Muse: Tiffany Chang, Miss Asia USA 2024. Photographer: Reinhardt Kenneth. Creative Director & Fashion Designer: Kenneth Barlis.
Tiffany Chang, Miss Asia USA 2024, is exploring exciting opportunities in AI, academics, and Hollywood. From studying at Stanford to working on cutting-edge tech and producing films, she’s blending creativity and innovation. We caught up with Tiffany to chat about her journey, dreams, and what’s next on her horizon.
HBZVN: What inspired you to compete for the Miss Asia USA title?
TIFFANY CHANG: My inspiration for competing in Miss Asia USA was deeply rooted in my heritage and the desire to represent the Taiwanese community on a larger platform. I wanted to showcase the beauty of our culture while also highlighting important causes that I care about, such as AAPI hate, maternal health, and mental wellness. The opportunity to use my voice toempower others, especially women in STEM and pageantry, inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and compete.
HBZVN: How does it feel to be the first Taiwanese to win the Miss Asia USA title?
TIFFANY CHANG: It is truly such an honor to represent Taiwan as the first Miss Asia USA from my country. This win is not just personal but symbolic of how if we step up and use our voice strong enough we can break barriers in whatever industry. I feel an immense sense of pride to pave the way for others in the Taiwanese community, and I hope my journey inspires others to break barriers in whatever field they are passionate about.
HBZVN: Can you tell us more about your major at Stanford and what drew you to Engineering Management and Human-Centered Design?
TIFFANY CHANG: I get asked this question a lot. 😀At Stanford, I am pursuing a self-designed major in Engineering Management and Human-Centered Design, which perfectly aligns with my passion for innovation and creating meaningful change. Engineering Management is an interdisciplinary field that blends technical expertise with strategic leadership and business acumen. It’s about managing technological projects, leading engineering teams, and driving innovation, while ensuring the efficient use of resources to achieve impactful results.
This focus equips me with the tools to oversee complex systems, bridge the gap between technical and business worlds, and create scalable, sustainable solutions. Human-Centered Design, on the other hand, is all about putting people at the heart of the design process. It emphasizes understanding user needs, empathizing with diverse perspectives, and designing solutions that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. It’s a process that encourages creativity and collaboration, ensuring that technology and innovation serve everyone—particularly underrepresented and marginalized groups.
What drew me to this unique combination is its potential to address real-world challenges holistically. I love how it allows me to merge technology, business, and empathy, empowering me to design solutions that are not only functional but also transformative on a human level. I’m particularly inspired by how this field enables me to champion equity and inclusivity, especially for women, ensuring they have access to opportunities and tools that enhance their lives. This major represents the intersection of my passions—AI technology, sustainability, and storytelling—and positions me to lead impactful projects that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
HBZVN: What advice would you give to young girls interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields?
TIFFANY CHANG: My advice would be to embrace curiosity and don’t be afraid to ask questions. STEM can seem intimidating, but it’s full of opportunities to make a real difference in the world. Surround yourself with mentors who inspire you, and never let anyone convince you that you don’t belong in these fields. Remember that your unique perspective is your greatest strength.
HBZVN: What led you to start your nonprofit organization, Madhatter Knits, and what is its mission?
TIFFANY CHANG: Madhatter Knits was born out of a desire to make a tangible difference in maternal and child health globally. My co-founders and I saw a gap in maternal care, particularly in underserved areas, and wanted to use knitting as a way to create awareness and provide support for women and children. Our mission is to improve maternal and child health through awareness campaigns, support networks, and providing essential resources to communities in need.
HBZVN: How does Madhatter Knits work to improve child and maternal health globally?
TIFFANY CHANG: Madhatter Knits works to improve child and maternal health globally by providing handmade knit hats to premature babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Each year, the organization donates thousands of hats to hospitals and clinics in countries like Sri Lanka; South Africa, India, Ecuador and others, helping to keep vulnerable newborns warm and reducing the risk of hypothermia and related complications. This initiative supports both immediate health needs and long-term awareness of maternal and child care.
HBZVN: How did you balance your responsibilities as Miss Asia USA, a Stanford student, and a nonprofit founder?
TIFFANY CHANG: It requires a lot of discipline, time management, and self-care. I make sure to set clear goals for each area of my life and prioritize them as needed. It’s not always smooth sailing, but having a great support system helps immensely. It’s also important for me to maintain a healthy balance between my academic, personal, and advocacy work, reminding myself to stay focused on the impact I want to make.
HBZVN: What role has your personal journey of self-discovery played in shaping your advocacy work?
TIFFANY CHANG: My personal journey of self-discovery has been central to shaping my advocacy work. Growing up, I often felt silenced and struggled to find my voice amidst cultural expectations and discrimination. As I began embracing my heritage and identity, I realized the power of being true to myself and the importance of empowering others to do the same. This journey has fueled my passion for advocating for causes like cultural identity, girl empowerment, and self-discovery, inspiring others to speak up, embrace who they are, and take charge of their own stories. Through my work, I strive to create spaces where everyone, especially young girls, feels seen, heard, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
HBZVN: How do you hope to use your platform to inspire others to find empowerment through self-worth?
TIFFANY CHANG: I hope to inspire others by showing that empowerment comes from embracing who you truly are and finding value in your own uniqueness. Through my work and platform, I want to encourage young women to step into their power, understand their worth, and use it to create positive change in their communities and the world.
HBZVN: What challenges have you faced as a young woman in both the pageant world and STEM, and how have you overcome them?
TIFFANY CHANG: In both pageantry and STEM, I’ve faced challenges such as being underestimated or not fitting into conventional molds. Overcoming these challenges has required confidence in my abilities and staying true to my purpose. I’ve learned to navigate these spaces by leaning on my strengths, advocating for myself, and breaking stereotypes.
HBZVN: What are your future career aspirations in Engineering Management and Human- Centered Design?
TIFFANY CHANG: I aspire to work at the intersection of technology, innovation, business, and social impact, creating products and systems that improve lives while championing equity and inclusivity. By combining engineering management’s strategic leadership with human-centered design’s empathy-driven approach, I aim to develop transformative solutions that empower communities, advance sustainability, and redefine accessibility.
HBZVN: How do you think your experience as Miss Asia USA will impact your career and advocacy efforts moving forward?
TIFFANY CHANG: Being Miss Asia USA has given me a platform to advocate for causes I deeply care about, and I believe this experience will only strengthen my voice as I continue in both STEM and advocacy. It has taught me the importance of representation, and I will carry that forward in all areas of my career and activism.
HBZVN: What has been the most rewarding part of your work with Madhatter Knits so far?
TIFFANY CHANG: The most rewarding part has been seeing the direct impact of our work. Whether it’s receiving a heartfelt thank-you from a mother, seeing pictures sent to us from nurses or the parents of their preemie wearing our beanies, or hearing that our awareness campaigns have inspired others to get involved, those moments reaffirm why we started this organization in the first place.
HBZVN: How do you stay motivated while managing such a diverse range of projects and goals?
TIFFANY CHANG: Staying motivated comes from knowing the “why” behind everything I do. Each of my projects aligns with my passion for making a positive impact, just in different communities that are important to me. When I get overwhelmed, I remind myself of the bigger picture and take things one step at a time. Practicing self-care and celebrating small victories along the way helps me stay on track.
HBZVN: What message do you want to send to young women who may be struggling with self-worth and confidence?
TIFFANY CHANG: You are more powerful and capable than you realize. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s because your path is uniquely yours. Believe in your abilities, trust the process, and never be afraid to ask for support when you need it. Confidence comes from knowing your worth, and it’s something you build step by step.
Her time as Miss Asia USA opened countless doors and she is eager to embrace these opportunities as she continues her path of innovation and impact. Currently, Tiffany is working as an Investor Relations/Public Relations Analyst at Kneron, a leading AI chip firm, where she is dedicated to creating human-centered AI solutions that drive sustainable change. Simultaneously, she is balancing her professional endeavors with her academic pursuits. She is a junior at Stanford University studying Engineering Management with Human-Centered Design Her passion for storytelling and creativity recently led her to Hollywood, where she served as Executive Producer for a short film, showcasing her ability to bridge artistry, AI technology and leadership. Looking ahead, Tiffany envisions a future where she combines her love for technology and sustainability with her lifelong intrigue for the fashion industry. She hopes to push boundaries in AI, champion sustainable innovation, and explore the opportunities that have unfolded during her reign.
Muse: Tiffany Chang @tiffanyachang, Miss Asia USA 2024.
Creative Director & Fashion Designer: Kenneth Barlis @kennethbarlis_official.
Photographer: Reinhardt Kenneth @reinhardtkenneth.
H.M.U.A.: Reyna Khalil @reynakhalil.
Lighting Director: Hugo Arvizu @arvizu_arts.
Retouch: Valeria Mediana @medianaretouch.
Digitech: Suimay Lee @suimaylee.
Photographer’s Assistant: Rachelle Ker @rachelleevozoku.
Fashion Assistant: Paola Guitron @paooooguitron.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
