After publication of this article, Linking the World removed the "Donate" button and the video with the TIME cover from its website. Chris Riva Leaving FOX19 NOW: Where Is the Cincinnati Anchor Going? While not a paid position, the fellowship provided her a credible platform and a title that could be listed on her rsum and open more doors. An auction bid from 2015, is a despicable example of correlation with no foundation. Just before lunch, NBC News posted a triple-bylined investigative piece outlining how Chang. But if you are not very qualified then it's a great chance to get in there.". 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As an example of the support Akin Gump provides to Linking the World, the firm petitioned the FAA for our Section 333 Exemption, which qualifies us to fly UAVs in domestic airspace in support of disaster operations. By the time Rep. McCaul issued the recommendation letter, Chang's nomination was moving ahead thanks to her own contacts in the administration, said a spokesperson for the congressman, Kaylin Minton. Even a cursory online search would provide evidence of our activities since 2001, and I have summarized 2001 2015 here: https://www.linkingtheworld.org/ltw-brief-history-2001-2015. However, no official record of this exists. Chang says in her official biography that she is as an "alumna" of Harvard Business School. The interviewer says Chang brought the Time cover to the interview as an example of her work. He is a graduate of Georgetown University and New York Law School and previously worked in financial securities compliance and Civil Rights employment law. "The White House goes into very great detail 'Have you ever been divorced, have you ever been arrested?'" She showed up at international conferences, including a 2015 event in the German city of Stuttgart with defense contractors that carry out work in Africa. A spokesman for Chang said Bulatao did not "have any part in Ms. Chang's appointment within the State Department." We do not just provide rhetoric and philosophical thought; in fact, we go light on the philosophy. The IRS revoked the organization's tax exempt status in May this year for failing to file its annual filings for the past three years, according to the agency's website. that she made up a [U.N.] panel, wasnt entitled to call herself an alumna of HBS, or actively brought a picture to an interview, then, perhaps, Ill consider participating in a fair process.". The questions were not seeking to profile Mina or the organization, as any objective reporter would have done. Chang also claimed to be a graduate of the United States Army War College National Security Seminar, a Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive in National and International Security, and a former International Security Fellow at New America. "Linking the World provides hunger relief, medical aid," she said. The State Department vetting is supposed to examine tax returns, any unexplained wealth, social media accounts, the status of domestic staff, any inappropriate or worrisome track record in the workplace and any potential questions about integrity, said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, former director general of the foreign service and director of personnel at the State Department. Chang cultivated an active social media profile, presenting herself as a globe-trotting humanitarian, and appeared at well-heeled charity dinners in Dallas, including a "Women That Soar" dinner and a Dallas Opera event. In a 2015 speech, Chang said, "we have in-house canine search and rescue teams." Mina Changs husband, Jake Harriman, is a graduate of the U.S. So, for clarity, Mina is very happily engaged to the ever so wonderful Jake Harriman. "It was like trying to weave a narrative out of whole cloth," said someone familiar with Chang's nonprofit. ". At a 2018 awards dinner of defense contractors in Washington, Chang made a point of introducing herself to an official who she eventually would succeed at the State Department as a deputy assistant secretary, said a source who attended the event said. Chang showed up with stuff to give out at a bunch of locations around . But her focus soon shifted to presenting herself as a passionate humanitarian. Those included a former intern and a former senior development adviser for Linking the World, Michael Baker. He said he has resubmitted the forms and expects the "administrative issue" to be resolved soon. Mina did participate at both the RNC/DNC conventions through an event called Global Oval, one of many events that are side bars to the main convention. Mina has 1 job listed on their profile. Her sisters names are Abigail and Sony Chang. [11] The nomination was withdrawn on September 9, 2019. Facebook banner picture for defense contractor Automotive Management Services(AMS) featuring Mina Chang. Moreover, she has also been accused of inflating her work with the organization. Chang attended a seven-week course at the college in 2016 but . It . The event will featured leaders from government, military, journalism, academia, and the private sector exploring questions of international security and defense, bringing together interdisciplinary experts working to develop new paradigms for understanding and addressing the changing nature of armed conflict and systematic violence.====================================New America is dedicated to the renewal of American politics, prosperity, and purpose in the digital age through big ideas, technological innovation, next generation politics, and creative engagement with broad audiences. The only educational institute NBC was able to find was not mentioned in Changs government biography, but was mentioned on her LinkedIn account. A 24-year-old former Trump campaign volunteer, Taylor Weyeneth, rose to a senior job in the White House drug policy office without any relevant professional experience. She was writing songs for other artists before she was signed to a label and recording albums in both English and Korean. She continues to perform at charity events and released a holiday album in 2009. Update 11/14: I can imagine an independent person reading this and wondering who is telling the truth, how can these media organizations get it so wrong? Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politics. Why only to 2015? Our research efforts blend together traditional approaches of a think tank with modern and future-leaning tools of a high-tech business intelligence firm. We must continue to work together, sharing information and acting as leading voices to elevate diplomacy and development alongside defense to build a stronger, better, and safer world for all. But it's unclear precisely what contributions her organization made to relief efforts. She has correctly stated that she is an alumnus of the school, and that is an absolute right conferred from the Advanced Management Program she attended, that is categorically proven by the Harvard Business School here: (https://www.exed.hbs.edu/advanced-management-program/). ", "Chang eyed as next US envoy to Philippines", "Trump official inflated rsum, report reveals and created fake Time cover", "Senior Trump official Mina Chang 'faked Time magazine cover and inflated claims in CV', "Unfortunately, I Love the State Department Scammer", "How To Tell a Fake TIME Cover From a Real One", "Global Outlook Interview with Mary Sit, January 2017", "Mina Chang Wiki, Age, Husband & Facts About the State Department Official with the Fake Time Cover", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mina_Chang&oldid=1122959723, This page was last edited on 20 November 2022, at 22:14. Spring 2023 Course. Chang received no compensation from the nonprofit, according to the group's tax filings. Chang claimed that she is "an alumna of the Harvard Business School" who has "addressed . An international K-pop singer! "They should know how to properly report their program accomplishments and also address other required asks.". In 2015, her charity received tax exempt status from the IRS, according to public records. "It does seem that this administration has not been doing the same depth of vetting as previous administrations," said James Pfiffner, a George Mason University professor and expert on the executive branch who once worked in the government's Office of Personnel Management, which does vetting. asks the interviewer, who hosts a YouTube show. One House staffer who met her in Washington found the Time cover when Googling Chang's name and assumed it was real, "That made me think she was legit," the former staffer said. "They want to see talented people with integrity appointed to senior positions. [15][16], On November 12, 2019, NBC News reported that Chang had "embellished her rsum with misleading claims about her professional background" prior to joining the United States Department of State. Heres a glimpse of her approach to solving the worlds most pressing issues. Time magazine spokesperson Kristin Matzen said the cover is "not authentic.". She has often cited her organization's work with drones in humanitarian relief efforts but four experts in that field said they had not heard of her organization. 4:00AM. Faculty Type. In past administrations, White House staff carefully checked a potential appointee's education and work bona fides, as well as any court cases or criminal records that could be damaging, said Pfiffner of George Mason. Shame on you every outlet that picked up this story without doing your own research and merely surmised the erroneous positions of the original. local news and culture, Stephen Young At the time, Chang had multiple websites promoting her work. A former West Point faculty member and a source familiar with the matter said the program was quickly scrapped, after it became apparent the nonprofit was not doing much work and the interns were sitting in a mostly empty office. Mina Chang Wiki Full Name: Mina Chang Nick Name: Mina DOB: 1984 Born: Washington, D.C. Mina Trinity Chang (born 1984) has deleted or switched to private her social profiles in the wake of the NBC News investigation. Chang was originally being considered for an even more senior government post in which she would have overseen the U.S. Agency for International Development's work in Asia. Join the Observer community and help support That issue related to receipt of our 2016 and 2017 returns. The Panel in question was the Expert Panel for Humanitarian UAVs convened on November 14, 2014 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Mina Chang, US State Department deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, has extensive experience in conflict areas such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia. After crafting a public image as a humanitarian "thought leader" with help from paid media and public relations consultants, she ingratiated herself with prominent Republicans in Dallas and former military officers, former colleagues said. [9], Prior to 2010, Chang performed as a pop singer, touring internationally and recording albums in both English and Korean. "Well, we started using drone technology in disaster response and so that was when the whole talk of how is technology being used to save lives in disaster response scenarios, I suppose I brought some attention to that," Chang said. She was raised in inner-city Atlanta, which shaped her beliefs about the importance of education. A fake Time magazine cover with Mina Chang. But in Chang's numerous public speeches she did not mention the Korean organization, saying instead that she was CEO of an "international relief organization" based out of Dallas that works in 40 countries. New York, NY 10036-6518; Peer Reviews. [5], In January 2017, Chang spoke at the Asia Society Texas Center's Women's Leadership Series as a featured guest. She was an ambassador for Linking the World in Seoul, South Korea. Several key claims in Changs official government biography were refuted. [2][3], Chang, a Korean-American,[4] claims to be the child of two Salvation Army officers and allegedly spent her childhood in Atlanta. By 2014, she had set up Linking the World under the umbrella of a local foundation in Dallas, according to the foundation. Emeritus Professors. Dan De Luceis a reporter for the NBC News Investigative Unit. [21][22] In response to the interviewer's question: "Here you are on Time magazine, congratulations! To be clear, we have operated in 43 countries, built schools, medical clinics, and countless other activities serving thousands upon thousands of those most in need. McCaul, through a spokesperson, said he now has a different perspective on Chang's qualifications. (Photo by Chance Yeh/WireImage). official government biography were refuted. As CEO of the NGO, Linking the World, her work expands the globe to alleviate suffering, inspire hope and to break the cycle of poverty thats impacting almost half the worlds population - or over three billion people. Chang, however, had links to businesses outside of her NGO, according to her charity's website and Texas public records. Chang had no apparent ties to President Donald Trump's political campaign, but Brian Bulatao, a former West Point classmate and business partner of Secretary of State Pompeo, was invited to fundraising events for her charity, according to Ian Dailey, the former chief of staff of her nonprofit. [emailprotected]. According to a wild report from NBC News,State Department deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Conflict and Stability Operations Mina Chang, 35, lied about graduating from Harvard and severely embellished her work experience as the CEO of a nonprofit organization called Linking the World. [23], Chang's State Department biography remained unchanged following the NBC News report until it was removed on November 18, 2019. Mina Chang (born October 29, 1984)[1] is an American singer, activist, and former government official. We create broad awareness of Americas unique role in the world. She also established contacts with the U.S. military. University Attended: Harvard Law School. Mina Chang Assistant United States Attorney at United States Attorneys' Offices Henderson, Nevada, United States 240 followers 238 connections Join to connect United States Attorneys' Offices. Anyone who reads her online articles would know that she has both supported and been critical of the current administration. Her information from the State Department mentions she is an "alumna" of Harvard Business School. . To secure her job at the State Department in April, Chang leveraged social connections to senior officials who could help open the doors to the administration, including Brian Bulatao, a close friend and deputy to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; a State Department official and former defense contractor who she succeeded as deputy assistant secretary, Pete Marocco; and a congressional staffer for key GOP lawmaker Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, multiple sources said. Harriman is a graduate of the U.S. The gap between Chang's actual qualifications and her claims appears to be the latest example of lax vetting by the Trump administration, which has become known for its many job vacancies and appointments made without thorough screening. The Dallas residents LinkedIn mentions that she studied Development/Aid Practices at the University of the Nations, Executive Nonprofit Leadership at Southern Methodist University, Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School, and National and International Security at the Harvard Kennedy School. At first glance, Chang's body of work appears impressive. She was appointed to the State Department post in the interim. [5] In a May 2014 interview, Chang claimed to hold a degree in international development from the University of Hawaii, concentrating on mission work and aid practices. One such thing she claimed is having been on a U.N. panel discussing the use of drones in humanitarian efforts. The fake Time cover is attributed to her job as the CEO of the nonprofit Linking the World, which seems to be relevant to her job in the State Department. 3 credit (s) M, T 10:15am - 11:45am. Also Read:Melissa Cohen Wiki, Facts to Know About Hunter Bidens New Wife. The administration announced an intent to nominate her in late 2018. Ari Sen is a freelance journalist and former investigative unit intern at NBC News currently studying at UC Berkeleys Graduate School of Journalism. She is not the first White House official to put their face on a fake Time magazine cover. independent local journalism in Dallas. Meet The Trump Staffer Caught In A Web Of Resume Lies", "Senior Trump official embellished rsum, had face on fake Time cover", "State Department staffer resigns after allegations she inflated her resume", "Trump names Korean-American woman as USAID assistant administrator", "Singer-Turned-Activist Mina Chang Now Faces the Biggest Challenge of Her Life", "Senior Trump admin official Mina Chang resigns after NBC News report", "Mina Chang falsified resume with UH degree", "How did Mina Chang get a State Department job in the first place? Documents and videos prove she had spoken at separate eventsin Philadelphia and Cleveland during the same time as the conventions. WASHINGTON Mina Chang figured out how to work the levers in Dallas and in the nation's capital, making connections with key figures and cultivating an online image, until her overblown. I said, 'Pull the interns.'". One year Bulatao bid on an auction item that resulted in a $5,500 donation to the group, Dailey said. Pfiffner said. and help keep the future of the Observer, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our, Dallas Observer's The Morning After Brunch. Our unique research efforts provide the accurate and tested knowledge necessary to then engage local, state, federal, and international stakeholders to promote our mission and to advocate for policies that will not only make our country safer, but will help lift up vulnerable communities abroad. 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According to a wild report from NBC News, State Department deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Conflict and Stability Operations Mina Chang, 35, lied about graduating from Harvard and severely embellished her work experience as the CEO of a nonprofit organization called Linking the World. Before she resigned last week and took it down, her Facebook account had 77,000 followers. When Chang was mentioned as a possible candidate for ambassador to the Philippines in local media in Manila, newspapers wrote incorrectly that she was a "Harvard graduate." She was appointed to the State Department post in the interim. "She spent almost two decades building herself out of thin air.". She didnt give up singing entirely. Her website conveyed dynamic activity and on-the-ground aid operations, even though the reality often had Chang traveling to a location on trips paid for by defense contractors, former colleagues said. Like Mina Chang , who made a fake cover of herself on time magazine. Dailey, Changs former colleague at the nonprofit, said the group did operate in 40 countries over two decades, including when the organization was registered in South Korea. Chang has a daughter named Trinity from her previous marriage.[24]. We as a people need to be better than this, we need to hold reporters, politicians and ourselves to account. However, I am not so constrained, and when I communicated with the reporter, I raised this issue with him, and asked him to expand the questions being directed towards me. She has boasted about her work in multiple talks and speeches, which are shared on the website. Several policies we are currently focused on promoting are the following: - Winning the hearts and minds of those around the world most at risk to becoming victims of violent extremism. Prior to joining PLS, he was a Samuel I. Golieb Fellow in Legal History at NYU School of Law from 2019-2020. Chang represented the cover as genuine and replied: "We started using drone technology in disaster response, and so that was when the whole talk of how is technology being used to save lives in disaster response scenarios and I suppose I brought some attention to that". Akin Gump is consistently ranked as one of the top government relations practices in Washington, D.C.both by publications and peersthe public law and policy practice draws on the considerable governmental and bipartisan political experience of their lawyers and advocacy professionals, including former Members of Congress, congressional staff and other lawyers with considerable experience in government service, many of whom also engage in outside political activities. The McCaul staffer "was one of many social connections she had in D.C., and she was well on the way to obtaining a position when the letter was sent," Minton said. She was being considered for another government position overseeing a major budget when Congress began asking about her rsum. Mina loves her position at State and decided to withdraw herself from the process to focus on stabilization operations. Animals and Pets Anime Art Cars and Motor Vehicles Crafts and DIY Culture, Race, and Ethnicity Ethics and Philosophy Fashion Food and Drink History Hobbies Law Learning and Education Military Movies Music Place Podcasts and Streamers Politics Programming Reading, Writing, and Literature Religion and Spirituality Science Tabletop Games . A review of her nonprofit's IRS returns from 2014 and 2015 shows no information about operating or building schools, and offers no details about staff devoted to managing aid projects on the ground in those countries. In public remarks in 2015 she said her group worked in 40 countries: "We have in-house K9 search and rescue teams, we have testified in front of hearing committees on Capitol Hill, we've done things like lectured at West Point, brief chiefs of staff at the Pentagon.". Well, we started using drone technology in disaster response and so that was when the whole talk of how is technology being used to save lives in disaster response scenarios, I suppose I brought some attention to that, Chang responded. For those who know us, for those who have overwhelmed us with your love and support, we thank you. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the Trump administration has consistently failed to thoroughly screen candidates for senior posts. Laura Strickler is a senior investigative producer and reporter for NBC News. State Department staffer got job with embellished resume, fake Time magazine cover. Chang's appointment is the latest administration hire to come under scrutiny since President Donald Trump entered office. An NBC News investigation found that Mina Chang, the deputy assistant secretary in the State Department's Bureau of Conflict and Stability Operations, has inflated her educational achievements and exaggerated the scope of her nonprofit's work. According to the university, Chang attended a seven-week course in 2016, and does not hold a degree from the institution. Mina Chang, the deputy assistant secretary in the State Department's Bureau of Conflict and Stability Operations, falsely claims to be a Harvard grad, and exaggerated the scope of her.