About

Melissa Hong, President

With over a decade of experience in education and community building, I am a mission-driven leader dedicated to serving the most vulnerable population including children and seniors.

I thrive on creating new initiatives and programs, most notably my work at FIRST 5, where I led efforts to expand access to high-quality early education for young children. Through systems change and community partnerships, I helped grow the program into a $5 million annual budget over five years. My strengths include grant writing, project management, and strategic planning. 

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s degree in Sociology and Education from Columbia University, Teacher’s College in New York City.

Thomas Cho, Vice President

I am relatively new to Portland and bring experience from several other Portland institutions including the Portland Japanese Garden and the Maurice Lucas Foundation. While I love building community, my vices and passions – golf, food and travel aren’t free. My career in marketing and business strategy and has spanned significant roles at global companies including Apple, Beats by Dre, Yamaha Music and others. My expertise in brand strategy, building automations, work across influencer/cultural events, development of community, and aptitude for business strategy has enabled me to drive meaningful growth across CPG, tech, entertainment, music and other Gen-Z brands.

Lisa Kim, Treasurer

I’m originally from Chicago, Illinois but have been living on the west coast for over a decade. Currently, I’m working as a program manager in higher education overseeing workforce development projects. My career in social justice has taken me as far as Phnom Penh, Cambodia to Immokalee, Florida — working on issues such as economic development and addressing gender-based violence.

In my free time, I love to hike, camp, and just be out in nature. I also love to binge-watch Korean dramas, eat good food, and catch a live show.

I thrive on creating new initiative

Hannah Kang, Social Chair, Communications

I was born and raised in Eugene and made my way up to Portland after attending school at the University of Oregon where I studied PR and Communications.

I am currently my own boss at Lemonade PDX, providing strategic consulting, management and execution across PR, social media, influencers, digital ads and events.

When I’m not working, my two girls keep me busy and I’m usually out eating and drinking all the things. You can also find me on Instagram at @JeongPDX.

Brian Choe, Past President / Board Member

I was born in Portland but was later raised in Beaverton for most of my life. I attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington where I graduated with a degree in Economics. Currently I serve as a Senior Technology Consultant supporting colleges and universities implementing CRM software for their admission, financial aid, and on campus processes. I now live in SE Portland with my two adorable cats Hama and Toki.

You can find me dancing Bachata around Portland, playing pickleball, cooking, and rooting for the Blazers.

Tommy Shin, Board Member

I was born and raised in New York and later moved to Boston, where I discovered my love for food while working in the restaurant industry as a teenager. That passion took me across the country, from sushi bars to a stint with a French restaurant group in Southern California, as I built my craft along the way.

I moved to Portland after my cousin encouraged me to make the leap. Not long after, I took the opportunity to become the owner of Masu, an exciting new project to dive into.

For me, joining KAC was about finding community. As someone new to Portland, I was drawn to the connection KAC offers, especially given how close knit the Korean community is here. I'm looking forward to being part of that and helping it grow.

Angela Smeulders, Board Member

Born in Seoul and adopted as an infant, I’ve spent most of my life in Portland, except for a decade in northern Germany. I’m a University of Portland alumna where I studied business; today, I own and operate two liquor stores with my husband in Tualatin and Lake Oswego. I’m also a mom to two girls and two dogs, and I enjoy good food, horseback riding, and Lagree Pilates.  

Getting involved with KAC is part of my journey to better understand and reconnect with my Korean heritage. By serving on the board, I hope to advocate for the Korean-American community while helping fellow adoptees feel welcomed and encouraged to participate.