The Founder : Ming Tchou

Ming Tchou comes from a highly literary and intellectual family in Guangzhou, China. Her grandfather was a judge and Dean of the Law School at Zhongshan Daxue. Both her parents were accomplished in Chinese arts and letters.

Ming has been an active member of the Chinese community in Minnesota since 1961. Through her two gift shops, Ming's Import Gallery, she established a Chinese cultural presence at many community and educational events, and brought about an awareness to Chinese art in many circles. A tireless volunteer, she was a founding member of the Chinese Senior Citizens Society and the U.S. China People Friendship Association. Ming was also very involved with the Minnesota International Center, the Chinese American Association of Minnesota the National Association of Chinese Americans, the International Committee of the Minneapolis Women's Club, and the Hennepin Medical Auxiliary. She is the recipient of numerous awards, among them the leadership award from the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans.

Reflecting on her 40 years in Minnesota, Ming said, "We should learn how to share ideas with each other and to do it often." Through the Chinese Heritage Foundation, she plans to devote the coming years to promoting this important function within the Chinese community and with the wider community in Minnesota.

Complete biography