Denise Chur-Yee Tso was born in San Francisco, California. She is the daughter of Thompson Tso and Virginia Tso. Her public profile also records a connection with the Los Angeles Chinese American community, including participation as a contestant in the 1979 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown pageant.
Tso studied journalism at the University of Southern California, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors and was recognized as a Presidential Scholar. She subsequently pursued postgraduate business studies at Loyola Marymount University. Her academic preparation combined journalism and communication with later business-oriented training.
Tso began her professional experience in the Los Angeles area as a community representative for the Los Angeles Unified School District from 1978 to 1980. During the same period, she worked with the University of Southern California's student news service, serving in an executive capacity and directing the student news service. From 1980 to 1981, she was marketing director of Pacific Gold Designers. She then worked as an investment and property manager for Colyear Development Corporation from 1982 to 1985. In 1985–1986, she served as a legal administrator with O'Connor and undertook an internship associated with Dunn & Crutcher/WSGP. Her professional profile later identified her as an investment consultant.
Tso has been associated with the University of Southern California President's Circle and the university's Junior Auxiliary. During her USC years, she belonged to Alpha Gamma Delta, serving as publicity coordinator in 1982 and secretary in 1982–1983. She has also been affiliated with Sigma Delta Chi, Alpha Mu Gamma, and Alpha Lambda Delta.
University of Southern California President's Circle , United States
University of Southern California Junior Auxiliary , United States
Served as publicity coordinator in 1982 and secretary during 1982–1983.
Alpha Gamma Delta , United States
1982 - 1983
Sigma Delta Chi , United States
Alpha Mu Gamma , United States
Alpha Lambda Delta , United States
Tso married Edward Yang Hsi on August 3, 1985. They have two children, Edward Yang Hsi II and Clarissa Sian Li-Hwa Hsi. Her parents are Thompson Tso and Virginia Tso.
