Enduring Legacy: Courage, Determination, and Integrity

Despite the distressed and turbulent environment he endured throughout his early life, Malcolm X never ceased pursuing his agendas and sharing his profound knowledge with everyone who would listen. He embodied the very essence of living by one’s words and integrity – a principle that resonates deeply with and aligns perfectly with one of the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s three core pillars. He demonstrably refused to let life’s complications or his challenging beginnings deter him from accomplishing his personal goals and motives. With courage and determination, Malcolm X achieved an indelible mark on history, demonstrating that even the most arduous journeys can lead to monumental impact. His life stands as a powerful reminder for all orphaned and underserved children, proving that with resilience and dedication, one can transcend adversity and become a force for positive change.

By admin
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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
February 24, 2018

From Orphan to Global Visionary

Our Individual Spotlight series delves into the lives of history’s most admired business executives, meticulously examining the core principles, relentless drive, and sheer determination that fueled their masterful achievements.

It’s truly astonishing to consider that an orphaned infant, Steve Paul Jobs, adopted as a baby, would not only survive but thrive to spearhead and brilliantly lead a company that ultimately captivated the entire world, selling to an incredible 1.65 billion customers worldwide. His remarkable trajectory serves as a profound and inspiring testament to the powerful idea that one’s destiny is emphatically not defined by the circumstances of their birth or early life.

The Formative Years: A Humble Beginning in Silicon Valley

Born in San Francisco on February 24th, 1955, Steve Jobs’ life began with an immediate and significant challenge: he became an orphan at an infant age due to what are often described as the “grinding decisions” and personal circumstances of his biological parents. However, fate soon intervened. His path fortunately shifted when he was lovingly raised in a stable, albeit lower-middle-class, adoptive family in Cupertino, California. This modest suburban setting would, over time, become globally synonymous with technological innovation: Silicon Valley.

There’s some notion that because I was abandoned, I worked very hard so I could do well and make my parents wish they had me back or some such nonsense, but that’s ridiculous,” he insisted. “Knowing I was adopted may have made me feel more independent, but I have never felt abandoned. I’ve always felt special. My parents made me feel special. They were my parents 1,000%,”

This upbringing, while far from opulent, proved to be an incredibly fertile ground for nurturing his burgeoning interest in electronics and technology. His adoptive father, Paul Jobs, a skilled machinist, was someone Steve affectionately called “a genius with his hands.” Paul instilled in young Steve a foundational appreciation for precision, craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of building things with one’s own hands – principles that would later define Apple’s product philosophy.

The Power of Belonging: Steve Jobs on His Adoption

More importantly, Steve’s adoptive parents were consistently warm, loving, and went to great lengths to make him feel profoundly special and cherished. They even honored a crucial promise made to his birth mother, ensuring Steve attended college. Yet, in a move that presaged his independent spirit, he famously dropped out of Reed College after just one year, choosing instead to passionately pursue other, ultimately groundbreaking, life ambitions that would forever alter the landscape of technology and design. This early decision underscored his unique drive and intuition, foreshadowing the revolutionary path he was destined to carve.

Despite the common perception that early abandonment might drive an individual, Jobs himself vehemently rejected this notion. He famously insisted, “There’s some notion that because I was abandoned, I worked very hard so I could do well and make my parents wish they had me back or some such nonsense, but that’s ridiculous.” He continued, “Knowing I was adopted may have made me feel more independent, but I have never felt abandoned. I’ve always felt special. My parents made me feel special. They were my parents 1,000%.” This powerful statement from Steve Jobs himself provides invaluable insight into his self-perception and emotional security. It highlights that while his adoption was a fact of his life, it did not define him by a sense of loss, but rather by the profound love and stability he received from his adoptive family. His confidence and emotional well-being were rooted in feeling “special” and entirely loved, allowing him to focus his immense energies on his passions.

#Inspired by Steve Jobs’ remarkable journey, our Foundation continues to eagerly look forward to working hand-in-hand with our worldwide partners, dedicated ambassadors, and our tireless troop of volunteers. Our collective goal remains singular: to bring the very best in empowerment to our orphaned children’s communities in Myanmar. We draw a crucial lesson from Steve Jobs’ childhood experience: children, regardless of being orphaned, are inherently capable of living rich, regular, and purposeful lives. His story powerfully illustrates that orphaned children can indeed be loved and emotionally supported during their crucial early years of development, even if that upbringing comes under the compassionate guidance of adoptive parents or through dedicated support systems.

Our board remains in its commitment to continuously provide hope and love to all underserved children in Myanmar. Our core goal is unwavering: to reach these vulnerable children, nurture their potential, and ultimately integrate them well into their communities as confident, contributing members. Steve Jobs exemplifies that even with an adoptive background, an individual can lead an extraordinary life, remain emotionally secure, and be supremely confident in their abilities. His legacy reinforces our belief that with the right environment and committed support, every child has the capacity to achieve greatness.

By admin