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Elizabeth Nye

executive director of Lan Su Chinese Garden

Elizabeth Nye envisions a world where equality, empathy and empowerment thrive. Her work at Lan Su Chinese Garden adds another layer to this vision, allowing her to cultivate a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and appreciation for the arts, while also fostering connections between people and nature.

Inspired by her family鈥檚 story of immigration to the United States, work is fueled by a belief in the power of this nation to welcome and nurture the dreams of those who come seeking a better future. When Nye stepped into her role as the executive director of Lan Su Chinese Garden, she set to work transforming the garden and the whole organization. She coordinated physical repairs and refinishing of the garden and its facilities, and also became an advocate within the Old Town China Town community, appealing for action among city members to help clean up the area and make it safer for visitors to visit.

Nye also ensured the Lan Su Chinese Garden became involved in the Oregon Rises Above Hate (ORAH) movement, which worked to defeat anti-Asian hate. Under her leadership, the organization has blossomed and has become a home that people from all walks of life can enjoy.

Christine Nickerson, Lan Su Board chair, describes Nye as a visionary.

鈥淟an Su Chinese Garden is more than a garden because of Elizabeth. The real magic of Elizabeth Nye is that she has breathed so much life back into this organization. I promise you, with her at the helm, Lan Su will become more and more of a Portland icon valuable community asset,鈥� she said.

As Nye looks at the future of her life and career, one thing is certain: she won鈥檛 shy away from hard work.

鈥淲hen I think about the moments that have yielded the most happiness and satisfaction in my career, they were times where I worked hard and overcame challenges,鈥� Nye said. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important to constantly push yourself out of your comfort zone and live in the growth zone. Just when you figure out how to do something and things feel comfortable, it鈥檚 time to push yourself higher.鈥�