| TL;DR: Jenny Chau immigrated from Taiwan to Brooklyn in 1987, navigated the challenges of adapting to American life, and went on to dedicate her life to missionary and refugee work. Her story is a powerful reminder that the American Dream isn’t just about what you build for yourself; it’s about who you show up for. |
On this week’s episode of The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jenny Chau, who shared her remarkable journey from Taiwan to the United States and how her experiences shaped her purpose in life.
Jenny’s story is one of resilience, faith, and deep compassion for others — especially those displaced by conflict or circumstance.
A Joyful Childhood in Taiwan Built on Community
Jenny began by sharing a glimpse of her early life in Taiwan, describing a simple yet joyful upbringing.
“I was born in Taiwan, and I have so many good memories of my childhood there,” she said. “We didn’t have much, but we had community. Everyone knew each other, and we looked out for one another.”
Her childhood experiences would later influence her heart for serving others and giving back — a thread that runs through every chapter of her story.
Have a story of faith, service, or community that deserves to be heard? The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course gives you the roadmap to share it.
Moving to Brooklyn in 1987: Adapting to a New World
Jenny and her family immigrated to Brooklyn, New York in 1987, a move that came with both excitement and challenges.
“Coming to America was a big change — everything felt so fast, so different,” Jenny recalled. “I didn’t speak much English at first, so I had to learn to adapt quickly.”
Like many immigrants, she navigated the complexities of balancing two cultures — holding onto her Taiwanese roots while embracing life in a new country.
“My parents worked very hard to give us opportunities,” she said. “They taught us to never forget where we came from.”
Related: Immigrant Stories with Heather Reese: Journey to Law, Identity, and Community — another immigrant who navigated identity, culture, and finding her place in America.
Why Jenny Dedicated Her Life to Missionary and Refugee Work?
What makes Jenny’s story especially powerful is how she chose to dedicate her life to helping others through missionary and refugee work.
“I saw how many people were suffering, and I felt called to serve,” she shared. “I wanted to bring hope and comfort to those who had lost everything.”
Jenny spoke about her time volunteering with refugee communities and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and compassion.
“When you sit and listen to people’s stories — really listen — you realize how similar we all are,” she said. “We all want safety, love, and belonging.”
Related: From Deportation to Empowering Latinas with Gicela Holguin — another story of someone who turned their hardest experiences into a life of service.
The Heart Behind Her Work: Showing Up for Others
Throughout our conversation, Jenny’s faith shone brightly. Her words reminded me of the strength that comes from serving others selflessly.
“Helping people isn’t about being a hero,” she said. “It’s about showing up, being present, and letting people know they’re not alone.”
Her message beautifully aligns with the mission of this podcast — to amplify stories of resilience and to celebrate the contributions of immigrants who make a difference every day.
Also on the podcast: Miss Paulette on Why Immigrant Stories Need to Be Told in Their Own Words — on why giving immigrants a platform to tell their own stories changes everything.
Not sure which podcast format fits your story? Take the quiz to find out.
FAQ: Faith, Immigration, and Serving Others
What is missionary work and how do immigrants get involved?
Missionary work is service-based work rooted in faith — often focused on supporting communities in need through food, shelter, education, or emotional support. Many immigrants, like Jenny, are drawn to this work because they understand firsthand what it means to start over in a new place. That lived experience creates a depth of empathy that’s hard to teach.
How do refugees find community and support in the United States?
Refugees often rely on local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community volunteers to help them navigate life in a new country. People like Jenny play a critical role in that process — not just by providing resources, but by showing up consistently and making people feel seen and less alone.
What can immigrants teach us about resilience and community?
Everything. Jenny’s story — like so many on this podcast — is a reminder that the people who have experienced the most hardship often become the most dedicated to serving others. Resilience isn’t just about surviving. It’s about what you choose to do with your experience once you’re on the other side of it.
About the Author & Podcast Coach
Heidy De La Cruz is a podcast coach who helps Latinas start podcasts without feeling overwhelmed.
After launching her first podcast in 2022, she saw how many women had powerful stories, experiences, and business ideas but felt stuck by the planning, tech, and moving parts of podcasting.
Now she helps women go from idea to published show with simple, clear support that makes launching feel doable.
Whether you need a roadmap, hands-on help, or ongoing support, explore her services, including 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course, and Podcast Editing and Production Services.
Your voice deserves to be heard, and Heidy is here to help you bring it to life.
Key Takeaways from Jenny’s Story
- Community was at the center of Jenny’s upbringing in Taiwan, and it became the foundation of her life’s work.
- Adapting to a new country is hard. Holding onto your roots while building a new life takes real courage.
- Serving others isn’t about being a hero; it’s about showing up and letting people know they’re not alone.
- The American Dream looks different for everyone. For Jenny, it meant using her freedom to fight for the freedom of others.
- Listening to someone’s story is one of the most powerful acts of compassion there is.
Your Story Deserves to Be Heard
Jenny crossed an ocean, learned a new language, and built a life rooted in service to others. And now her story is here — on this podcast, inspiring people who may never have heard it otherwise.
That’s what happens when you share your story.
If you have a story, a mission, or a message that deserves an audience — your podcast is how you share it with the world.
Ready to launch your show? The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course will take you from idea to launched, without the overwhelm.
Want hands-on support? Explore all podcast coaching services here.
More Stories Like This
- Global Living: Doreen’s Journey Across 8 Countries — What it looks like to build a life and a mission across borders.
- Miss Paulette on Why Immigrant Stories Need to Be Told in Their Own Words — On representation, generational legacy, and owning your story.
- From Deportation to Empowering Latinas with Gicela Holguin — A story of using your hardest chapter to serve others.
- Immigrant Stories with Heather Reese: Journey to Law, Identity, and Community — Identity, community, and finding your place in a new country.
This blog post is sponsored by 360 Immigration Law