In honor of Women’s Day, She Magazine is proud to feature remarkable women whose resilience and determination have paved the way for change. In this special edition, we present the inspiring journey of Casey Zhang—a woman who turned her struggles into strength and her dreams into reality. From a small village in China to becoming a leader in health and entrepreneurship, Casey’s story embodies the power of courage, perseverance, and self-belief.
Can you imagine being a little girl, just four or five years old, in a small rural village in China?
I was one of five children in my family, living with my parents and grandmother. My parents and grandmother worked tirelessly on the farm just to survive. Life was hard. But even at that young age, I had already made a decision – I was going to change my family’s future. I had no idea how, but I knew I couldn’t stay in that village forever.
My grandmother always told me, “If you want a different life, study hard. Education is your way out.” So I buried myself in books, not because I loved studying, but because I was terrified of being stuck in that village. Fear was my greatest motivation.
I remember being jealous of the smartest students in my class- those who seemed to effortlessly take the top spots while I had to work twice as hard just to come in second or third. That jealousy fueled me. But over time, I realized that comparing myself to others wasn’t the answer. True success isn’t about being the best – It’s about becoming your best. I studied relentlessly and eventually earned a place in a nursing college. It was my ticket out of the village and into the city. I thought my future was set – I would become a nurse, secure a stable job, and provide for my family. And for a while, it seemed like that was enough.
I worked in a prestigious teaching hospital as an orthopaedic nurse, but deep inside, I felt restless. My wages were barely enough to support my parents. While other nurses spent their free time socializing and dancing, I enrolled in night university to study English.
Why English? Because I had a dream- to see the world beyond China.
Although I originally planned to go to Singapore, fate had other plans. Just before leaving, my brother introduced me to Zhi Ming Chen. That meeting changed everything, and now, after 29 years of marriage, I see how love and partnership have shaped my journey in ways I never imagined.
Coming to Australia should have felt like a dream come true, but I found myself in another struggle. I didn’t want to just be a wife, raising children in a foreign country. So once again, I threw myself into studying. I completed my nursing qualifications in Australia, became an operating theatre nurse, and at the same time, we started our family in 2000.
But then, life forced me to slow down.
I faced challenges with my eye health. The doctor needed to dilate my pupils, making it impossible for me to work. For the first time, I was forced to stop and ask myself: What am I really doing? I had spent my entire life chasing security, but at what cost?
Through my own journey to restore my health, I discovered a new purpose. I realized that every family needs a Health Champion – someone who safeguards the family’s well-being, both physically and spiritually. That realization led me to step away from nursing and into entrepreneurship.
Leaving behind a 19-year nursing career to start a business was terrifying. I had no business skills. I didn’t know how to talk to people about health in a different way. I didn’t know how to approach doctors, professionals, or even potential customers. But just like every other challenge in my life, I took it on, step by step.
Empowering Others to Rise
Since becoming a full-time USANA Associate on July 1st, 2008, this journey has never been just about me. It has been about creating a movement – a community of empowered individuals who take ownership of their health and choices. Success isn’t just personal – it’s about lifting others.
And on February 22nd, 2025, I was honored with the Dr. Denis Waitley Leadership Award for Business Excellence. This recognition is not about one individual – it is a reflection of a shared vision and collective action. It is proof that when we rise, we bring others with us.
This journey has taught me that:
- You don’t need to have all the answers to begin. Take one step, and the next step will reveal itself.
- Your challenges are not barriers; they are your training ground. Every struggle strengthens your ability to lead and inspire.
- The power of choice is yours. You can choose to stay in fear or step into the limitless possibilities of abundance.
With Deep Gratitude and Humility
This award is a testament to the power of consistent action, unwavering belief, and the strength of a shared vision. It represents the transformation from individual achievement to empowering others in a movement of abundance and limitless possibilities.
USANA’s vision of creating the healthiest family on earth is far greater than any individual effort. Success is not just about personal gain – it is about building a tribe, a community where others can rise, make empowered choices, and live with freedom.
Heartfelt Acknowledgment
To those who have shaped this journey – this award belongs to all of us:
Special honour to my late father, Ronghua Zhang 张荣华, and my mother, Xueniu Lin
林雪钮—My father’s love and generosity laid the foundation of my journey, and my mother’s unwavering presence continues to guide me.
A heartfelt thank you to my mother, Xueniu Lin 林雪钮, now 85 years old—Your unconditional love and steadfast support have been my greatest strength through every step of life.
My self-discovery journey – As an immigrant mother in business, USANA has been the perfect platform to prioritize health, create impact, and build a meaningful life.
My precious family – My husband Zhi Ming Clarence Chen 陈智明, our children Jessica Zhang 张颖瑜 & Tom Jia, Samantha 陈泽淇, Amanda Zhang Chen 陈张泽莹, Jeremy Chen 陈麒全; Grand Nieces Mia and Amelia Jia, your love, presence, and support fuel this journey every day.
Honour my late brother, Ya Sen Zhang
张雅森, as well as my beloved brothers and sisters-in-law: Zheng Yuli 郑玉丽, Ya Dong Zhang 张雅东 & Shi Yanping 石燕萍, Ya Shui Zhang 张雅水, Jianding Li 李建定 & Meizhu Li 李美珠. My heartfelt gratitude also extends to my nephews and nieces-in-law, grandnieces and grandnephews, and all my extended family, including Zhi Ming’s family in China, for your unwavering trust and support in me.
Uncle Seng Aun Teoh 张成安 and Cousin 张丽仙, who inspire me and remind me that success is in our DNA.
Dr. Myron Wentz – Founder of USANA – Your vision has transformed millions of lives, including ours.
USANA Australia & New Zealand – A heartfelt thank you to David Mulham, Rochelle Potter, Baktash Fazel, Nirmit Sanjay, Stephen Ma, Jason Li, Sophia Wang and the entire USANA ANZ team for your unwavering support.
Our Mentors – Bill, Jenny, and Richard Huang, 17-Star Diamond Directors • Denis Waitley Award Winner • Vision Award Winner • Distributor of the Year • Foundation Executive Diamond Directors • Asia Pacific President’s Award Winner • USANA Chairman’s Club Members, and Mentors of Success Team International – Your faith and mentorship have been invaluable.
Our USANA sponsors – James Zheng & Echo Lin, Jeremy Stansfield (Founder of Success Team International – STI), and the entire STI Australia & New Zealand team and team associates, including Ping Huang, Jackson Shi, Shirley Yao Shi, Jenny Zhong Hong Cai, Neville & Leslie Hawkins, Patricia Martinez & Miguel Vega, George Ioannidis, Hsing Ting Sung, Dondon Bales, Sarita Verma, Sonia Sodhi, Kate Queen, Florence Abera, Hannington Kizungu, Firas Jirjees (FJ Fitness Smithfield), Charu Mahajan (Procure Physio), Stephen & Irene Emmas, Joan Stone, Garry Weiss, Andrew Spence, Dashan Gill, Jane Button, Mary Qi Ying Li, Tanius Ahmed, Rim Habib, Jun Chin Tsai, Jack Hii, Helen Wang, Kim Anh To, Anna Perdriau, Jessica Lacey, Emma Lacey, Jeff Warland, Brian & Val English, Sue Chen, Jason Gan, Kristen Maine, Kaveeta Prasad, Anahita Saeidnia, Peter, Michael & Sophia Yek, Kevin Xiang, William Rhegina McLeod, Lisa Lee, Gerry Balms,
沈建萍, 陈伟靖, 邱婧娟, 永春郑婷婷, 李梅华, and many more. Your partnership and participation in USANA inspire me daily.
Our precious USANA clients – Anthony & Nancy Gregoraci, Le Binh Dao, 陈宝光太太, 秋生, 施姐, 王姐, Pq Blessing PL Merrylands Lancy & 秀莲姐, Nexus Cafe Ping Kang, Sahar, Rouba, and many others. Thank you for trusting me to support you, your health, and your families.
Our Executive Admin – Linh Quach, together with Joya Regondola and Sonia Turrillo. Linh, your initiative in outsourcing administrative tasks has been invaluable.
My life coach, Peg Thatcher – Since 2017, your insights have profoundly shaped my journey.
Landmark Worldwide & the Wisdom Unlimited Community – Since 2013, you have expanded my perspective and empowered my growth.
Neish Chowdhury from Living Lively Your Money, Your Journey, for expanding my understanding of money and its value.
My Image Consultant – Mikky Shen, thank you for your quick responses whenever I need fashion advice while shopping or consulting with you.
Business Network International (BNI) since 2018 – Deep gratitude to Rebecca Raad, Debra Manson, and the BNI Prime, BNI Norwest, and BNI Penrith teams for fostering growth and connections.
The Empowered BWB (Tiya Gorain) & She Magazine (Alpana Srivastava) since 2023 – Thank you for amplifying voices and creating spaces for empowered women.
The Charity RRIC (2024) – Kate Queen – Honored to be part of a mission that makes a difference.
Lions Club (2025) – Rissa McInnes, Blacktown Ponds Lions Club Inc. President – Excited to contribute to a legacy of service and impact.
My best friend, Chunyan Li – Thank you for your enormous trust and support.
Amy Shen, Bob Lin & Mary Ma, USANA 12-Star Diamond Directors – Your belief and encouragement have uplifted us from the very beginning.
If I haven’t mentioned your name here, please know that you are equally important to me and my journey.
https://unitedsuccessinternational.usana.com/ux/dotcom/enu-AU/home
A Vision Beyond This Moment
This award is not just about leadership- it represents the power of serving others. It is about empowering people to make choices based on abundance, not fear. It is about embracing a limitless future and lifting others as we rise.
We are expanding this mission beyond ourselves:
- Engaging the Indian & local communities through Lunch & Learn sessions with Sony Sodhi.
- Businss to business partnerships – Offering free health assessments at Cubby House for CEOs, staff, and parents, members of BNI (Business Network International) Sydney North West & Penrith, WIB (Women in Business) and RRIC (Right Respect Indepedence Connect);
- Collaborating with local gyms like FJ to promote holistic well-being.
A New Beginning – Together
This moment marks the start of an even greater journey. With Dr. Wentz’s vision in our hearts and Dr. Denis Waitley’s leadership as our guide, we are committed to carrying this mission forward – to share the message of empowerment, wellness, and leadership with all who are ready to embrace it.
An Invitation to Step Forward
What would it mean for you to be part of a vision that creates healthier families, stronger leaders, and a life of true purpose?
This is not just my story. This is our story. Each one of us holds the power to impact the world – and together, we will.
“Casey Zhang’s journey proves that success is not about where you start, but about having the courage to take the next step. From nursing to entrepreneurship, she empowers others to rise and embrace a life of abundance.”
