Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathlyn Choi.
Hi Cathlyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always believed that stories have the power to connect people across cultures, generations, and experiences. My own journey began far from where I am today — I was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and spent 11 years growing up in Brunei, a small country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Throughout my life, I was raised with a deep appreciation for culture, tradition, and community. Later, I returned to Seoul, Korea, to further my studies and eventually started my own consulting business, which I ran for nine years.
When I came to the United States, I found myself navigating two worlds: honoring my Korean heritage while embracing a new life in America. I moved to San Diego in March of 2000 after I got married, so this year marks my 25th year here. When I arrived, I didn’t know a single person. Six months later, I took a leap of faith and started another consulting business — partly out of necessity, partly because I’ve always been entrepreneurial. It taught me how to adapt quickly, build relationships from scratch, and find my place in a brand-new community.
From there, I spent six years as a business development and marketing executive for five wireless and technology startups. It was exciting work that honed my skills in strategy, branding, and connecting with people from all walks of life. But even then, my passion for storytelling and cultural connection kept calling me back.
In 2008, that passion took shape when I created and hosted Cathlyn’s Korean Kitchen, the first Korean cooking show in English on national PBS. At first, it was about sharing recipes from my heritage, but I soon realized food could be a bridge — a way to share stories about culture, family, and history. That was when I truly saw the power of media to bring communities together and break down stereotypes. I’ve always loved music as well, and I often incorporate it into my work, including composing original scores for my shows and media projects.
That realization led me to found the Asian Culture and Media Alliance (ACMA) in 2013. At the time, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander voices were vastly underrepresented in mainstream media. I wanted to change that by creating platforms where our stories could be told authentically. Our first major project, Asian Pacific Voices, grew into an award-winning TV series reaching millions of households nationwide, with our latest Season 6 premiering on TVK24’s national cable TV network on August 11, 2025.
Over the years, ACMA has expanded to include the Asian Voices Radio podcast, our TAKE ONE Media Arts Academy to train youth in filmmaking and storytelling, and community wellness campaigns like Food for Life. I’ve worn many hats — producer, director, educator, nonprofit founder — but the mission has always been the same: to connect, empower, and uplift through the art of storytelling, music, and food.
Looking back, I never could have imagined that moving here 25 years ago, not knowing anyone, would lead to building a community of creators, partners, and changemakers. And in many ways, I feel like my story — and ACMA’s story — is still unfolding.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road. In 2009, when the market crashed, it hit me hard financially. At the time, my husband and I were producing Cathlyn’s Korean Kitchen, and even though it was incredibly tough, we pushed through and completed four seasons. That passion eventually led me to start ACMA, but in the early years, funding was almost nonexistent. For the first six years, we both worked multiple consulting jobs — seven days a week, without a single vacation — just to keep our programs alive.
I’ve always held onto what my parents taught me: once you start something, you see it through. And whenever the challenges feel overwhelming, I remind myself there are people in far more difficult circumstances. That perspective keeps me grounded, grateful, and motivated to keep going.
Then the pandemic hit — and surprisingly, it became a turning point. I saw so many young people struggling with isolation and mental health, so we pivoted our programs to an online platform. That shift not only allowed us to continue serving our community, but it also caught the attention of funders who saw the impact of our work. Since then, things have improved, though I know we still have a long way to go.
And through it all, the best part of what I do has made every sacrifice worth it. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible and inspiring people through our documentary series, and working with countless talented youths through our TAKE ONE program. Helping them fulfill their goals and dreams — and hearing them express their gratitude, telling me how our programs have changed their lives for the better — is by far the most rewarding part of my work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At my core, I’m a problem-solver with a storyteller’s heart. My philosophy in life has always been to truly listen — not just to the words people say, but to the needs and feelings underneath. When I meet someone or have a meaningful conversation, I pay close attention, observe, and ask myself, “What’s missing here? What’s the need that’s not being met?” Once I define that gap, I start imagining ways to fill it — often through media, culture, and connection.
That approach has guided so much of my work. I’m known as a Korean food and cultural ambassador, founder and executive director of a media arts nonprofit, and I specialize in creating platforms that amplify underrepresented voices in underserved communities. I’ve hosted and produced television shows, documentary and narrative films, launched youth media arts programs, and developed campaigns that blend culture, wellness, and storytelling. For those who know me well, I’m also a musician and an avid golfer!
One of my proudest achievements is seeing the real, human impact of these efforts. Whether it’s featuring an inspiring individual on our Asian Pacific Voices documentary series or watching a young participant in our TAKE ONE Media Arts Academy discover their voice and purpose through filmmaking, I can see how our work helps people realize their goals and dreams. When they come back to tell me, “You changed my life,” that’s when I know I’m on the right path.
I believe what sets me apart is my ability to blend creativity with cultural depth, approaching every project with curiosity and empathy. I’m not just producing content — I’m building connections that bridge cultures, generations, and perspectives. And I like to have fun with it, whether it’s sharing a story over food, composing music for a project, or creating a space where people feel inspired and valued.
For me, the real pride doesn’t come from awards or recognition — it comes from knowing that what I do leaves a lasting, positive imprint on individuals and the community as a whole.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is when my parents took our whole family traveling to different countries across Southeast Asia. Those trips weren’t just vacations — they were my first real education in food, culture, and human connection. I can still picture the bustling street markets, breathe in the aroma of spices, hear the mix of languages, admire the colorful traditional outfits, and feel the unique rhythm of life in each country we visited.
Around the same time, music became a huge part of my life. At 11 years old, I had the unforgettable experience of performing live on TV in Brunei, playing the electric organ. That moment opened the door to joining a band, a dance troupe, and even a modeling group, which I was part of for the next four years. Those creative outlets gave me confidence, discipline, and a deep appreciation for performance and storytelling.
Cooking was another love that began early. At age 10, I would stand in the kitchen watching my mother prepare traditional dishes, completely captivated by the way she could transform simple ingredients into something magical. That curiosity turned into passion — and from then on, I never stopped cooking.
Looking back, those experiences — traveling, performing, and cooking — all shaped the person I am today. They instilled in me a love for culture, creativity, and sharing stories, whether through music, media, or a good meal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cathlynchoi.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cathlynchoi
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/cathlynchoi
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathlynchoi/
- Twitter: https://x.com/cathlynchoi
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/cathlynchoi
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bestpearl
- Other: https://acmasocal.org
Image Credits
Eric Michelson
