About Rooted Forward
Rooted Forward is guided by a board and program leadership team dedicated to growing resilient, entrepreneurial, and culturally engaged young people across South Jersey.
Board Members
An Nguyen
Chief Executive Officer and Director of STEMBox
An holds a PhD in biomedical engineering and previously worked as a high school teacher and college professor. She now works as an instructional designer, driven by a passion for education and preparing students for real life.
Mary Whipkey
Board Member
Mary is the former president of Camden Catholic High School, where she worked alongside An to pioneer STEM programs. Now retired, she is passionate about helping students develop executive function skills, design thinking, and leadership. Certified executive function coach life design practitioner and CEO of Moving Forward: Finding Your Purpose (movingforwardef.com)
Joseph Young
Board Member
Joe started lion dance over 30 years ago at the Chinese School of South Jersey with a goal of growing cultural presence. After stepping back due to the busyness of life, he revitalized the troupe alongside Linh in 2025. He brings experience as President and Board Member/Director of a National Trade Association, and is a second-generation business owner of 27 years and an investor who believes deeply in entrepreneurial spirit. He is also a mentor and coach for young people.
Linh Huynh
Director of South Jersey Lion Dance
Linh is An's sister and a physical therapist by trade. She coaches South Jersey Lion Dance, which has grown to over 30 active, regular members, and is ready to move the program to the next level with an official nonprofit and dedicated space.
Stephen Huynh
Treasurer
Stephen is Linh's husband and an electrician/IT professional by trade. He serves as Treasurer of the youth group and of the Amtrak Union.
Business Information
- EIN
- 42-3317645
- Incorporated
- June 26, 2026
- Mission Statement
- To nurture a deeply rooted, forward-thinking community by providing opportunities to develop resilience, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills, while fostering Asian cultural awareness and enrichment to help individuals thrive in an ever-changing environment.
Program Leadership
STEMBox
STEMBox is led by founder Dr. An Nguyen, who holds a PhD in biomedical engineering from Drexel University, alongside Assistant Director Katherine Nguyen and its team of robotics coaches.
South Jersey Lion Dance
South Jersey Lion Dance is led by Coach Linh and Coach Joe, who came together to revive the troupe and carry its tradition forward.