Ms. Yu Han Huang, a resident of Valdez Plaza, is the deserving recipient of Satellite's 2007 Resident of the Year Award.  Originally a resident at Satellite Central from the time an employee encouraged her to apply for housing in1996, Ms. Huang moved to Valdez Plaza in 2001 to become the building’s Assistant Resident Manager.  Although she has since retired from that position, staff and residents describe Ms. Huang as someone who continues to unselfishly devote her time to making Valdez Plaza a great place to live.

Ms. Huang has voluntarily taken on many responsibilities at Valdez, including distributing food on a monthly basis to residents who have difficulty walking, translating for residents and staff, setting up for Resident Association meetings, securing the community rooms at night, and assisting with maintenance and security needs.  Ms. Huang is known by staff and residents as someone they can always count on; her dedication, kindness and warmth inspire everyone she meets.

Ms. Huang says she helps around the building because it keeps her busy, but staff and residents know that she provides the community at Valdez Plaza valuable services that encourage a secure and peaceful atmosphere.  Ms. Huang is modest about her efforts, attributing her volunteerism to her Buddhist philosophy.  “I am a Buddhist and I read the Bible everyday.  The Bible teaches you to be kind.  This is just who I am,” she says. 

Originally from China, Ms. Huang immigrated to Taiwan in 1949 when the Communist regime took control of the Chinese government.  At that time, she had just completed her studies and was looking forward to a career in finance.  Ms. Huang moved to California in 1966 after visiting her children and other friends who were already living in the United States.  “This is a good place to live,” she says, glad that she decided to plant new roots in the Bay Area.  “The transportation makes it easier to move around.”

Ms. Huang is just as modest about receiving the Resident of the Year award as she is about her volunteer work.  “I’m not special,” she says.  “I help with what I can and will continue to help the residents and staff for as long as I am able to.”

Satellite is glad to recognize the dedication and kindness of Ms. Yu Han Huang.