Originally from Thailand, this sophisticated globetrotter works for an international organization in Washington, D.C. She shares her love of travel with us, and talks about the life-changing event she says you’d never guess happened to her.

Global community
It is priceless to be surrounded by friends and colleagues from around the world. At work, I am exposed to different cultures and ways of life daily, without even setting foot outside of the United States.

On the map
Aside from D.C., I like New York City’s unstoppable action and San Diego’s perfect weather. I also love Bangkok, a food lover’s paradise. It is believed that in Bangkok, you could dine out for three meals a day for five years without repeating a restaurant.

Best travel story
My mother is a Shanghai native who left 65 years ago and, for personal reasons, never returned. My husband and I traveled there in 2010 and met with my two aunts. They took me to a pier near the Shanghai Bund and said, “We came to see off your mother right here, and that was the last time we saw her. You look every bit like your mom, except taller!” We all giggled with tears in our eyes.

Something you’d never guess
I am a cancer survivor.

New perspectives on beauty
I don’t have a bad hair day anymore; I am just thankful I have hair. I never knew I had such a perfectly egg-shaped head until I was completely bald from the chemo effect! I also named all the scars from my surgeries and view them as my badges of honor—without them I would not have lived.

Sharing her survival
During my treatment, I kept a blog that was accessible only to close friends and loved ones. It helped me to stay focused and socially connected. After the recovery, I shared the blog with people who were going through the same thing and it was well received and thought to be inspirational. I’d like to be able to take this project to the next level.

How to feel beautiful in your own skin
Smile more. Everyone looks beautiful when they smile, even if they’re toothless!

More about Jade

What is your all-time favorite beauty look?
Natural looks are always elegant. That effortless look you don’t want people knowing how much time it takes to achieve.

Who is your beauty icon?
My mother. At 87, she still has a sharp mind, good posture and mobility. Her advice and philosophy are timeless. She can instantly pick up on my jokes and even fires back with a better one! She is the definition of beauty, inside and out.

Do you speak any other languages?
Thai and Mandarin-Chinese are my native languages, and I took German in college but it is disappearing due to lack of opportunity to practice.

What do you like to cook?
Mostly Thai food. It is very challenging to balance the exotic herbs—some of which I can't even pronounce! My specialty is steamed Chilean sea bass with shoyu sauce, cilantro, ginger and scallions.