Cynthia “Empress” Yee​

 

Cynthia is the founder and director of Grant Avenue Follies, a senior cabaret troupe that celebrates the legacy of San Francisco Chinatown’s golden nightclub era. Cynthia curates the Showgirl Magic Museum in the underground Alcove of Clarion Performing Arts Center.

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She is a recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service.

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Born and raised in one of the alleys in San Francisco Chinatown, Cynthia was Miss Chinatown in 1967. Since then, she has been doing charity and entertainment work, connecting people and communities all over the Bay Area and beyond. Her work with young people began in 1996 when she founded the organization, Magicians with a Message, bringing workshops into the public schools. Cynthia is also the founder and director of Chinatown Magic (1992). Under this organization, she identifies and gives performing opportunities to young artists. Some of the successful artists that Cynthia has groomed include: Hollywood actress Krista Yu and reigning Miss Chinatown USA, Ashlyn Tsui. 

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Cynthia has taken the Follies to perform in Cuba, Shanghai, Hawaii, Seattle, Washington DC, Los Angeles and all over the Bay Area. Recent appearances include The Battery Club, City Club, University Club, UC Riverside and Jewish Community Center, etc. Cynthia has also appeared in numerous magazines, local and national news, talk shows, films and other social digital media.