F REIGN TRADE - 中国国际贸易促进委员会

This inspiring story reminds us that well-rounded success– in business, family, and community – need not be elusive,especially when diligence, imagination, and love are inabundance. Leeshan Birney, an immigrant from Taiwan, sawher dreams come true in America. She successfully createda growing business, nurtured a lasting marriage of 44 years,raised three talented children, and became a leader androle model in her community. In addition, she inspiredher husband and son to join her in the business,creating a family company led bystrong shared values. Now herdream is to inspire other womento become entrepreneursthemselves, while also findingsuccess and happiness in theirfamilies and communities.An Oriental RoseBlossoming in the U.S. Real Estate Industry— Leeshan Birney, founder and chairman of Stone Mountain PropertiesUS postageChina postageBy Alice YangThirty-one years ago, an immigranthousewife fromTaiwan, with three youngchildren and no previousbusiness experience, decided to start acompany. She found her way into realestate, creating Stone Mountain Properties.Her determination, drive andcan-do attitude resulted in major successes,attracted her husband and sonto join her in the business, and eventuallyled to her recognition, domesticallyand internationally, as a leadingentrepreneur and role model. This isthe story of Mrs. Leeshan Birney, anaward-winning Chinese Americanentrepreneur, who amongst those whoknow her, is legendary for her extremedetermination, inexhaustible dedication,and warm kindness.East meets west: A love story inAmericaLeeshan Chuang was born inTaiwan. Leeshan was passionate aboutschool, and her passion rewarded herdramatically when her employer encouragedher to study abroad. In 1963,she headed to New York City for anexciting new life journey. While studyingnutrition at Columbia University,she met a tall American named JamesBirney. They fell in love, and in August1968, despite the disapproval ofhis family, James married Leeshan at asimple but solemn wedding ceremony.Determined to prove herself, she eventuallywon not only her in-laws’ acceptancebut also their love, and she helpedthe Birney family to prosper.Her eldest son Ceyan was born onChristmas Eve in 1970. One year later,she received her second master degree,an MBA degree in Economics fromNew York University. Her two daughtersMayling and Shanlenn were bornover the next several years. To care forher growing family and provide a goodstable home, she decided to become fulltimedevoted mother and wife. Leeshansays, “I never regretted my decision to66