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A New Era of Leadership

Meet Our 2002
Queen and Court

Miss Asian America Pageant 2002
Marilee Chan – Miss Scholastic Achievement
Pooja Jain – Miss Asian Third Princess & Miss Asian California
Joy Nguyen – Miss Asian Second Princess
Rose Chung, Founder
Fala Chen – Miss Asian America & Miss Community Service
Chun Hui Chen – Miss Asian First Princess
Anna Leu Rodriguez – Miss Talent
Violet Nguyen – Miss Congeniality & Miss Asian San Francisco

Fala Chen, Miss Asian America

Fala Chen

Miss Asian America & Miss Community Service

  • Chun Hui Chen – Miss Asian First Princess
  • Joy Nguyen – Miss Asian Second Princess
  • Pooja Jain – Miss Asian Third Princess & Miss Asian California
  • Anna Leu Rodriguez – Miss Talent
  • Marilee Chan – Miss Scholastic Achievement
  • Violet Nguyen – Miss Congeniality & Miss Asian San Francisco

San Francisco, CA — August 17, 2002 — The 17th Annual Miss Asian America Pageant, a celebration of Asian beauty, culture and talent, took center stage at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. The pageant was a remarkable display of grace and cultural pride as 19 accomplished young women competed for the coveted title. Fala Chen was crowned Miss Asian America and also received the honor of Miss Community Service. Fala’s dedication to her community and her exceptional accomplishments set a shining example for future generations.

The court include other accomplished women who showcased their talents and poise: Chun Hui Chen as Miss Asian First Princess, Joy Nguyen as Miss Asian Second Princess, and Pooja Jain, who secured the titles of Miss Asian Third Princess and Miss Asian California. Anna Leu Rodriguez was celebrated for her exceptional talent, earning her the title of Miss Talent. Marilee Chan earned the title of Miss Scholastic Achievement, while Violet Nguyen won the titles of Miss Congeniality and Miss Asian San Francisco.

The Miss Asian America Pageant 2002 featured an impressive lineup of delegates from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique strengths and cultural pride to the stage. Representing various Asian heritages, these young women showcased the essence of unity in diversity. The pageant’s legacy of empowering Asian American women and promoting cultural awareness remains stronger than ever.

Fala Chen’s journey after the pageant has been nothing short of extraordinary. From a successful acting career in Hong Kong, Chen pursued her passion for the craft by enrolling in The Juilliard School, earning an MFA in Drama. Her commitment to growth and transformation culminated in a notable role as Ying Li in Marvel’s blockbuster film, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” Fala Chen’s story is a testament to the limitless possibilities that arise from determination, talent, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

Pageant Night and Activities

Treasured Memories

Photos by House Mother Penny Wong Belleza

Each Delegate has a Story to Share

Meet the Delegates

Legacy Keepsake

Commemorate Pageant Night

Saturday, August 17, 2002
Palace of Fine Arts
San Francisco, CA

Marilee Chan
Sacramento, CA · Age: 22 · Chinese

Chun Hui Chen
Honolulu, HI · Age: 24 · Chinese

Fala Chen
Duluth, GA · Age: 20 · Chinese

Teri Chu
Sacramento, CA · Age: 18 · Chinese

Amy Deng
Redwood City, CA · Age: 18 · Chinese

Irene Gee
New Hyde Park, NY · Age: 24 · Chinese

Michelle Lai Hing Ing
Eugene, Oregon · Age: 26 · Chinese

Pooja Jain
Fremont, CA · Age: 23 · Indian

Adrianne T. Jocson
Irvine, CA · Age: 20 · Filipino

Christine Lau
Walnut Creek, CA · Age: 25 · Chinese

Angela Ann Leung
Palo Alto, CA · Age: 22 · Chinese

Arleen Ma
Brisbane, CA · Age: 27 · Chinese

Anna Nam
Berkeley, CA · Age: 20 · Korean

Joy Thao Phuong Nguyen
Fort Worth, TX · Age: 24 · Vietnamese

Nikki Nguyen
Greenfield, WI · Age: 20 · Vietnamese

Violet Nguyen
San Jose, CA · Age: 20 · Vietnamese

Anna Leu Rodriguez
Yorba Linda, CA · Age: 22 · Chinese & Mexican

Tiffany Maihlee Vang
San Diego, CA · Age: 20 · Hmong

Edelynn Ward
Fairfield, CA · Age: 18 · Filipino & British American

Elizabeth Yang
Berkeley, CA · Age: 19 · Chinese

Our 2002 Queen Dazzles in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Congratulations Fala Chen

We are so proud of Fala Chen, our 2002 Miss Asian America queen and 2020 judge on her latest blockbuster success with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Your dedication as an artist is inspirational. Read more in the August 2021 issue of Elle Magazine, "Let Fala Chen Reintroduce Herself"

Our Legacy

A Look Back at Our Past Queens & Delegates