About Me
Starting a nonprofit or community-based organization? Need support with fundraising, grant writing, or board development? Looking for training on public speaking, press engagement, or communications strategy?
With more than two decades of experience as a nonprofit executive and Los Angeles community organizer, I’ve helped build and lead organizations that drive real change.
Biography
Born and raised in Los Angeles, I’ve dedicated my career to public service through nonprofit leadership and community organizing. From serving as an Executive Director to sitting on multiple community boards, I’ve been involved in nearly every aspect of nonprofit management.
I also ran for the California State Assembly, gaining firsthand experience in campaign communications, media relations, and grassroots engagement. Despite being outspent 20 to 1, our campaign earned nearly 44% of the vote in the general election — a testament to authentic messaging and people-powered organizing.
I hold a Master’s degree from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. I speak Korean, Russian, and Spanish. I live in Koreatown with my husband and our dog, Wilshire.
Non-Profit Management
I have decades of experience running multimember social justice nonprofits. They include:
Led policy and advocacy campaigns through a network of 18 chapters across Los Angeles County.
Raised $136K entirely from individual donors; ran a clean-money, grassroots campaign.
Raised $2M in funding and launched a workforce development initiative.
Helped pass Proposition 56 and secured over $2M in state and federal grants.
Oversaw six statewide policy advocacy campaigns.
Secured $2M in annual federal appropriations and managed national membership programs.
I’ve managed boards, developed strategic plans, and raised more than $5 million in grants, contracts, and individual donations.
See my LinkedIn for further professional biography.
News & Media
- LA Taco: Walk through K-Town with John Yi
- Knock LA: Progressive Voter Guide
- Curbed LA: On Traffic Fatalities
- KCAL News: On Koreatown Empty Lots
- KCRW: Why LA Can’t Fix Its Sidewalks
- LA Times: Interview on LA Sidewalks
- CBS News: Decriminalizing Jaywalking
- Beard Eats World (YouTube): Chinatown Food Chat
- CBS News: California Air Quality Report