Lanyi’s passion for cross-cultural exchange was sparked during her sophomore year in college in China, when she participated in the JAL summer program in Tokyo, Japan. There, she had the opportunity to connect with international students from across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, and to attend thought-provoking events like the “Music Transcending Borders” symposium, along with other immersive Japanese cultural programs. That formative experience opened her mind and inspired a lifelong curiosity about cultures beyond her own.

After earning her graduate degree in Finance and Business Administration in the US, Lanyi built a career in Corporate Finance in the San Francisco Bay Area, gaining over 15 years of experience in financial planning and analysis across global organizations. Despite the rewarding career path, she always carried with her the transformative impact of that early cross-cultural experience.

When she discovered VIA Programs through LinkedIn, Lanyi felt an immediate connection to its mission of bridging cultures and empowering young leaders. She is honored to be part of a purpose-driven organization that fosters mutual understanding and meaningful exchange between East and West.