National President Maria Yang
Dear Members of OCAW:
I have been an active member of OCAW for more than 10 years, and previously served as the President of the Virginia Chapter from 2014 to 2017. In 2017, OCAW celebrated its 40th Anniversary, and I was pleased to contribute my time and efforts to make this event very successful and memorable. Five years later, in 2022, the National President, Christina Chang, asked me to serve again as the President of the Virginia Chapter and to help with the 45th Anniversary celebration, which I was happy to do. In late 2022, Christina announced her retirement after 12 years of leading OCAW and asked if I would consider taking the reins as National President. I humbly accepted this volunteer position and hope I can follow Christina’s example and make a strong contribution to OCAW.
As a women’s organization, we have come a long way in our 45 years of the journey toward equality
and empowerment. Yet there is still so much work to be done. I believe that this organization has
the potential to make a real impact on the lives of women in the community and the world, and I am
committed to continuing to achieve our goals.
Together, we will strive to break down the barriers that hold us back, empower women of all ages
and backgrounds, and create a world where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full
potential.
It is with great honor and humility that I am here today as your new National President. I am
deeply grateful for your trust and confidence in me to lead this organization toward greater
heights.
Let us move forward with hope and determination, knowing that we have the power to make a
difference in the world. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn and serve OCAW!
Sincerely, Maria Yang
National President
Happy Chinese New Year
Dear Members and Friends of OCAW,
Happy Chinese New Year! Wishing you and your family a healthy, prosperous, and successful year ahead.
Below is an excerpt from the cover page of the 2026 calendar, written by Khadro Chu Rinpoche and published by Yun Lin Temple in Berkeley, California:
“The year 2026 is the Year of the Horse (Bing Wu). ‘Bing’ belongs to the fire element among the Five Elements, making this a Fire Horse year – full of vitality and dynamic energy. In the Bing Wu Fire Horse year, the heavenly stem and earthly branch are both associated with fire and the southern direction. The heavenly stem ‘Bing’ corresponds to fire in the south, while the earthly branch ‘Wu’ is also located in the south and associated with fire. Thus, ‘Bing Wu’ represents a double-fire configuration.
The heavenly stem symbolizes the cyclical movement of heaven, while the earthly branch reflects the flow of earthly energy. This intensified fire pattern – fire combined with fire – creates a powerful interaction between heaven and earth, potentially bringing significant shocks or changes to the world. From a broader perspective, the Bing Wu year may witness major global events or profound transformations. It could mark an historic turning point or a defining moment. The immense challenges that arise may signal either the emergence of new opportunities or the onset of a crisis.”
Maria’s Poem
The Fragrance of Zongzi from My Mother The memory of taste lingers true, Warm and sweet, a scent I knew. The fragrance of my mother’s art, Her rice dumplings, made from heart. Some recall the night market’s cheer, A bustling past they hold dear. But for me, the scent so bright, Is soil rich and earth’s delight. Glutinous rice from fields we grew, Flocks that in the backyard flew. Radish dried in autumn’s light, Harvested with hands once tight. Time swept change, as seasons flow, Fields gave way to factories’ glow. Highways stretched where paddies lay, Trains now hum where farmers stayed. Yet still her hands, with love untold, Wrap the leaves in tender fold. The scent remains, it takes me home, To mother’s strength, her love, her own.
Washington, D.C.’s Famous Cherry Blossoms
Maria is the OCAW National President.)
Washington, D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms reached peak bloom on Friday, March 28, 2025, according to the National Park Service. This happened about a week after the city started its annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
Thousands of cherry trees with pink and white flowers surround the Tidal Basin and nearby parks, creating a beautiful scene near some of the city’s famous landmarks.
Peak bloom happens when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees, the most common type around the Tidal Basin, are in full bloom. The National Park Service, which tracks the trees each year, announced that the March 28 peak bloom was slightly earlier than the average date of April 3 but more than 10 days later than last year’s peak on March 17. Warmer temperatures usually cause the blossoms to bloom earlier.
Saturday, March 29, we went to see the cherry blossoms. Since it was during the three-day peak period, the flowers were in full bloom. The Metro trains were packed with local residents and tourists. Many people take the Metro instead of driving to avoid traffic and parking issues, getting off at the Smithsonian Metro station. Spring’s arrival and the beauty of the blossoms bring large crowds to the Tidal Basin. The best place to see them is around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, but there are also many trees along the Potomac River and Washington Channel in East Potomac Park.
According to the National Park Service, the idea to plant Japanese cherry trees in D.C. dates back to 1885, when writer and diplomat Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore first suggested it.
Japan gifted more than 3,000 cherry trees to the U.S. in 1912 as a symbol of friendship. That year, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and the Japanese ambassador’s wife, Viscountess Chinda Iwa, planted two Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin. Over the next few years, more trees were planted in the area. We are very fortunate to have this beautiful gift every springtime. 
Washington Monument behind the cherry blossoms.
Contact us. OCAW National Office
P O Box 3443
Oakton, VA 22124
E-mail: info@ocawwomen.org
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