Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund
The vision of the Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund (AWLPF) housed at the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF) is to empower, cultivate, and recognize Asian American women as philanthropic leaders to invest in community-based organizations focusing on advocating and empowering underserved Asian American women and girls.
Established in June 2021 and supported by its founding co-chairs Julia Gouw and Carol Choi, AWLPF’s ultimate goals are to enhance philanthropy of Asian American Women leaders by reinforcing bonds and social networking; providing philanthropic platform for the next generation of Asian American women leader; and adopting collaborative approaches to support the next generation of Asian American women to make a difference in all fields.
Women who are interested in joining the fund can pledge $10,000 annually to support Asian American women. For more information, please contact Chun-Yen Chen at chunyen@apcf.org or (213) 624-6400 ext. 2.
Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund
Leadership Team
Julia S. Gouw is Retired President, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of East West Bancorp, Inc. and East West Bank – one of the top 30 largest banks in the nation that serves as the financial bridge between U.S. and China. The bank’s outstanding performance has won its recognition as one of the top 15 of “America 100 Best Banks” by Forbes.
Gouw was ranked one of the “25 Most Powerful Women in Banking” five times by American Banker magazine and has received the Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Women Making a Difference” award two times in recognition of her achievements and contributions. She has also been selected among Los Angeles Business Journal’s “L.A.’s Top Women in Finance”. Gouw has been named Philanthropist of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners in Los Angeles. She understands the power of education, thus she actively contributes to medical research, education programs, environmental conservancy program and other organizations to improve the lives of people.
Gouw was a board member of the Trusteeship, an International Women’s Forum affiliate organization that connects preeminent women in leadership positions across various professional fields.
Gouw currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Pacific Life, one of the largest insurance companies in the country and a Fortune 500 company. She also serves as a board of director of ECMC, an education and student loan guaranty agency and a Chairwoman of Piermont Bank, a newly licensed bank in New York.
Gouw was appointed as a Commissioner of Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) in September 2016. The OIAA provides overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of Ontario International Airport in Southern California.
Gouw is a member of the Board of Advisors of the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. She was the founding chair of Executive Advisory Board of the UCLA Women’s Health to promote women’s health both in research and medical treatments. She also endowed the UCLA Chair of Mood Disorders Research especially in women in memory of Dr. Lori Altshuler.
Born and raised in Indonesia, Gouw came to the United States in 1978 where she earned her B.S. degree in accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Founder
Julia Gouw
Carol graduated from UC Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology from the Francisco J. Ayala School of Biological Sciences. She went onto graduate from USC with a Masters in Business Administration and Public Health (MBA/MPH). In 1993, Carol established United Exchange Corporation (UEC) specializing in the sales, marketing and distribution of Consumer Packaged Goods throughout the U.S., Pacific Asia and Latin American regions. Through her work, UEC has been recognized as a good corporate citizen and valued community service provider in the diverse cultural neighborhoods of Los Angeles and Orange County. Carol volunteers on several university advisory boards, including as trustees of the UCI Foundation and as members of the UCI School of Law Board of Visitors. As a child of Korean immigrants, she believes no dream is too big, and has a passion for paying it forward to her kids, community and the next generation of students and immigrants.
Co-Chair
Carol Choi
Claudia Lin, the Founder of Legacy Maker LLC, has worked in the financial services, insurance, risk management and legal industry for over 24 years. Concurrently as Senior Vice President at HUB International Insurance Services, Claudia is dedicated to helping businesses and entrepreneurs with holistic strategies and precise execution in global insurance programs, risk management, philanthropic giving, and financial planning throughout the world.
A member of Forbes Business Development Council, CHIEF (network of women leaders), and board member of Chinese Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles, Claudia was most recently listed as LA Top 50 Visionary Commercial Real Estate Advisors on LA Times B2B Publishing. She is also awarded “Best Risk Management Consultant” by Corporate LiveWire London, 2019 and “Most Influential Person” by Global CP Women Shanghai 2019. She is a frequent speaker on the subjects of Board Governance, Risk Management, and Insurance planning in construction, real estate, M&A, and other industry verticals.
Born in Taiwan and raised by a village of strong entrepreneurial women, Claudia saw her mother transform from an introvert homemaker to well-respected entrepreneur in a very conservative male-dominated culture. She saw her mother and aunts build successful small fashion & jewelry boutiques with hard work, intuitive creativity, and passion of giving the customers the most personalized care and excellent services. Claudia carries this attribute with an innate drive for excellence, passion and giving throughout her life.
Claudia is deeply committed to following her life mission to help others achieve their goals and leave behind a legacy with God’s purpose. Being a passionate music lover, she was appointed to serve as a commissioner at Los Angeles County’s Arts Commission from 2015 to 2019, and continue to support the Arts & Cultural organization, such as Blue Ribbon Women’s group in The Music Center in Los Angeles, Women Leadership Council, East Meets West Parent Education Club, and served as the president of Harvard-Westlake Chinese Cultural Club.
Claudia obtained her MBA from USC Marshall School of Business, and attended Harvard Business School and UC Berkeley and UC Irvine, with Corporate Director, AI Strategy, and Financial Planning certificates respectively. She obtained her Finance BA from CSU Fullerton. Claudia’s pride and joy are her three sons James, Joseph and Matthew.
Co-Chair
Claudia Lin
As Executive Director of the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF), Chun-Yen provides executive leadership and directs operations and grantmaking for the organization. Previously as project-based Development Director, she cultivated major donors to grow its Donor-Advised Fund as well as the scholarship program. Chun-Yen has over 20 years of professional working experience in non-profit executive management and fund development, state government budgetary analysis, and academic faculty fields. As Community Development Officer at a community bank in Southern California, she worked closely with the FDIC, Federal Reserve Bank, and other regulatory agencies to develop collaboration and partnership among financial institutions and non-profits to bring qualified Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) services, investment, and donation opportunities to low and moderate income communities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. As Senior Budget Examiner in the New York State Government, she analyzed state agency fiscal operations, developed budgetary and policy recommendations, evaluated proposed legislation, and monitored revenue and expenditures for the Governor. Chun-Yen is active in her community, serving as a recreation commissioner for the City of San Marino and as a board member of the Chinese Club of San Marino. Born and raised in Taiwan, Chun-Yen received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from National Taiwan University and master’s degree as well as doctoral candidacy in Public Administration from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, SUNY at Albany.
Asian Pacific Community Fund
Chun-Yen Chen
Active Members
Angel Chen is a Managing Director in Deutsche Bank Wealth Management's Family Office Practice. Angel is multicultural & community motivated. She and her team work with corporate executives, private equity, real estate enterprises, hedge fund principals, entrepreneurs domiciled in the US and abroad, family foundations, and family offices. Her team focuses on solving complex issues involving financing needs, investments and cash management, capital markets and strategies for estate and tax planning. Angel has over 20 years of professional experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank, Angel was a Senior Vice President/Private Banking Team Lead at City National Bank's Private Bank.
Angel is a native of Taipei, Taiwan. She spent her childhood there, getting accustomed to the fast-paced city life which still fascinates her to this day. As a youth, she experienced a bit of a culture shock when she moved to the beautiful Laguna Beach. She adapted quickly, but still kept true to her city roots. She pursued and received degrees in Economics and Business Management from UC Irvine and then went on to receive an MBA in Global Asset Management in her spare time from her full-time job.
Angel began her career in Orange County, learning skills in banking, credit, cash-flow analysis, tax planning and estate planning services. Because she was so attracted to the financial center of Los Angeles, Angel moved her base of operations to downtown LA where she became the top leading Manager at her bank for many years running. Since then, her coverage has grown to include clients all over Greater Los Angeles and its surrounding affluent areas: Santa Barbara, Orange County, San Diego and even the San Francisco Bay Area.
Angel is philanthropically inspired. She has an interest and commitment towards community activism and also as a women's advocate. She volunteers time to serve on several boards for civic and charitable organizations. In addition, Angel is one of the original founders of Asian Woman in Business Southern California and she is an active member of the UC Irvine Alumni. Other than her passion for her career and community associated affairs, she considers herself a “foodie” and enjoys enhancing her culinary skills by participating in cooking classes and hosting various seasonal/festive gatherings. She is also a firm believer in the positive effects of health and fitness. She enjoys spending time at her home nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains with her husband Glen, their son Leonardo, and their dog Rolly.
Angel Chen
Luyi was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. She spent 9 years studying abroad in Taiwan before coming to the United States for college. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Master of Science degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Cal State Fullerton. She taught ESL at Mt. San Antonio College for a year before blossoming in her career as a news anchor at ETTV, a Chinese-speaking TV station headquartered in Taiwan. As the US correspondent, she started her news career following Arnold Schwarzenegger during the gubernatorial election in 2004. Her coverage later grew to include presidential elections and Hollywood entertainment news with interviewees spanning from Chinese President Hu Jin Tao to Bill Gates, Donald Trump and A-list movie stars having premiers and junket interviews.
After getting married and having two children, she turned her focus to raising her family and running her family business. Despite a full working schedule, she continues to utilize her multilinguistic skills and network resources to make positive impact in the community. She is a loud advocate for education and public safety, frequently seen volunteering at her children's schools and community events. She's recently awarded the "Heart of Gold" recognition and California State PTA Honorary Service Award for her years of contributions.
Luyi Khasi
Michelle is a Chinese-Indonesian entrepreneur, advisor and granddaughter of Mochtar Riady, the founder of international conglomerate Lippo Group. Drawing from her multi-faceted background, Michelle’s ambition and marketing skills are the backbone behind Chisel & Tool’s successful launch where its design-build approach assists California homeowners in benefiting from the updated ADU law. A graduate from Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California, she was also former director of a commercial real estate firm in Indonesia. She grew up in Jakarta before advancing her life in the United States in 2000. Michelle is a mother to three children and wife to Isaac Bliss Tanihaha, a seasoned real estate developer and construction engineer. As a passionate believer in lifelong learning, she thrives to integrate her Christian faith with purposeful living while furthering her career in philanthropic activities.
Michelle Riady
Eve Yen, the founder, co-owner, and CEO of Diamond Wipes International, inc., is originally from Taiwan. She arrived in California as a first-generation immigrant 20 some odd years ago. Shortly thereafter, Eve started her own business, making and selling hand wipes to local Chinese restaurants. She simply wanted to support her family, but with her passion for hardwork, Diamond Wipes has now grown to the largest wet wipe manufacturer to the west of the Rockies, with over 400 employees.
Though working tirelessly was critical to her success, Eve finds herself very lucky and grateful for many the people who also worked hard by her side throughout the years. To give back, she is now devoting herself to helping others like her, eagerly wanting to contribute to society. “I learned the way of doing good for others from my parents and grandparents. They always helped people without claiming credit. They taught me that one should be grateful and give back what you have earned to the community “remembers Eve.
APCF was introduced to Eve by her friend Jeremy a decade ago. She since served on the board of directors. Eve personally and professionally shared some key values held by the organization, two of which were to help small organizations and nurture future leaders — of minority origin — from local communities. “They may not have much, which makes it hard for them to pursue their dreams. I want to offer them a hand” explains Eve.
Diamond Wipes scholarship program was thus born, designed to help recipients better navigate toward their higher education goals. “I believe knowledge is a powerful tool. Education is its foundation and the key to a better life,” states Eve. “I want to support and inspire the motivated young people to go to college and achieve their life goals.”
“The more you give, the more you get,” recites Eve. “Always be grateful for what you have, help those in need, and give back to society.”
Eve Yen
As Chief Brand Officer, Andrea Cherng leads the growth and development of the Panda family of brands through strategy development, menu and concept innovation, marketing, and quality assurance.
Andrea has a lifelong connection with the company, which has fostered a deep sense of stewardship for the Panda brands and its family of associates. Her first formal leadership position at Panda was in establishing and leading the Digital Business team and the creation of the company’s digital marketing strategy, social media and e-commerce platforms. Her career path has also included successful stops as vice president of a Silicon Valley marketing consulting firm, as an attorney at global law firm Morrison & Foerster and work in the not-for-profit and public sectors focusing on disconnected youth and human rights.
Andrea earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and Asian American studies, graduating magna cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania, a law degree with honors from Duke University School of Law and a Master of Business Administration concentrating in marketing and strategic management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Andrea Cherng
Award winning real estate executive and philanthropist with a proven track record of leading cross functional teams of nonprofit personnel to mobilize support through community outreach and business development initiatives.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
- Collaborate with national business partners and C-level executives to develop custom tailored fundraising solutions and outreach initiatives to effectively mobilize support
- Design, implement, and execute comprehensive development plans to identify and secure funding
- Proven success coordinating and executing fundraising events, board meetings, and conferences
- Lead project scope and strategy including event design, staffing, program plans, budgets, and promotions
- Promote communication and establish policies/procedures to seamlessly transition between projects
- Propose and execute strategic communication plans to execute key initiatives
- Create and deliver messaging to transform organizational vision into strategic community outreach campaigns
- Build relationships with partners, board members, and stakeholders to curate a portfolio of donors/sponsors
- Identify key issues and develop project plans and operational plans to deliver value to the community
- Bilingual in English and Korean
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE The Autism Community in Action (TACA)
Executive Board Member
2016 – Present
Serve on the board of trustees to spearhead initiatives to help families living with autism navigate related challenges.
Co-chair the annual AnteUp for Autism event for up to 360 attendees, and raise nearly $1 million per event.
Refocused the 2020 event to an engaging virtual event in light of the global pandemic.
Liaise with internal teams and industry partners to source and secure corporate sponsors for the event, and
coordinate event from initial planning through execution including venue sourcing and vendor negotiations.
Increase event growth and community awareness by an average of 25%-30% year over year.
Facilitated $4 million in donations over a five year period, which has resulted in annual scholarships of over
$200,000 for families in need. Assist with mobilizing over 72,000 constituents and 340,000+ social media
followers to raise funds in order to support and bring hope to families living with autism.
Collaborate with nine board members, corporate partners, and members to strengthen TACA’s commitment
to families by increasing the budget by 41% throughout tenure to expand and fortify internal programs,
which led to 19% growth in 2019 alone.
Scout, hire, and onboard executive leadership for the organization, and conduct annual reviews to evaluate
executive salary levels and compensation packages.
Analyze organizational resources to conduct resource allocation in line with the $2.5 million annual budget.
RE/MAX Real Estate
Broker 1989 – Present Forge long-term relationships and cultivate loyalty with Fortune 500 companies as one of the nation’s premier
agents and top negotiators in the Southern California market with over 2,500 properties sold.
Served as the listing broker for portfolio of $750,000,000 lender owned properties for clients including Fannie Mae, Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, and Deutsche Bank.
Analyze market data to assist bank asset managers with home sale preparation, valuation, rehabilitation, and closing using custom tailored marketing strategies.
Led a team of 10 internal staff to accelerate productivity of real estate transactions.
Recognized for excellence and was named #1 Residential Agent in the US in 2011.
Inducted into the prestigious Circle of Legends network with RE/MAX.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science: Biology – Brown University
Yang-Uk Kim
Sesilia Song is President and Chief Executive Officer of JC Sales, a wholesale company that specializes in general merchandise. Prior to joining JC Sales, she was a partner at a global accounting firm where she worked for 22 years.
Sesilia graduated from Wellesley College with a major in sociology and a minor in computer science. After college, she served one year with Americorps National Civilian Community Corps. After her dedicated year of community service, she attended Northeastern University School of Law. Sesilia is a member of the California Bar (inactive) and the California Board of Accountancy.
Sesilia enjoys mentoring and investing in future generations.
Sesilia Song
Susie Yoon is the founder of Skinesque, a South Korean skincare line that offers gentle formulations suitable for all skin types, with a focus on sensitive skin.
After transitioning from a corporate attorney to a mother of two, she launched Skinesque in 2015 to address the needs of the Western market with inspired South Korean formulations. Since its launch, Skinesque has experienced remarkable growth and collaborates with both small and large retailers. Drawing on her extensive experience and connections with South Korean manufacturers and skincare experts, she provides expertise, mentorship, and consulting in sourcing, formulation, regulations, and branding for companies.
She is the president of the Parent Association at her children’s elementary and middle schools, a member of the school district’s Coordinating Council, and a representative on the Superintendent Advisory Board. Passionate about promoting AAPI culture, education, and literature among youth, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments in schools.
She looks forward to serving the community alongside like-minded women who empower, mentor, and invest in future generations.
Susie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Economic Studies from UC Berkeley, and a law degree from UC Davis School of Law. She was born in Venezuela, raised in California, and currently resides in Orange County with her husband, daughter, son, and dog.
Susie Yoon
Jennet Chow, the Founder and Co-CEO of Evolution Design Lab (EDL) and Jellypop Shoes, is a second-generation Taiwanese-American native to Southern California. She's an advocate for AANHPI and women-owned businesses. For her contributions, she was recently recognized as one of Inc. Magazine's 2021 Female Founders 100 and EDL was also awarded Inc.’s Best in Business in 2023 for putting purpose before profit.
As a child, Jennet spent her weekends at swap meets, starting at 5 AM to set up and sell shoes as her family’s side business. Over time, her family eventually became a footwear enterprise selling shoes in every major department store in the US under the company Prima Royale Enterprises. Learning from her parents’ work ethic, she simultaneously worked multiple high school jobs, gaining experience in the fashion industry.
At 20, she earned an AA in Apparel Manufacturing Management at FIDM where she merged her passion for design, marketing, and business. While in school, Jennet began recruiting employees to develop a design and marketing department. Soon after, she continued with her studies at UCLA earning her B.A. in Psychology to further her passion for developmental psychology, mental health, and culture in the workplace.
In 2009, at 29 years old, Jennet went on to found EDL, a tech-focused company that manages the entire supply chain of shoe manufacturing, from design to production, using their in-house novel software StyleManager and Segovia. Today, they help other companies in the industry streamline a full-circle software. The company manufactures and distributes over 6 million pairs of shoes throughout the US every year to big box publicly traded retailers.
Driven by her humble beginnings, Jennet remains committed to empowering other women, educating youth, and giving back to her community. As an early leading force within Women in the Footwear Industry (WIFI), she served as a founding LA Chapter Chair under the Two Ten Foundation. She continues to champion women's leadership, speaking alongside Martha Stewart at the 2023 Women Who Rock event and spearheading events with Young Professional Groups. Additionally, Jennet educates high school and college students on entrepreneurship and the fashion business.
EDL works exclusively with safe and ethical factories and is known as a design house that manufactures and distributes affordable shoes for women, kids, and toddlers throughout the US and Canada. They create footwear for big box retailers (JCPenney, DSW, Famous Footwear, Shoe Carnival, Nordstrom Rack, and Kohls), focusing on creating comfortable, stylish, and affordable vegan shoes for women and girls of all ages.
Jennet serves on four boards and is an advisor to two companies. As Vice Chair of the Asian Business Association, she educates and empowers Asian-owned businesses. In education, she served on the board of High Point Academy (K-8th grade) from 2018-2022, chairing their Enrollment Committee and participating in their Strategic Planning Committee. Currently, she sits on the board at Flintridge Preparatory School in La Canada. In the footwear industry, she serves on the board of the Two Ten Foundation, providing scholarships and support for people in the field. Additionally, she is part of the Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund, investing in, advocating for, and empowering underserved Asian American women and girls. Jennet also advises Liberty Road, a community for individuals over 40, and supports Asian startups through the nonprofit Asian Founded.
Jennet donates shoes to various organizations, including Miracles for Kids (a children's cancer support nonprofit), Soles4Souls, Union Rescue Mission, Hope Gardens, and the Youth Philanthropy Council (which holds the Guinness World Record for most shoes donated in 24 hours: 23,000+ pairs).
This year, EDL celebrates its 15th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in Jennet's journey of fostering innovation, leadership, and empowerment within the footwear industry.
Jennet Chow
Micki attended UC Santa Barbara and Teacher’s College at Columbia University, receiving Masters in Educational Administration. She follows a family history of educators who values women’s education and believes in three mottos: Be a Truthful Woman; Be a Competent Woman; and Be a Law Abiding Woman. The education and volunteerism are a part of the family legacy and are a light that guides whatever decisions made and directions followed.
She has been a teacher, business owner, community volunteer and Korean heritage education program leader. She has recently been helping North Korean refugee college students be introduced to the western world. She is currently working in travel industry and is always looking for ways to understand, help and connect with the outside world. Her passion includes traveling, culinary experiences, nature, K-culture, following favorite sports teams and most importantly being a mother to two wonderful daughters, a daughter to the pioneering parents and a trustworthy friend to those I treasure.
I look forward to meeting and joining the community of the like-minded women who together want to make a difference in the world around us, empowered by women, for women.
Micki Kwon
Monica Suryapranata is the Managing Director & Controller - Retirement Solutions at New York Life Insurance Company based in United States.
Monica Suryapranata
Stephanie Zee was born and raised in Southern California, and attended USC’s Marshall School of Business. After 8 years in corporate finance at Disney and Citigroup, she transitioned into Business Development for her family businesses located in LA and Shanghai. After having two daughters, Stephanie’s husband, who is on the board of TASF, encouraged her to find purpose outside of her corporate and family life. She is one of the founding members of The Young Alumni Circle at Westridge School, an avid parent volunteer at her daughter’s schools, and most importantly, a new member of AWLPF. She hopes to use her multicultural background and international experience to serve under represented communities and develop the next generation of female leaders.
Stephanie Zee
Cindy Huang
Ms. Ochi held senior and executive positions in high-tech training, operations, and property management before joining SKS Management in 2003, where she is currently Partner, President, and CEO. In a self-proclaimed role as the "Chief Encouragement Officer" of over 100 employees, her SKS team oversees the operations of 2.3 million square feet of self-storage properties throughout California and one location in Hawaii.
She is a graduate of Stanford University and has an MBA from National University. Ms. Ochi is an active member of the California Self Storage Association. She served her term as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and currently serves as the Chair of the CSSA's Education and Training Committee.
Natolie Ochi
Jenny is a second generation entrepreneur with a robust business law practice at Stradling, Yocca, Carlson & Rauth, a premier full service business law firm. She graduated from UC Irvine with a BA in Psychology and Social Behavior, Loyola Law School with a JD, and Chapman University School of Law with a LL.M. in Taxation. Hailing from an entrepreneurial family conducting an import and international distribution business, Jenny delivers well-crafted legal and tax advice backed by an inherent business and interpersonal understanding. Jenny serves and volunteers in several organizations, including as a Director of UC Irvine’s Alumni Association. As a child and product of the Vietnamese and Chinese community, Jenny believes that supporting the community at-large allows all of us to thrive and grow together.
Jenny Tran
Jihee Huh is the Vice Chair of PAFCO and Co-Founder of Pete's Seafood where she oversees company marketing, strategic planning and new business development. PAFCO was selected as one of the 2019 most influential family businesses in Los Angeles.
Jihee served as past Asian-American Pacific Islander Public Affairs Commissioner for the State of California. In 2019 she joined the US Olympic Foundation Board, NPR Foundation Board of Trustees, and California Community Foundation Board of Trustees. She has been a passionate member of the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles’ Board since 2015 and currently a member of the International Forum of Women, Trusteeship. Jihee serves as a Life Trustee at SCPR where she was a past Chair of the Board. She joined Human Rights Watch of Los Angeles as an executive committee member in 2018. She is an active participant of The Council of Korean Americans a national organization. She currently serves as an executive member of Women Leadership Vital Voices and sits on the Board of Directors of The California Club a social club, founded in 1888.
Jihee founded the Los Angeles Coalition Foundation Embrace Unity, which is a 501C3 non-profit organization – supporting underserved scholars of diverse communities to engage in civic studies and empowerment. Bringing together various members of the diverse communities to help foster and collaborate to cultivate future leaders.
Educated in New York City, Jihee earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John's University. In 2012, she completed the Certificate Program at the Executive Harvard University for "Excellence in Not for Profit Governance."
Jihee was recognized in 2007 by the US Congress for her work and support on the successful passage of House Resolution 121. In 2018, Jihee was the first Korean American individual to receive the Anti-Defamation league, Deborah Award - in recognition of Courage, Wisdom and Leadership.
Peter and Jihee have established the Peter Yun Huh 1982 Scholarship Fund at Amherst College to support underserved Asian students.
Her husband Peter serves on the AAAJ, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Board; The Chadwick Song Do - International School Board, in Seoul, Korea; and the Council of Korean Americans Board of Trustees.
Jihee and her partner Peter have four adult children and one grandchild, Amanda, Stephen, baby Theo, Christopher and Wendy.
Jihee Huh
Ginger graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Economics. She held numerous financial positions at International Paper, Children’s Television Workshop and American Express before retiring soon after her first child was born. The family ventured abroad spending nearly a decade living in both Tokyo and Hong Kong.
After the family returned to the USA, they spent a few years in Connecticut and San Francisco before settling in Orange County, California. At her childrens’ school, Ginger became a strong advocate for Asian parents with English language difficulties. Due to her efforts, Chinese parents attended more events and annual contributions by Chinese parents increased from 10% to 80% giving Asian parents a prominent and strong voice in school decision making.
Ginger was a founding member of the National Asian American Community Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of Asian Americans and on the Advisory Board of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Orange County. The Ong Family recently set up a permanent endowment at the United Board for Christian Higher Education to promote women’s leadership and education in Asia
After her children graduated from college and her husband retired, Ginger returned to the workplace, becoming an investor and consultant for GLOSS MODERNE, a global beauty brand based in Newport Beach whose Clean Luxury collection is featured at multiple Four Seasons Spas worldwide as well as at all Montage Hotels & Residences.
Ginger Ong
Toni is a Shanghai-born producer and artist whose work lies in the intersection of media and technology. She was a consultant at Accenture, a co-founder of web startup Homez.com, and a content manager at Columbia Records Online, where she was responsible for half of the label’s artist roster, including Destiny’s Child, Leonard Cohen, Train, and Jessica Simpson. A creative at heart, she has recorded songs in English and Chinese, performed at various venues in New York City as lead vocalist and songwriter of electronic pop group, san. Toni produced the award-winning Chinese children’s album, A Little Mandarin, with composer and music producer Woody Pak (Seoul Searching, Wedding Palace, Planet B-Boy, etc.), available on Spotify and all music streaming platforms. A champion of the arts in the community, she has organized student events as a part of New York Philharmonic’s Lunar New Year celebration with fellow alumnus and mentor, Shirley Young, co-founder of The Committee of 100. She is the co-board chair of Shen Wei Dance Arts and a sponsor of Apex for Youth, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and economics from Wellesley College, with cross-matriculation at M.I.T.
Toni is dedicated to bridging cultural gaps through arts and media and to elevating stories from the AANHPI diaspora to the mainstream global audience. She is currently developing several features, including a young adult hip hop dance and music-inspired coming-of-age drama with Janet Yang Productions and Scooter Braun Projects, an epic space saga exploring the future of humanity vs. AI, and a neo-western anchored on the historical Chinese settlement in America. She is a patron of Gold House’s #GoldOpen movement, having supported films such as Crazy Rich Asians, Searching, and Burning.
Toni Wang
Previous Members
Johanna Lee Kim is currently the principal and founder of Kerymen LLC, a commercial property investment and management firm, and President of Cosmos Health Solutions, a comprehensive solution provider of COVID testing and treatment.
After practicing law for a few years, she started her first business in the 80’s soon after having her first of her four children. Since then, Johanna has founded multiple companies which have had successful private equity exits.
Johanna, immigrating from Korea as a teenager, has fond memories of spending her freshman year at UCI before transferring to her alma mater, Smith College. She received her JD from UCLA Law School and completed the Advanced Management Development Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Her philanthropic focus has been on addressing issues of racial inequity, fostering youth, and promoting women’s issues. She has served on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim, and the Orange County advisory board of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice. Johanna is a co-founder of the Asian American Investment Group. She is currently serving on the Newport Beach Library Foundation Board, the UCLA Women & Philanthropy group, UCI Student Success committee at UCI Law School Board of Visitors.
Johanna Kim
Dr. Jennifer Young Lee is a Korean-American author, screenwriter and radiologist. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, raised in Texas, and now lives in Los Angeles. Jennifer studied Biology at Harvard University, attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed residency at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She was Assistant Chief of the Radiology Department at San Francisco Kaiser before transferring to the Los Angeles Medical Center of Kaiser Permanente.
Jennifer began screenwriting in 2015, acquired representation through the generosity of Snowfall (FX) showrunner Leonard Chang with Brant Rose Agency in 2020. She published a short story in the Once Upon a Fairytale anthology and wrote on international web series Die Testament. In 2021, Jennifer shopped a medical pilot based on her experiences working in a Texas hospital with Caleeb Pinkett and Richard Harding. She is represented by manager Daniel Vang at 3Arts Entertainment and lawyer Dave Ryan, Esq. at Felker, Toczek, Suddelson, Abramson LLP. Jen likes to write medical TV pilots, romantic comedies and action features. Jennifer currently has a medical series, family drama series and rom com feature in development.
Jennifer is a passionate advocate for women and Asian Americans. In February 2019, she co-founded the Asian American Writers Brunch (AAWB) with Nancy Drew showrunner Melinda Hsu Taylor in Los Angeles and New York City. The group started with 25 women and expanded to include subgroups for men, showrunners and NYC’s branch. It has grown to over 300 members and has helped writers find representation and staffing on TV series.
In July 2022, Jennifer created the AAWB BrainTrust for features. The BrainTrust is modeled on Pixar and Disney's BrainTrusts to raise the quality of AAPI feature films. Table reads of feature scripts are performed by Asian American actors who then give their notes. The other writers, directors, producers and executives attending the table read then also give their notes for the script. Everyone works collaboratively with the shared goal of “How do we make this the best story possible?”
Jennifer is also fundraising to make these scripts as both independent and big budget features through her friends in Silicon Valley tech and the New York financial district. She is currently Co-Producer for an anti-Asian hate feature, The Great Divide, starring Ken Jeong, Jae Park, Emerson Min, Miya Czech which was written by and will be directed by Jean Shim in September 2022 as an independent film. Jeff Yang, Brian Yang and Sung Kang are also producing. She has two mentors for her producing work, Keri Nakamoto (Ford and Ferrari, Mr. and Mrs. Smith) and Samantha Neisenboim (Tomorrow Wars, Lego Batman). Jennifer is a member of the Gold Open Patrons and has hosted multiple Gold Opens for features including Crazy Rich Asians, Searching and Burning.
Jennifer is launching her production company Double Happiness Entertainment in 2022. The company will make US TV shows and features as well as create a low cost AAWB Writers Workshop to teach screenwriting to preWGA AAPI writers in Los Angeles, New York and Korea with a special Master Class in Paris.
She also revitalized the Harvard Asian American Alumni Alliance (H4A) in Los Angeles and now runs the National H4A Arts & Entertainment division which highlights books, series and features by Asian Americans. H4A has chapters in Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington, DC. Jennifer is on the board of the Harvard Club of Southern California. This alumni group has over 10,000 members in Southern California. Jennifer is part of the schools committee which interviews all candidates interviewing for Harvard College. She also hosts the annual party welcoming new Harvard students each year.
Jennifer Young Lee
I am a twice immigrant, from Korea to South America, then to the United States. I am a life-partner, mother, daughter, friend, community member and business owner. I operate a construction company called JHOG Design & Development with my husband Jacob. I spent the last 20 years in the corporate, nonprofit, health care, labor and older adult communities. I cherish the meaningful relationships I got to build working at Enterprise Rent A Car, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Hospitality Training Academy and Aurrera Health Group. My passion is to be joyful, grateful, a cheerful giver and to become a stronghold to those who need a place of rest & strengthening. My goal is to connect needs with resources, especially in communities experiencing language and cultural barriers. I am really excited for the opportunity to serve our community with an amazing group of women leaders!
Sandra Ko
Emmy award winning director Jean Shim started her career directing television promos, feature trailers, and commercials. In 1997, she teamed up with New York based Telezign to launch their west coast office. As head Creative Director, Shim’s credits include directing image campaigns for the Sci-Fi Channel, launching a network for Samsung Korea, and creating main titles for Rysher Entertainment and Buena Vista Television. Shim also helped re-launch The Learning Channel by conceptualizing, directing, and producing all of their on and off-air commercials. In 1999, she started her own production company, Shim Films Inc., were she oversaw a staff of designers, directors and producers in both Los Angeles and London. Her roster of shows and clients at Shim Films included the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Disney, King World, 20th Century Fox, Hollywood Squares, Bloomberg Television, Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, and A&E Network. In 2002, Jean took a break to raise a family, returning in 2005 with a renewed focus on producing and directing independent films. She was accepted to the Tribeca Film Festival All Access as a new director that same year. In 2010, she directed Starlight Inn, a short film starring Tamlyn Tomita (Joy Luck Club, Karate Kid) and Erin Daniels (The L Word, A Single Man). Starlight Inn was notable for featuring a woman director, producer, director of photography, editor, costume designer and assistant director. Jean is also the co-founder LAMILL, one of Silver Lake’s standout coffee companies. She used her experience at LAMILL to create and launch Rubies+Diamonds - a unique luxury coffee concept located amidst the bustle of film production companies in Hollywood. In 2019 she is returning to film with Luka Productions, to focus on stories with compelling narrative and characters.
Jean Shim
Connie Yang is a senior marketing and business development executive with over 20 years of experience in banking and financial services. She started her career in private banking at U.S. Trust (now Bank of America Private Bank), a firm founded in 1853 serving high and ultra high net worth entrepreneurs and their families. She led Western region marketing for U.S. Trust and continued in this capacity after the acquisition by Bank of America. She led segment growth strategies with ultra high net worth art collectors, women, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders before assuming a role as a client manager working closely with individuals and families to provide integrated wealth management solutions. She introduced and provided private banking solutions to a new segment of Asian-American clients who are restauranteurs, real estate developers/investors and professional athletes as well as art collectors and business owners.
In 2015, she joined Mirae Asset Financial Group to build and establish their first U.S. wealth management RIA based in Los Angeles, expanding Mirae Asset’s global presence. In this role, she led marketing strategy, business development & strategic partnerships, and client management working with business owners and entrepreneurs in real estate, hotel, healthcare and fashion industries.
Connie joined City National at the end of 2017, drawn to its culture and history of its founding by a small group of Beverly Hills entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to create an alternative banking experience for the booming Hollywood film industry and post-war real estate market. It embodied the hometown bank with global capabilities with its parent company Royal Bank of Canada.
Exercising her intrapreneurial instincts, she built the new segment strategies group at City National Bank. As the current Head of Segment Marketing, her team leads the marketing strategies for key lines of business at City National, partnering with parent company Royal Bank of Canada units including US Wealth Management, RBC Capital Markets, and RBC Global (Canada, Asia and UK). Key client targets include affluent to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, and small business to mid corporate B2B clients (up to $5B in annual revenue) curating the range of sophisticated financial solutions to meet both the personal and business needs of business owners, entrepreneurs and industry leaders and their families. City National’s roots in the Entertainment industry continue to deepen and broaden as her team leads the strategic initiatives to continue growing the entertainment vertical with Business Managers, Sports, Broadway, Music, Film Production and Latin Entertainment.
Connie is a member of City National’s Asian American Network, and co-chairs the multicultural business development group broadening the firm’s efforts to provide premier financial solutions to diverse client segments.
She is a founding member of Asian Women Leaders in Philanthropy in partnership with Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF), and has held prior board and committee positions with partner organizations, including:
· Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Curators Circle)
· Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pasadena (Board Member)
· Los Angeles World Affairs Council (Member and Future of Asia sponsor)
· Korean American Family Services (Financial education for domestic violence victims)
· Education Thru Music (Gala Committee)
Connie received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at the University of Iowa, and holds Series 7 and 66 FINRA licenses. Born in South Korea, she speaks and eats Korean with fluency. Connie continues to remain curious about the future of Asia, balancing her Eastern and Western experience and worldviews.
Connie Yang
