BIO
The interviewee’s name is Cookie Joe. Born in Houston, TX in 1953 to a Chinese immigrant father and a mother of Irish descent, Cookie went to local public high schools while also attending dance and performance classes. After graduating high school at the age of sixteen, Cookie attended the University of Houston for two years to continue her dance studies. While at University of Houston, Cookie participated in the Houston Miss Chinatown competition two times. Cookie won the local crown in 1972 and went on to participate in the National Miss Chinatown competition in San Francisco where she was crowned Second Princess. Cookie is still involved with the Miss Chinatown pageant in Houston, even chairing the event for many years. After Cookie’s crowning, she moved to New York City for a period of time to pursue dance professionally. In 1976, Cookie moved back to Texas to get married as well as open her own dance studio in Alief, TX. Through financial support from her father, Cookie was able to realize her true calling to teach; since 1976 she has opened two more dance studios. Cookie is also an active community contributor. She has done notable service for the Star of Hope Mission for the Homeless, the Joy Ministry, the Hope for Three, and the local Alief school district. She has received numerous awards and nominations, including the George and Martha Bush Points of Light Award, Dance Teacher of the Year, and the Houston Texans Community Quarterback. Currently, Cookie co-owns the Cookie Joe Dancin’ School in Sugar Land, TX. She is still very active, dancing and teaching seven days a week.