Houston's Asian American Journeys: Gordon Quan
Produced in partnership with the University of St. Thomas MAX Studios and Yetter Coleman LLP
Born in Guangzhou, China, Gordon Quan is a native Houstonian in spirit. With experience teaching and practicing immigration law across various communities in Houston, Quan has shown a deep love for this great city and a strong belief that a future of equal opportunity for success is within our grasp. He urges Asian Americans to become involved in their local politics and form strong bonds to combat ignorance and establish positive relations within our diverse nation. Watch his videos to hear his experiences growing up in a multicultural city, his role in the development of Bellaire’s Chinatown, and his long-term goals to fighting anti-Asian hate by fostering interaction and acceptance across our diverse communities.
On Coming to Houston and Finding Opportunities
On Developing Chinatown and Civic Engagement
Gordon Quan was born in Guangzhou, China, and raised between San Antonio and Houston, developing a great love for Texas. Quan studied at the University of Texas and received two degrees in history and government. After receiving his teaching credentials, he taught in the Houston School District for many years. During his time as a teacher, Quan worked towards his master’s degree in guidance and counseling at the University of Houston and towards his law degree from the South Texas College of Law.
Quan later founded his immigration firm, Quan, Burdette & Perez PC, in early 1980 and has been selected to Super Lawyers from 2003-2022 as a top-rated attorney. He is a Co-Founder of FosterQuan, LLP and currently serves as a Managing Partner of the Quan Law Group, PLLC. Quan has also served as a City of Houston Mayor Pro-Tem in 2002, and as a Houston City Council member in the at-large Position 2 until November of 2005.
About Houston's Asian American Journeys
In partnership with the University of St. Thomas MAX Studios, Asia Society Texas presents a new video series, Houston's Asian American Journeys. Through short video interviews with local Asian Americans, the series illuminates the voices that make up a vital part of the most diverse city in the U.S.
Featuring Houstonians who reflect the richness and diversity of the local Asian American communities, the series highlights a variety of experiences, cultures, religions, and ethnicities and explores themes of identity, memory, and shared humanity. In sharing these personal journeys, Asia Society Texas and the University of St. Thomas seek to build empathy and connectivity between people, as well as deepen our collective understanding of Asian American experiences in Houston.
About the University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas is a comprehensive university, grounded in the liberal arts. Committed to the unity of all knowledge, we offer programs in the traditional liberal arts, professional, and skill-based disciplines. Graduates of the University of St. Thomas think critically, communicate effectively, succeed professionally and lead ethically.
By pursuing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service, we embody and instill in our students the core values of our founders, the Basilian Fathers: goodness, discipline and knowledge. We foster engagement in a diverse, collaborative community, and our student body reflects the rich diversity of the city itself. We welcome undergraduate and graduate students of all faiths and of no faith.
About UST Max Studios
In his lifetime, St. Maximilian Kolbe founded and ran a radio station and several publications. It is in this tradition that University of St. Thomas – Houston steps into the realm of digital content creation through MAX Studios. Inspired by St. Maximilian’s passion and emboldened by St. John Paul II’s words in his encyclical “Redemptoris Missio,” MAX Studios’ goal is to provide fresh monthly content and conversation. MAX Studios aims to encounter the surrounding culture while highlighting the diversity of the Catholic Faith Tradition.
About Asia Society Texas
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.
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