Mai Whelan is a philanthropist, author, and the first winner of Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge, where she won the $4.56 million prize in 2023.
Mai was born in Vietnam and came to the U.S. as a refugee when she was eight years old. She served 20 years in the U.S. Navy before becoming an immigration adjudicator for the Department of Homeland Security.
After winning Squid Game: The Challenge, Mai decided to use her newfound platform to highlight non-profits through her YouTube series, “Mother Mai”, focusing on causes such as animal welfare and community support. She continues to raise awareness for important causes and inspire others to make a positive impact on the world.
Topics we covered in the podcast include:
- Arriving in the US as an immigrant
- Joining the Navy and overcoming adversity
- Working as an Immigration Adjudicator
- Applying and winning Squid Game: The Challenge
- Philanthropy efforts and growth
- Advice to future reality TV show contestants and her younger self
How to get in touch with Mai:
Mai's Website: https://mothermai.com/
Mai's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammai287/
Mai's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@iammai287
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