Meet Jane Tiphayachan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jane Tiphayachan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jane, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience stems from my 21-year battle with Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that has tested me in ways I never imagined but also instilled in me a deep gratitude for life and a warrior-like determination to fight every day. I’ve faced physical challenges like temporary paralysis, life-threatening flares, and intense recoveries, yet each obstacle has strengthened me into becoming the driven woman I am today, and taught me to embrace life’s difficulties as opportunities to turn my pain into purpose.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My journey has been anything but ordinary, and every step has led me to where I am today—pursuing my passion for helping others through the Love and Light Foundation. From a young age, I was inspired by my mother, Oii, who instilled in me the value of giving back. She always reminded my siblings and I that our trips to Thailand weren’t just about visiting family or enjoying a vacation—they were also opportunities to support the rural provinces where her roots are and where help is needed the most. Those early lessons shaped my understanding of the importance of community and the power of giving as a means to create lasting change.

I began my career in the beauty industry, a field I loved for its creativity and the chance to uplift others. While rewarding, I eventually felt called to focus on a mission addressing the needs of underserved communities.

A pivotal moment in my healing journey with Lupus took me to Thailand for alternative medicine, where I reconnected with the rural communities my mother grew up in. Together, we supported local schools, providing resources, meals, and opportunities for children to thrive. Witnessing how small efforts could create lasting change inspired the vision for the Love and Light Foundation.

Co-founded with my mother, Oii Nanta, and my partner, Jerry Chen, the foundation became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2024, though its roots go back over 20 years. Our mission is to empower children through education by providing learning materials, meals, school renovations, and scholarships to children in the provinces of Northern Thailand, partnering with schools to create sustainable change. Seeing a child receive their first school supplies or a family regain hope fuels our passion daily.

The Love and Light Foundation reflects our core values: resilience, connection, and building brighter futures. This year, we are excited to announce our Annual Fundraiser in November at Hometown Bowl in South San Francisco. In addition to this event, we are exploring opportunities to celebrate Southeast Asian culture, to unite our community for a great cause. Currently, we are focused on raising funds to help rebuild schools and replenish supplies damaged by Typhoon Yagi, which affected communities across Southeast Asia in September 2024. Details will be available on our website and social media, offering ways to get involved and support our mission.

For me, this work is about turning challenges into opportunities and ensuring every child has the chance to succeed. Helping others through the foundation allows me to live with purpose and share my light with the world—a privilege I treasure every day.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Although our foundation is still young, the journey leading up to the official establishment of our 501(c)(3) status has been a long one, filled with valuable lessons and growth. Without a doubt, passion, determination, and a strong sense of community are vital in driving our mission forward.

My advice to those starting out is to identify what excites and motivates you. When your work aligns with your passion, it becomes your greatest source of inspiration. Passion fueled my commitment to continue my mother’s life’s work of giving back to underserved communities. It inspired the creation of the Love and Light Foundation, with every effort feeding into this deeper purpose.

Determination has been essential in overcoming obstacles and staying focused on my vision. I encourage others to manifest their dreams but to also be ready to put in the work needed to achieve them. Don’t let setbacks discourage you, they are part of the journey; embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Lastly, a sense of community has been central to our journey. Networking and building relationships have been key to establishing the Love and Light Foundation. We are incredibly grateful for our donors, supporters, and volunteers who have helped us substantially along the way. My advice is to surround yourself with people who share your values and vision—collaboration amplifies your impact and keeps your mission alive.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Love and Light Foundation is collaborating with individuals, organizations, and businesses, who believe in the power of connection and compassion. We value visionaries who understand that education is the key to brighter futures.

Whether you’re a business looking to make a meaningful impact, a nonprofit with aligned missions, or an individual driven to create change, we invite you to join us in bringing love, light, and opportunity to underserved youth.

Connecting with us is simple. Reach out via our website, email, or social media, and take the first step toward empowering children to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo Credit: Andrew Smars, Maven Mayhem Media Agency

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