Early Life
Dorothy Chao Jenkins was born in Suzhou, China, in the 1940s. Her family moved to Taiwan, where her father, Ting Tsung "T.T." Chao, began a PVC business. The family later relocated to the United States, where T.T. Chao founded Westlake Chemical Corporation in 1986.
Rise to Success
Dorothy, along with her brothers James and Albert Chao, played key roles in the growth of Westlake Chemical. The company expanded through acquisitions and strategic growth, becoming a significant player in the chemicals and building products industry. Dorothy's career includes being a director of Westlake Chemical and service on the boards of several civic and educational organizations.
Key Business Strategies
Westlake's success is attributed to consistent growth through acquisitions, expansion of existing facilities, and new construction. The company’s focus on the olefins and vinyls sectors has driven substantial revenue growth, making it one of the largest companies in the U.S. by revenue.
Philanthropy
Dorothy Chao Jenkins and her family are involved in philanthropy through the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation. The foundation supports cultural, civic, and higher education institutions, with a focus on Texas. Key initiatives include supporting Rice University's Chao Center for Asian Studies and various programs at Houston Methodist.