| Jenny was born and raised in Taiwan. She is the middle child of three sisters and two brothers, who are all still in Taiwan. Jenny worked as an insurance underwriter in Taiwan for many years. In 1980, she arrived in Madison after short stays in Tokyo, California, and Chicago. Married with three children, then ages 6, 8 and 10 years, she researched where she wanted to establish roots. The University of Wisconsin-Madison emerged in the top 10 of her options. Education for her children was her number-one priority. For 26 years, Jenny owned and managed Imperial Palace, a well-loved, long-established Chinese restaurant on Madison's north side. All her children worked in the restaurant. She remembers the challenges and everyday experiences of owning a restaurant. Although the restaurant business is stressful and demanding, she wrapped up her final evaluation of the experience as rewarding and fun. Jenny went back to Taiwan annually to visit her family and friends. In 2001, she had to sell the restaurant because her mother, to whom she was very close, became ill. Jenny traveled back and forth to Taiwan four or five times to be with her mother. Her grandmother was 101 years old at the time, which meant that Jenny was caring for three generations. Jenny's mom passed away in 2001. Jenny misses everyone in Taiwan and of course, the food, but she hasn't been back since 2001. She is excited to be returning this October. She cooks for the love of it, she says, and prepares creative recipes for Chinese New Year celebrations. When she owned the Imperial Palace, she developed all the menus. She also enjoys ballroom dancing, playing tennis, practicing t'ai chi, and jazzercise. It is hard to imagine a parent more proud of her children. Her oldest son, Kenneth Lee, graduated from the UW-Madison as a computer engineer, specializing in automation. He now lives in Denver. Her daughter, Genie Lee, also graduating from the UW with a degree in Chinese drama and theatre. She currently resides in San Francisco and volunteers as house manager for a theatre there. Genie is a consultant for an international franchise that creates customized, special gifts. Jenny's youngest son, Wayne Lee, recently graduated from the UW-Madison Medical School in plastic surgery and as an M.D. joined a fellowship in Gainesville, Fla. He is an accomplished cellist and played with the Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra. He is also proud of his talents as a gourmet Chinese cook. Jenny always exposed her children to the full range of Chinese cultural activities and history. They learned by participating and providing presentations and demonstrations for others on native traditions such as wedding ceremonies, traditional dance, language arts, music, musical instruments, costumes and dress, calligraphy, healing practices including herbs and acupuncture, and yes, cooking. Jenny now devotes much of her passion to preserving these cultural riches by sharing her culture with others here in Wisconsin. Through events sponsored by the MCCA, Jenny believes continuing this kind of "cultural outreach, provides opportunities for mutual growth and learning and building strong networks, so that we can become fuller and more connected with one another." She herself continues to grow and learn. She has developed solidly as a Chinese American and is beginning her path as an Asian American. Not only does she want to demonstrate that there are differences in style and content within the Chinese culture in the past; it is also important to understand the contemporary styles of Chinese culture. "It is important to see Chinese modern dress that is not always like they dressed in movies like the Red Lantern," she commented. But it is also important for all of us to understand the unique differences and similarities among the different Asian cultures and how they have all impacted each other as well as Western cultures. As a strong, independent, wise, and caring mother, daughter, granddaughter, wife, sister, aunt, friend, businesswoman and cultural leader, Jenny believes it is "important for women not to ever look at themselves narrowly," to "do whatever you do with all your heart and passion," and to remember to be "humble." She describes herself as a "regular" person with a strong work ethic who never intended to be a role model. But she realized that as a mother, that she was a role model, not just for her children but in the community, and she takes this responsibility seriously. Continuing to introduce cultural practices to others is empowering. "With each dance step that I learn from my cultural traditions, I become fuller and more confident in knowing who I am." She is especially proud of her middle name, Chinlien, which means "golden lotus." We thank Jenny for adding such richness to our culture in Wisconsin. MCCA has been performing in Madison Civic Center and now the Overture Center for more than 10 years. Upcoming events slated for February 2006 at the Overture Center include a traditional practice of the ribbon and fan dances. Many of the performances she directs include a broad, diverse range of individuals from different backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities.You can find more information about events and activities at chinamoon2001@earthlink.net. |
| Preservationist Jenny Lee By Sharyl Kato |
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| Jenny Lee at her home |
| Jenny is an energetic woman who looks at you eye to eye, with a bright twinkle in hers. She responds to inquiries with full attention and thoughtfulness. She is proud of her 55 years. She says she doesn't mind admitting her age, unlike Westerners, as age is a positive status in her culture. Jenny is the founder and director of the Madison Chinese Cultural Association (MCCA), a nonprofit organization started in 1993, whose purpose is to involve the Madison community in learning and participating in Chinese arts, traditions, and activities. Jenny is also the owner and manager of China Moon, Inc. rental properties, both commercial and residential. She is currently involved in a project involving the Old Feed Mill, a Wisconsin Historical Society landmark built in 1800, in Sauk County, where she tries to preserve the land and the building, including the brick, wood, and antiques. She has visions of creating a cultural center that serves as an "incubator" for projects and businesses that build bridges between different cultures. |