MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER
Cathlyn Choi
Throughout my life, my parents instilled in me the values of gratitude and humility, emphasizing the importance of embracing my journey and discovering where it would lead me. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, and raised in Brunei, my diverse upbringing has shaped my perspective as I’ve journeyed through South Korea and now reside in the United States for over two decades. Along these paths, I’ve encountered remarkable experiences, met extraordinary individuals, and explored captivating places that have profoundly influenced me.
As an advocate for the underrepresented, I firmly believe that everyone deserves a platform to be heard, regardless of socioeconomic status or cultural background.
Today, although technology allows individuals to connect globally, not all communities are equally heard. Many factors shape perceptions and understanding, including the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, the second largest ethnic group in Southern California, rich in culture and heritage.
With a background in media, from entertainment reporting in Korea to producing four seasons of my PBS cooking show, “Cathlyn’s Korean Kitchen,” in the US, I recognized the need for a platform to represent our community. In 2013, I founded the Asian Culture and Media Alliance (ACMA) with a mission to unite, raise awareness, and empower our underserved AANHPI community through the power of media.
ACMA provides our community with a robust media platform that was previously lacking. Through television and radio podcasts, cultural events, and educational programs focused on youth media arts, we create opportunities for the entire AANHPI community. Our programs amplify our voices and bridge cultural gaps with those outside our community.
I invite you to support ACMA’s journey to empower the AANHPI community through mainstream media, giving us a proud, resounding voice.
Thank you and Kamsahamnida!
Sincerely Yours,
