Misty Copeland
Prima Ballerina / Philanthropist
BEING IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Yao comes from humble beginnings, the only child of a train driver, she says that her father was “a very humble person” who had a great influence on her.
Yao has redefined what a leading lady can be in China and has embraced a diversity of leading roles.
Yao has opened new doors for mature actors and actresses, founding her own studio.
PUTTING SPOTLIGHT ON OTHERS
Yao has used her influence as UNHCR Goodwill ambassador to bring attention and raise significant funds for refugees in Asia, with great impact. The UNHCR saw the number of donations from mainland China triple between 2012 and 2013
She ‘tries to use her popularity to share good values’ and is in part why Yao is among one of the most followed people on Weibo with 79 million followers.
