Board of Directors
Alex Chang (정형준)
Alex Chang is the President of the Korean American Pioneer Council (KAPC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring Korean independence fighters and early Korean American pioneers. A U.S. Air Force veteran and MBA graduate from the University of Southern California with a concentration in Finance, Mr. Chang has led significant initiatives in historical preservation, civic engagement, and intergenerational storytelling within the Korean American community. He is the grandson of Ik Jun Hwangbo and great-grandson of Chung Kul Whangbo, both formally recognized by the Republic of Korea for their contributions to the Korean independence movement. In recognition of his own work, Mr. Chang was honored by the City of Los Angeles in 2015 and invited by the Korean government to attend the 2022 Independence Day celebrations. Mr. Chang holds an F-4-12 Overseas Korean visa and is currently pursuing dual citizenship as a tribute to his family’s legacy. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Ellen, and their Akita, Kojiro.
Dr. Moohay Choe
A long time member of KAPC since its early days, when founding Pioneers Ralph Ahn, Dr. Lester Kim, Colonel Kim welcomed her with open arms. Moohay has spent her professional life in education. She has taught music, English, and advanced onto school administration. Moohay earned her Bachelor of Music from Boston University and Ed.D from USC. She currently works part time as Executive Director of Association of California School Administrators, Region 16 (ACSA LAUSD). Beyond this, she contributes as a Commissioner for the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and serves on the Board of Directors for the North Valley YMCA.
Rod Uy
Rod Uy is the CEO and Personal CFO for a multi-generational Family Office. As a financial advisor, he provides guidance and education to families and their businesses throughout their lives working alongside his entire family in their Family practice. Rod is a US Air Force vet that worked at numerous top secret installations across the US & Europe in charge of our bases’ communications centers. He worked in media, & as a custom publisher of multi-million publications. While in the Air Force, he headed an entertainment co. managing several entertainers, such as DJs, dancers, singers, models and have backed up bands such as the Chi-Lites, Manhattans, Billy Paul, Gene Chandler, and Prince.
Makayla Carrillo
Makayla Carrillo, is a luxury real estate agent, licensed in CA but specializing in Southern California. Makayla is a member of the National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors and South Bay Association of Realtors. Makayla is also a Certified First Time Buyer and Luxury Specialist. She works around the clock in helping clients with any buying, selling, investing, and advising needs. An alumna of California State University of Fullerton, she obtained a double major, a B.A. in Business Management and a B.A. in Communications in Public Relations. Prior to selling real estate, she worked in the legal field where she enjoyed helping clients with cases that ranged from real estate, special education, family law, to estate planning.
Anne Kido
A member since 1995, Anne was born and raised in LA by her parents Robert and Helen Kim. She graduated from UCLA in 1954 with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Life Science. She taught at Redondo Union High School and was in the Burbank School District for 27 years. Having been retired for 25 years, she still teaches an exercise class for seniors and volunteers at her church and missionary organization.
Dr. Ken Klein
Dr. Kenneth Klein, KAPC Board member, retired as Head of the USC East Asian Library on June 30, 2020. The USC Library recorded a two-part oral history covering his life and his career at USC. For his many contributions to Korean Studies and the USC Korean Heritage Library, he was honored with two major awards: South Korean Government’s Civic Merit Award (동백장) and the Kevin O’Donnell Award of the Friends of Korea.
Irvin Paik
Recruited by his sister Helen Chen, Irvin attended council meetings since 1995. He holds a Master’s Degree from UCLA Motion Picture Department and is a retired member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild. His mother Rose Paik was active in the Korean Presbyterian Church. His Father Meung arrived in 1905. He inherited the KAPC member list from Daniel Park and maintains it in print and email.
Thien A. Pham
Thien A. Pham is a director, producer, and distributor with accomplished experience in more than 20 different languages and markets. While pursuing a film degree at Cal State University, Long Beach, Thien founded what is now known as 3388 Films, a film production and distribution company specialized in Asian and Southeast Asian content, with a mission to create with intention and connect diverse film content to global audiences. Thien has been an invited speaker/panelist at industry events globally, including the Festival de Cannes, one of the most internationally recognized film festivals in the world.