The Journey of my Heart
Allyson Tang, Founder
Dream big or don’t dream at all. It might be destiny that the word “Ally” appears in my name because my life’s mission is to be an ally for children, a champion of their dreams. Every child has been blessed with a unique gift and without support, that dream might be lost. Empowering children to reach their highest potential enables their inner light to shine.
My life’s journey is the human spirit’s quest to transform tragedy into triumph. Born in a war torn country, surviving a refugee camp, raised by my courageous mother with four siblings, as a child immigrant to the U.S. – these challenges propelled me to have an unshakeable will to succeed and instilled in me a deep compassion for others.
From my earliest childhood memory, I danced to liberate my soul and to discover joy. My body became a strong instrument of self expression, respect and discipline. My hope is to inspire children to strive for excellence, not perfection, to believe in themselves, their dreams and to never give up.
With a degree from USC in accounting, I began my career at Deloitte and thereafter launched my own production company. I produced the Discovery Channel documentary Little Warriors to celebrate the courage of children born with HIV/AIDS. At the age of 31, I began ballet training and performed with Prima Ballerina Diana Vishneva in AlléCat the Ballet Cat. I produced this video to provide children with an opportunity to learn to dance, stay fit and gain self-esteem.
In 2014, Angel Shine Foundation (ASF) was established with the global mission to provide educational scholarships to gifted children and support arts programs.
Today, we are proud to be the major education partner of NYC Ballet, and I am honored to serve as NYC Ballet’s board member and education ambassador. It warms my heart to know that our scholars are now living their dreams against all odds, shining on stage as they perform with preeminent dance companies. My faith in God, myself, and others has made the impossible now possible.
I would like to thank all the angels in the world, especially my mother, Madelene, our amazing ASF board members, our generous donors and most of all, my beloved late husband, Dr. Thomas Widmann, a brilliant cardiologist who took great care of my heart. Thomas said, “Love is the best medicine for humans.” If someone asked, “What if it doesn’t work?” He answered with a smile, “Increase the dose.”
