Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageant Team

吳雅婷

Christina has always been passionate about blending business with creative expression. Her diverse career spans Fortune 100 companies, the Hollywood entertainment industry, Silicon Valley startups, and educational institutions. She has worked at renowned organizations such as The Wall Street Journal, Lifetime Television, KUSC Public Radio, and more. With extensive experience in communications, sales, PR, and marketing, Christina brings a wealth of expertise to her work.

She is also highly skilled in event planning, having coordinated, led, and performed in over 400 events, including community banquets, conferences, fundraisers, receptions, dance performances, festivals, music concerts, fashion shows, and golf tournaments. These events have ranged from intimate gatherings of 20 to large-scale productions with up to 3,500 attendees.

A lifelong dancer, Christina began dancing at a young age, training in a variety of styles, including traditional Chinese dance, ballet, lyrical, modern, jazz, heels, hip-hop, and K-pop. She has performed at prominent venues such as Disneyland, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Hollywood Bowl, MGM Grand Las Vegas, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the Rose Parade.

After becoming a mother, Christina redirected her efforts toward educating Chinese culture and language. Having taught her children Mandarin for many years, she later began teaching others by using techniques such as storytelling, visual imagery, and introducing 'worldbuilding' concepts into her lessons.

Christina holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BS from the University of Southern California. A former Miss Los Angeles Chinatown - Queen, she also won Miss Photogenic.

美莉

Ashley Thompson has a rich and diverse heritage that she proudly embraces. Her mother immigrated from Hong Kong to the United States as an infant, and her father has both Caucasian and Hispanic backgrounds. Ashley grew up in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, where she was deeply connected to her cultural roots and immersed in her Chinese heritage. She attended Castelar Elementary School and spent countless hours at the local Alpine Recreation Center, where she played basketball, learned classical piano, and enjoyed time with friends. Ashley was fortunate to work at both Alpine and Castelar, allowing her to give back to the very community that raised her, all while balancing her college studies.

Today, Ashley brings her expertise to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, working as a Building Mechanical Inspector. She applies her extensive knowledge of codes to residential construction projects throughout Los Angeles, ensuring safety and quality for the city’s residents.

A proud wife and mother to her son, Ashley’s passion for community engagement extends well beyond her professional life. She believes in the importance of remembering one’s roots and always giving back. Ashley began volunteering at age 13 at Alpine Rec Center, working with the youth in the summer camp program. She remains active in several volunteer initiatives in Chinatown. She currently serves as a board member for Precision Health Center, an accessible and affordable health clinic. She is also on the planning committee for the LA Firecracker Run, a distinguished event promoting health, community, and culture through its run/walk/bike activities.

In 2019, Ashley was crowned Miss Los Angeles Chinatown 3rd Princess, following in the footsteps of her aunt, who earned the same title in 1996. This experience connected her with an inspiring sisterhood of like-minded women, and she hopes to encourage other young women to join the MLAC community and make a positive impact in the LA Chinatown that has shaped her.

彭与涵

A former Second Princess of the 2024 Miss LA Chinatown Court and First Runner-Up at Miss Asia USA, Charlotte Peng brings both pageant and professional runway experience to her role as Runway Coach.

As a signed model represented by top agencies including Wilhelmina Models, Charlotte has worked with global fashion brands such as Michael Kors, Revolve, Max Mara, and Bally. Her runway and editorial work has been featured in Vogue and on KTLA. Beyond her work in front of the camera, she also serves as a modeling instructor at IMD Models & Talent, where she leads training programs for new agency models. She coaches runway technique, casting preparation, digital self-taping, confidence building, personal branding, and how to navigate rejection in a competitive industry.

Charlotte’s own pageant experience has shaped her understanding of cultural representation, stage presence, and the value of community. She is passionate about helping others grow through the process and supporting this year’s delegates as they prepare to take the stage.

Originally from Walnut, California, Charlotte earned her master’s degree from the USC Marshall School of Business at age 21, after completing her undergraduate studies at Loyola Marymount University. When she’s not teaching or studying, you’ll find her trying new restaurants or out hiking local trails with her dog, enjoying some fresh air and adventure.

姚嘉琳

As a former Third Princess of the 2024 Miss LA Chinatown Court and current Miss Imagine Talks with Miss Asian Global, Ashley Yao loves pageantry for the sisterhood and unique community service experience. 

Ashley grew up learning ballet, musical theater, and jazz. In college, she enjoyed country line dancing and choreographing for a Christian dance group. She also performed in parades, restaurants, and festivals with the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team. Since moving to Los Angeles, she has trained with Whacking Los Angeles and Move In Touch. She is a semi-professional dancer; formerly, as a Maid Cafe performer with Anime Expo and currently, with other industry cafes. 

Professionally, Ashley is a transportation engineer and planner passionate about traffic safety. She works diligently to design safer futures in the greater Southern California region. Through her experiences, she is practiced in conducting community outreach and public speaking. She wants every delegate to feel connected to the Chinese community and feel confident on stage. 

In her free time, Ashley is a notorious side-quester. So, you'll have to ask her about her other hobbies when you meet her, but she's always down to take a dance class with you.