As a Product Designer and Design Strategist, Yvonne Lin finds every opportunity she can to create things for girls and women.
“The reason I do that is right now in the world there are a lot more guy designers than girl designers,” said Yvonne Lin, speaking to a crowd of 3rd-graders gathered in the Burnett Elementary School library. “There’s actually 80% more guy designers. But if you look at who uses the products, it’s 80% women.”
Recognizing this, Lin has exercised her designing prowess to work on products for companies like Nike, designing sports bras that are functional yet attractive-looking. She has also designed Nerf guns with girls in mind, going against the grain by making them cool, tough, and sleek-looking…
Lin’s products carry a cutting-edge vibe; they’re in direct alignment with the times we’re living in, wherein girls and women are beginning to step into the light, the better to be more vividly seen and heard.
Lin is also an author. She has written books on design, yet her latest book blazes down a whole new pathway: It’s entitled The A to Z of Wonder Women, and it highlights 26 extraordinary women who’ve made a profound impact on the world.
She wrote the book with her 2 children, ages 2 and 4, in mind.
Although it was written for children to experience and enjoy, the book is full of such eye-catching drawings and fascinating tidbits that adults will also find themselves eagerly turning the pages.
The FongSong Life Foundation teamed up with the Milpitas Community Educational Endowment (MCEE) to host Lin, and also send her out to present her book at a few Title 1 elementary schools in Milpitas — Weller, Burnett, and Randall/Rose. This past Tuesday, March 26, Lin came out to speak about the products she has designed, and talk about the revolutionary things that the women in her book have accomplished. She also gave away free copies.
The FongSong Life Foundation, which is run by Lin’s parents, donated a total of 250 books to students and teachers. The Foundation also provides scholarships to students, and works to enhance the educational experience of community children.
“The kids were really excited. They asked a lot of questions, and were very enthusiastic. We’re going to ask the teachers later what the reaction was after they’ve had a chance to read the books,” said Yolie Garcia, an MCEE representative.
Lin, who grew up in the Los Gatos area, currently lives in New York City. She currently has 2 other children’s books in the works.
