Many of us are familiar with and fond of the Netflix sensation, Squid Game. However, were you aware that this beloved series has been adapted into a television game competition called Squid Game: The Challenge? If not, you're in for a treat, as Mai Whelan, the victorious contestant from the show, is here to share her winning strategies. Mai Whelan's remarkable journey from conquering challenges like Red Light, Green Light to fearlessly crossing the treacherous Glass Bridge game exemplifies her unwavering persistence and the transformative power of courage, regardless of one's background. Following her triumph in the Squid Game: The Challenge, Mai has continued her inspiring journey by extending a helping hand to those less fortunate through her ongoing philanthropic endeavors. Read on to learn more about Mai Whelan.

Where are you based?
I am currently based in North Carolina to be closer to my granddaughter.

What inspired you to join Netflix's Squid Game: The Challenge?
My husband, Jay, persuaded me to watch Squid Game, and I was hooked on the show. Since I love the games, they were playing, he saw an ad about the casting call for SGTC, he forwarded it to me, without hesitation I submitted the application the same day.

Congratulations on winning the competition. What stands out as the most memorable moment for you throughout the series?
When Chad was on the bridge and looked back at me and asked which way to jump. My heart stopped because I could not bear the guilt if I told him a wrong move.

What was your strategy going into the competition?
The only strategy I had was watching the show repeatedly to make sure I had the techniques down to play the games.

Were there any lessons you learned during your time on the show?
Alliances were meant to be broken when it is an individual game. To decide the priority between the friends or winning the jack pot.

What was the hardest challenge for you?
The hardest was the random elimination of players. It put fear in me because I don’t know what the other player thinks of me to warrant a vote or pick me because of what I have or haven’t done; right or wrong in their eyes.

How has winning the competition changed your life?
I haven’t grasped the idea of winning other than focusing more on the causes I believe in, which include environmental, animal welfare, underprivileged people and using the $4.56 million for those causes. And most importantly to stay grounded.

Everyone is obsessed with your rock-paper-scissors skills. What is your trick?
All I know is what I have learned from the past playing with kids and adults alike. The data formulated to the perception of symbolism between a male and female. Males tend to pick rock or scissor because of the symbolism of strength and paper is symbolized as flimsy while most females choose paper.

Your story of moving from Vietnam to the United States is truly inspiring. How do you maintain connections with your Vietnamese heritage while living in a different country?
As a child adapting to the American culture coupled with respecting what my family taught me was challenging. There were many moments of friction on what I learned through peers and coming home to a traditional Vietnamese culture. I have had my fair chances of a spanking from my mother up until I left my family.

We heard that you support multiple organizations like Unbound, Conservation International, Humane Society of the United States, USO, and Paws of War. What do you hope to achieve by supporting these organizations?
I am 57 this year and I have accumulated a lot of information about our world. I asked myself each day, do I stay selfish and not lift a finger or do I want change? I pick the latter. I hope to reinforce kindness in all of us and find solution for a more humane and hospitable environment for all to live by and admire the beauty of our world.

Why are they important to you?
Empowerment to change is the path I want, to make a difference in awareness, showing kindness, lifting people out of poverty by not exploiting them but giving them an education. Hopefully they will turn around and make an impact to society for the better.

You are clearly an animal lover. Why is this topic so important to you?
People say money makes the world go around, but it is false. Unconditional love from animals, is what makes us feel good inside. It is contagious and spreads the good feelings. If we could return the favor for all animals that are tortured, neglected, exploited for our gains, which is completely inhuman, we should.

We heard that you recently had a philanthropic trip to Guatemala through your connections with Unbound. Can you tell us about your trip?
My first awareness trip to Guatemala with Unbound was back in 2015. In addition to financial support, I want to visit them to connect to find out about each other. It is more personable and humbling to be a part of their community. I haven’t been back due to work and COVID. Recently when my husband went to Guatemala for work, I found an opportunity to visit them. After nine years, the boys have grown into young adults. There was a lot of catching up. Overall, I wanted to show them how much I admired their tenacity to stay in school to make a difference in their lives.

We've learned that you're scheduled to speak at Virginia's USCIS Women's History Month Event. Could you elaborate on why you believe it's crucial to highlight the significance of women's contributions?
The history of women has suppressed their intelligence and creativeness, but our nurturing instincts are continually overcoming barriers. In my own life, I was suppressed by name calling that puts me in a shell. All the challenges I faced as a minority woman, it drove me even harder to break the model of insignificance of biases. Males and females are people. People have a voice to collaborate and make a better society.

Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to other refugees or immigrants who are striving to succeed in America?
Any person can reach equality through an open mind and willingness to accept feedback. Feedback is a gift to learn on how to instill tenacity and come out one step ahead of the person not willing to break the mold of pity.

Are there any future competitions or challenges you're considering entering?
I have no plans on entering any reality TV shows. The only competitions or challenges I am entering are my paths to make our world a better place.

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
Now you are speaking my language. My upcoming projects is called Mother Mai. I am going around the country to interview charitable organizations, celebrities, and people who have impacted our society. Piloting in May. “Mei Day – Pay Day. I am giving out money to those who have good intention to support in my cause. Change takes time and money. I will supplement for change during the filming of this pilot. My non-profit t-shirts and book are in the works.

It's been a crazy past few years. How have you been staying positive?
For me to stay positive is hard, but one thing that keeps me that way is my ability to share, listen, and talk to people about everyone’s struggles with life’s challenges and what we do to overcome it. My podcast is that.

What is your motto in life? Any final words of wisdom?
“A prospect of two takings, progress or digress depends on our connection to the world.” Mai Whelan

To learn more about Mai Whelan, please follow the links below.
Instagram - iammai287
https://mothermai.com

Mai Whelan - Number 287