Story #86: Susan Lieu, Mission Hill Alum, Highlights Identity in Her Literature, Shows, and Podcasts
Susan Lieu ‘07, a Vietnamese-American author and playwright, has made a significant impact both in the arts and through her role with PBHA's Mission Hill Afterschool and Summer programs while an undergraduate in 2007. Her work focuses on empowering youth and fostering a love for storytelling, bridging her artistic endeavors with community service.
In PBHA’s 2023 Alumni Survey, Lieu shared:
“[PBHA] was the only place where I could reflect on the intersection of my privilege, passion, and purpose…I was able to evolve at PBHA, even when I messed up.”
Lieu was also a Stride scholar, a PBHA program that provides low income students with mentorship and support.
“At the Sunday Stride Rite dinners…I would leave those nights feeling less lonely and more like I belonged at Harvard. I would…leave feeling at ease.” - Susan Lieu
As the daughter of nail salon workers, Susan's personal experiences shape her acclaimed body of work. Her autobiographical solo theater show, 140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother, toured nationally, receiving accolades from the L.A. Times and NPR. She followed this success with Over 140 LBS, premiering while eight months pregnant and performing 60 shows within a year to over 7,000 audience members.
Susan’s debut memoir, The Manicurist’s Daughter, is celebrated as an Apple Book of the Month and has garnered praise from notable figures like V (formerly Eve Ensler). With speaking engagements at prestigious universities and organizations, including Harvard and Google, she continues to amplify her voice on issues of identity and resilience.
In addition to her artistic contributions, Susan serves as a board member for Asylum Access and co-hosts the Model Minority Moms podcast, reflecting her commitment to advocacy and community engagement. Susan Lieu’s journey exemplifies the power of storytelling to inspire change and uplift marginalized voices.
Read more about Lieu and her work here.
Moria Mannix (left) and Susan Lieu (right)
Photo from 2003 SUP BBQ.
David Dance (left) and Susan Lieu (right)
Photo from Service Day 2007.
