Josie Tong, Tiffany Circle Member & Regional Board Member
What is your current professional role? Realtor at Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills
What was your first job? When I first immigrated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my uncle offered me a chance to work in their Chinese restaurant. I lasted only about two weekends because I had no clue what the customers were ordering, especially when it came to alcohol. My first real paying job was a cashier at Walgreens. My first full-time job was Internal Auditor at MGIC Investment Corp.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Taipei, Taiwan, but moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin when I was 19. I lived in Milwaukee for 27 years, so it’s home.
What is a fun fact about you or a secret skill you have? My birthday is August 5. When I was in grade school, my parents would organize birthday parties for me; but with Summer being the height of the typhoon season, their best-laid party plans would often be ruined by typhoons that hit the island so my family and neighbors started calling me “Miss Typhoon.”
What is your personal connection to the Red Cross? I remember from early on that the Red Cross was always there whenever there was a typhoon, an earthquake, or other disasters in Taiwan or anywhere in the region. After I moved to the States and started working, I earmarked my first United Way contribution to the Red Cross. The Red Cross has been my charity of choice ever since.
Learn more about our Red Cross Los Angeles Region Board Members.
