Swallow Yan's dedication to Chinese community in Iowa reaches worldwide
Community Leader Swallow X. Yan is dedicated to supporting Chinese Americans locally and abroad. His strong leadership includes providing expertise in education, political, economic, and legal issues in Iowa, China, and beyond. His accomplished efforts serve Chinese Americans, immigrants to the United States, and international students through collaborations between the U.S., China, and other Asian countries.
Yan was born and raised in China's Manchuria region and lived through cultural revolutions, including the Tiananmen Square protests. He graduated from Jilin University of Technology in Changchun, China, with undergraduate and graduate degrees, and taught computer science at the college level.
Yan arrived in Iowa to attend graduate school at Iowa State University in the early 1990s and earned master’s degrees in computer engineering and sociology. He began working as an Information Technology specialist and community outreach coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. In 2003, Yan established the Presidential Youth Leadership Initiative, a leadership program for American and international students. In 2006, he co-founded US Education Without Borders, an education agency that provides services including admissions and career development, to international students interested in studying in the U.S. The agency also supports international students and placement families during the student’s education in the U.S. and assists with continuing education and future employment. Additionally, the agency organizes American students and citizens of Asian countries for cultural exchanges. Since 2011, Yan has been Vice President of Business Development at Ten Square International in West Des Moines.
Yan often serves as what he calls “a culture mediator,” assisting in education, business, and cultural understanding. “I help people communicate and understand why people think differently or have different approaches. We believe that understanding is the key for a long time. I believe in that,” said Yan. Yan’s efforts span the globe, building business and educational partnerships in China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mongolia, Vietnam, Korea, Kazakhstan, and South Africa.
Over the years, Yan has received awards and recognitions from local, state, national, and international leaders, most notably, induction into the Iowa Hall of Fame located at the State Historical Society Museum. He was a founding board member of the Iowa Asian Alliance and has been the President/Executive Director of the Chinese Association of Iowa since 2003.
As Executive Director of the Chinese Association of Iowa, he is a powerful influence and voice in the Chinese community. He established local Chinese cultural and business programs, organized community participation in various events around Iowa, and recruited several non-Chinese members to the association. The Chinese Association of Iowa meets throughout the year, with members ranging from youth to adults.
The Chinese New Year Celebration is the association's biggest event. This year, it was held at Waukee High School on Saturday, February 1st. The new year festivities are open to the public and include a Chinese luncheon, cultural exhibits, music, dancing, martial arts demonstrations, and a traditional lion dance. There is also an economic, cultural, and educational forum and the Iowa Chinese Achievement Awards Ceremony, which recognizes leaders in the community. “We think a lot of those awards because we believe in our recipients and their recognition in all parts of society. We want to hear their voice,” explained Yan.
Hilda Wolle, former President of the association, states that the primary goal of the Chinese Association of Iowa is to bring awareness of the Chinese living in Iowa and to participate in community events. “We try to be a part of other Asian groups’ celebrations and to help and volunteer our time. We truly believe that when we live in a community, we not only take but also make contributions,” explained Wolle.
Yan feels that different cultural backgrounds, languages, and beliefs are crucial to bringing people together. He works tirelessly to bring awareness and support to the local and statewide Chinese community on the issues of immigration, diversity, culture, community, youth, economic development, and international partnerships.
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Thank you for this interesting & informative article.