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DEG: Who has inspired you the most throughout your life and career?
CC: My mother, who was among the first generation of Electrical Engineering graduates in China, and later became a professor of Electrical Engineering. She achieved all this in a very patriarchal society. She never took no for answer. She met my father at the engineering school (he ranked much lower in class 😊). I was brought up to believe that I was as good as any boys, and that I can achieve any goals that I set my mind to. She supported my decision to travel to the U.S. for engineering school at age 18 and a half. My mother is my North Star.
HB: My mom has been the greatest inspiration in my life, teaching me resilience and compassion, while my mentors in the entertainment industry have inspired my career, guiding me through challenges and the importance of authentic storytelling.
EP: My dad has been a huge source of inspiration throughout my life. As a professional jazz musician, he's shown me that through hard work and perseverance, it’s possible to make a career out of whatever you're most passionate about.
DEG: What is your proudest career or academic accomplishment?
CC: I was one of the small group of people at Intel to start the Virtualized Network movement, 15 years ago. Now it is a de facto network architecture. Along the way, I met many smart people, and mentored smart women, who are now in leadership positions in the industry.
HB: Earning the Beinecke Scholarship as the fifth student in 50 years from my school is my proudest academic achievement. It’s an honor to represent Howard University in such high regard, and it reflects my commitment to academia and my future goals to pursue storytelling that uplifts marginalized voices.
EP: Getting into the University of Michigan’s Performing Arts Technology Department is my proudest academic accomplishment and the thing I am most grateful for. The PAT department has shown such care for my academic, personal, and creative development. I've learned so much through collaboration with professors and peers and deepened my understanding of the intersection of art, music, and technology.
DEG: What’s the best advice you have ever received?
CC: Search for leaders who would speak up for you when you are not in the room.
HB: Embrace every opportunity as a chance to learn, especially from setbacks, as growth often happens most outside our comfort zones. This advice drives my resilience and determination to never give up, no matter the obstacles.
EP: My seventh grade humanities teacher taught us to trust the process. This advice has meant something different to me throughout the different phases of my life, but right now it means to trust that I will find the right path forward– especially when the future feels uncertain.
DEG: How do you think your generation is changing the way women are perceived in entertainment technology roles?
HB: My generation is actively breaking stereotypes by pushing for more representation of women in diverse roles within entertainment tech, normalizing women as both creators and innovators in areas traditionally dominated by men.
EP: My generation is continuing the legacy of the women before us, benefitting from their hard work for visibility and respect in technical spaces. We’re working to highlight the importance of speaking out and building creative spaces where everyone can thrive creatively, regardless of identity.
DEG: What advice would you give to our student honorees?
CC: Do not take the first offer that comes your way, know what your goals are, and your worth.
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