Can one change make a difference? Can one
person make a difference? Our answer:
definitely. Change, however, comes in many
forms. German-born, Taiwanese actress Ning
Chang has a multi-faceted approach. Successful
acting career? Check. Law degree, plus a tireless
dedication to social responsibility initiatives?
She’s got that, too.

As if that weren’t enough, Ning recently decided
to make the sacred trek up Mount Kailish in
Tibet China. To prepare for the 32 mile hike and
an altitude of 18,000 feet, she not only
conditioned her body, but also her mind through
meditation. In doing so, Ning discovered a
stronger, healthier lifestyle that has carried her
far beyond her (successful!) climb.

She became determined to empower others to
embrace healthy habits, going far beyond your
basic charitable efforts. Ning traveled to Haiti to
bring focus to the clean water epidemic. She’s
helped care for children with congenital heart
disease in Tibet. In Vietnam, she worked to bring
awareness to their sanitation issues. Since 2005
she has participated in more than 35 initiatives
around the world.

Ning's overall message is that self-improvement
and positive change happen on an individual
scale—no passport or planes required. She is a
firm believer that making one small change in
your daily routine can lead to an all around
healthier and happier life. Which is why we are
celebrating Ning, along with five other
remarkable women, as a Difference Maker, and
telling her empowering story to inspire women
around the world to make a difference, too,
whether it be big or small.

The Wink: What gives you the confidence
to put yourself out there? 
Ning Chang: Failure. I heard so many “no’s”
appreciate my failures because they teach me 
areas where I can improve.before actually
landing a role as an actress.I appreciate
my failures because they teach me
areas where I can improve.

TW: So, you have a law degree? What
made you pursue that?
NC: Many people have asked me: "Do you feel
that having a Juris Master degree is a waste of
time now that you are an actress?” I have never
regretted studying law. It taught me a more
logical way of processing my thoughts and
actions. Success in any area takes hard work.
That, in itself, has shaped my approach to life,
my work, and my values.

TW: If you weren’t an actress, what other
career path would you have chosen?
NC: If I were not an actress, I would love to be a
teacher.

TW: How important is makeup in your
life?
NC: I wear makeup when attending events or
filming.  I usually ask the makeup artist to do a
more natural look—I have healthy skin, and I
want to show it off!

TW: What’s the one beauty product that
instantly makes you feel confident?
NC: Lip balm. Even with no makeup, a
moisturized face and lips with a hint of color can
make you look fresh and healthy.

TW: If you could give women one piece of
advice, what would it be?
NC: You can make a difference.

TW: What does it mean to be a Difference
Maker?
NC: It means that you’re doing something good.
It’s using your voice and being persistent towards
the change you want to see in the world. Even a
small gesture may have a large impact on
someone else.

TW: Every person has a dream, what is
yours?
NC: My dream is to build a public welfare
foundation so that I can continue to support and
bring awareness to the cause of public and
personal health.

TW: What keeps you motivated?
NC: Knowing that I only get one life to live, and I
need to make it the best. I try to seize every
opportunity knowing that if I miss one, it doesn’t
come back again.

Words: Alix Light Perez