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Growing Through Challenges: Lessons and Self-Discovery for Women Immigrants
On March 28, 2025, one of the several panel discussions took place as part of the 2025 NATEA-SV Women’s Summit. This online event provided a platform for women professionals and entrepreneurs to share their personal journeys, focusing on the challenges and successes they encountered while transitioning from Taiwan to the U.S. The discussion offered valuable insights on adapting to new environments, overcoming cultural differences, and the lessons learned along the way.
The North American Taiwanese Engineering & Science Association (NATEA) is a professional organization that connects Taiwanese engineers, scientists, and professionals across North America. The Silicon Valley chapter (NATEA-SV) focuses on supporting the community through networking, knowledge-sharing, and development opportunities. The 2025 NATEA-SV Women’s Summit aimed to provide a space for women to reflect on their personal and professional lives, connect with peers, and find inspiration through discussions and shared experiences.
The panel discussion highlighted the journeys of Reco Lin, Taiwan HR Head at NVIDIA; Sharly Chang, Friendship Deacon at Canaan Taiwanese Christian Church and Master’s Student at Christian Witness Theological Seminary; and Yumi Yu, Founder and Principal of Merry Merry Learning Center and Merry Merry Play School.
Overcoming Cultural and Professional Challenges
The moderator of the panel, Jenny Lin, Associate Professor of Marketing and MBA Academic Director at California State University, Monterey Bay opened the discussion by reflecting on the early challenges faced by women who move abroad for work or study. She emphasized the courage required to make such a life-changing decision, especially when adjusting to professional environments in the U.S. “The process of adapting goes beyond just career growth — it involves reconciling personal values and integrating them with a new culture and work-life balance,” Jenny Lin explained. This insight highlighted how crucial it is for women to navigate both professional and personal aspects when adjusting to a new culture.
Reco Lin, currently the Taiwan HR Head at NVIDIA, shared her personal experience of making the difficult decision to leave Taiwan in search of greater career opportunities. “When I was in Taiwan, my career had reached a plateau. Salaries were about the same, and I wasn’t growing anymore. So, I decided to move to the U.S. to try something new,” Reco Lin said. She spoke about her time at HP, AMD, Apple, and now NVIDIA, where she gained invaluable experiences in diverse environments. Moving to Austin, Texas was a pivotal moment in her career.
However, she also reflected on some of the mistakes she made early on in her career in the U.S. “When I first moved to the U.S., I didn’t take full advantage of my 'beginner's phase.' I didn’t ask enough questions or make mistakes openly. Later, I realized that I should have embraced that stage more. It's okay to ask 'stupid' questions and make mistakes because that's how you grow,” she added. This advice underscored the importance of embracing vulnerability and taking risks in new environments.
The Role of Family Support and Community
Yumi Yu, the founder of Merry Merry Learning Center and Merry Merry Play School, spoke about the challenges of adapting to life and work in the U.S. while maintaining her cultural roots. She recalled the difficulties she faced when she first moved to the U.S. at the age of 17. “I came to the U.S. when I was 17 and a half. At that time, I had never been abroad. The first time I flew on a plane was when I came to San Francisco. The educational system here was very different from Taiwan. In Taiwan, teachers tell you exactly what to do, and you just follow. But in the U.S., teachers encourage students to think freely and be creative, which was difficult for me at first,” she explained.
Despite these initial struggles, Yumi Yu emphasized the importance of perseverance and support. “I had the help of my cousin who was already here. She helped me organize my study schedule, reviewed materials with me, and even gave me quizzes to help me catch up. I think the support I received really helped me succeed,” she said. This story highlighted how essential family support and mentorship are when adjusting to life in a new country.
Sharly Chang, who has worked extensively with the Taiwanese community in the U.S., spoke about the power of connection and community. As a Friendship Deacon at Canaan Taiwanese Christian Church, Sharly emphasized how important it is for newcomers to build relationships and create a support system. “When I first arrived, I didn’t know anyone, but through church and community activities, I met many people. Those relationships became essential for my growth. I now do community work for Taiwanese families in the U.S. to help them adjust to life here, just as I was helped in the beginning.” Sharly Chang explained.
Entrepreneurship and the Balance Between Career and Family
Sharly Chang also offered valuable advice for women looking to balance career and family “As a mother, I have come to understand that being present for my family doesn't mean putting my career on hold — it means creating a balance where both are nurtured. My work in the community and my family life are all deeply interconnected, and finding that balance has been key to my personal and professional growth.”
Her perspective provides an important reminder for women striving to maintain a fulfilling career while managing family dynamics. The key, she believes, lies in recognizing that life is about teamwork, whether with a partner, family, or colleagues, and that self-care is just as important as career success.
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