Vivian Chow recently joined the Bush Foundation as its communications director. In this role, she will advance the Foundation’s mission by providing strategic leadership for communications. This includes sharing opportunities and grantee achievements, and shaping the Foundation’s bMagazine, website, social media and events such as this fall’s bushCONNECT.
“I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead the Bush Foundation’s communications strategy. I look forward to helping impact the communities and regions we serve by supporting the Foundation’s amazing staff, programs and recipients,” said Chow.
A multi-disciplined business strategist, Chow comes to the Bush Foundation after years of helping some of America’s biggest brands succeed. She worked in logistics at Procter & Gamble before moving to the Twin Cities in 2004 to join General Mills. There, she shifted to marketing, managing a wide range of consumer and commercial products. After an 11-year career at General Mills, she became the marketing and portfolio director for Rembrandt Foods. Chow earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
“Vivian brings a wealth of experience, a creative mind and a can-do spirit to our work. I’m excited to see her put her imprint on our communications, our events and more,” said Duchesne Drew, the Foundation’s Community Network Vice President. “Vivian is also one of the most curious people I’ve ever met. Her natural curiosity and inquisitiveness make her a great fit for an organization dedicated to strengthening our diverse region through spreading great ideas and investing in the people who power them.”
Chow has a passion for connecting people with ideas, resources, and knowledge to help them succeed. This is evident in her community work, which includes leadership and advisory roles for AscendNAAMBA, an Asian professional organization, St. Catherine University’s Business Advisory Council, and Greater MSP’s “Be MSP” initiative that supports retention of professionals of color.
An avid traveler, Chow has been to more than 70 countries and 40 states. Some of her favorite places are Istanbul, Krakow, and Zanzibar.
“I love exploring new places and learning about the culture and people there. I gain so much perspective and understanding about other people through my travels, and an appreciation for our similarities and differences. This shapes the way I approach life, work, and relationships with others.”