Title: Senior Vice President of Planning and Vendor Management

Company: Quiksilver, Inc.

Location: Fountain Valley, Calif.

Attributing her success to her father, who is a pastor, Helen Hong learned from him how to find something that she was passionate about and to put her whole heart into what she did. Thanks to his influence, she always makes the best of whatever situation she is in. In five years, Ms. Hong intends to remain open to new opportunities, whether they are with a larger organization that is publicly traded, or a small company that she can help take to the next level.

Initially, Ms. Hong became involved in his profession after a church member wanted to recruit her to work for him in the footwear industry, sensing that she needed a bit more stimulation. She tried it and fell in love with it. Now, Ms. Hong is happy to serve Quiksilver, Inc. in her 16^th year, currently as senior vice president of planning and vendor management.