Today we’re excited to be connecting with Cathlyn Choi again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Cathlyn, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
I was born in Saigon, Vietnam, in the late 1960s, where my father worked at a foreign exchange bank. However, due to the Vietnam War, my family moved back to Korea when I was just one year old. Soon after, we relocated to Brunei, a small yet vibrant country in Southeast Asia, where I spent 12 formative years of my childhood. Growing up in Brunei was a unique experience that exposed me to a rich blend of cultures, sparking my appreciation for diversity and the power of storytelling.
During my teenage years in Brunei, I got my first taste of the media world, performing as a musician and dancer for Radio and TV Brunei for five years. That early exposure to television and the arts ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling and connecting with people. In my late teens, I returned to Korea to further my studies and lived there for 15 years. During this time, I launched my own consulting business as a college junior—a venture I successfully ran for nine years while also exploring new opportunities in media. I worked as a freelance TV reporter in Korea for a decade and had the privilege of hosting a popular travel show for two years. These experiences honed my skills in uncovering and sharing compelling narratives, while deepening my appreciation for connecting with diverse audiences.
In 2000, my journey brought me to San Diego, California, after I got married, so March 2, 2025 will mark the 25th anniversary of my move to the United States. Since arriving in San Diego, my life has taken me down many memorable paths, each filled with incredible people and experiences that have shaped who I am today.
Before fully transitioning to a career in media, I worked as a business development and marketing executive in the wireless and telecommunications industry until 2008. While this chapter of my life was successful, I felt a calling to return to my passion for storytelling. My transition was solidified when I launched Cathlyn’s Korean Kitchen, the first television cooking show in English that celebrated Korean culinary traditions in the US, with the fourth season broadcast on national PBS in 2012.
Inspired by my desire to amplify underrepresented voices, I took a leap of faith and co-founded the Asian Culture and Media Alliance (ACMA) with my husband and business partner, Eric Michelson, also a filmmaker. ACMA was born out of a shared vision to empower Asian Pacific Islander communities through the transformative power of media arts. Over the past decade, we’ve been fortunate to work with a diverse group of advisors and board members who share our mission.
Through ACMA, I’ve had the privilege of creating award-winning programs like Asian Pacific Voices TV and Radio podcast series, which showcase stories of culture, resilience, and empowerment. I’m especially proud of our TAKE ONE Media Arts Academy, a free vocational program that equips young creatives from diverse backgrounds with the tools and mentorship to tell their own stories and pursue careers in media arts.
What sets ACMA apart is its grassroots approach, rooted in authenticity and cultural representation. We are more than just a media organization—we are a movement for understanding, inclusion, and empowerment. Reflecting on my journey—from Vietnam to Brunei, Korea, and San Diego—I am filled with gratitude for the people, places, and experiences that have shaped me. As my parents taught me, life is about following your path and discovering where it leads. For me, that path has always been about storytelling and creating meaningful change through the power of shared narratives.
Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
Things at ACMA have been absolutely amazing, and I’m thrilled about everything happening both professionally and personally! It’s been a whirlwind of creativity and growth, and every day feels like an exciting new chapter.
One of ACMA’s biggest highlights has been the continued success of our TAKE ONE Media Arts Academy, and we’re excited to kick off an exciting new chapter for the program! We’ve officially launched our 2024 program at Influence Studios in Miramar, providing young creatives with a state-of-the-art space to learn, create, and grow.
This past year, we had an exceptional cohort of young talents, including three participants with autism who brought unique perspectives and incredible creativity to the program. I had the privilege of helping to direct and produce the short film Roses, written by one of these talented students. Inspired by his real-life experience of seeing the world in black and white, the film offered a deeply personal and artistic lens that resonated with everyone involved.
But that’s not all! Looking ahead to 2025, we’re exploring an exciting new Collaborative Music & Media Training Program with Studio West. They are one of Southern California’s premier recording and media production facilities, offering professional training in music production, audio engineering, and multimedia storytelling, with a strong commitment to fostering creativity and hands-on learning for aspiring artists and creators. Music plays an essential role in storytelling and serves as a powerful healing element for youth, making this partnership an important step in expanding our impact. We can’t wait to see how these new opportunities empower young voices and bring their creative visions to life!
Providing young creatives with one-on-one mentoring and witnessing their growth has been a powerful reminder of why ACMA exists—to empower diverse voices, foster creativity, and create opportunities for everyone to share their stories and shine. With our new venue and exciting collaborations on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what’s next for TAKE ONE and the incredible youth we serve!
We also recently celebrated our Food for Life documentary campaign, a project close to my heart that blends my passions for storytelling, food, and community. The campaign explores how food fosters healing and connection, culminating in a live event with cooking demos, music therapy, and an inspiring Q&A. The energy in the room was electric—it was one of those moments where you feel the impact of your work so deeply. You can catch new episodes that are broadcast on Mondays and Sundays at 11:20am on spectrum and cox cable television network on TVK channel 1483 and our YouTube channel!
This year, we are excited to announce our partnership with House of Pacific Relations to co-host the 12th Annual Asian Pacific Cultural Festival on May 24, 2025, at the International Cottages in Balboa Park, celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities through music, dance, food, and cultural exhibits!
Beyond these milestones, we’re forging many more exciting new partnerships to expand our impact and reach. We’re thrilled to collaborate with the San Diego International Film Festival, a platform that celebrates diverse storytelling and creativity. Additionally, we’re exploring partnerships with local high schools to provide media arts education and mentorship to young students, as well as building relationships with Native American Indian tribes and nonprofits to create programs that celebrate cultural heritage and empower underserved communities. These collaborations align with our mission to amplify underrepresented voices and foster connection through the transformative power of media.
Outside of ACMA, I’m honored to serve on the USS Midway Museum Community Engagement Committee. This work complements my passion for storytelling and representation, as we focus on creating programs and initiatives that honor diverse histories and experiences. It’s an incredibly meaningful opportunity to contribute to preserving and sharing stories that reflect the richness of our San Diego community.
Personally, I’m reconnecting with some long-time passions. Music has always been a part of my life, and I’ve been dedicating more time to playing my guitar and exploring new compositions. I’m planning to record a new jazz album soon, which has been a dream of mine for years. Balancing the energy of my work with the creative outlet of music keeps me grounded and inspired.
In between work and music, I’m carving out time to travel. Exploring new places and cultures not only fuels my creativity but also helps me recharge and gain fresh perspectives to bring back to my work at ACMA. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a meaningful journey, travel always reminds me of the beauty of connection and storytelling.
Looking ahead, I’m also diving deeper into my personal storytelling journey. Since 2019, I’ve written, produced, and directed six short films that amplify underrepresented voices. My late father’s extraordinary resilience during the Korean War and his unwavering dedication to family have always been my guiding light, and my ultimate goal is to produce a feature film about his experiences. It’s an emotional endeavor that I hope will honor his legacy and shed light on a pivotal moment in history.
What excites me most is the synergy between all these aspects of my life. Whether I’m mentoring young filmmakers, producing content that amplifies underrepresented voices, contributing to DEI initiatives, or creating music that speaks to my soul, it all feels interconnected. The next chapters for ACMA—and for me—are all about growth, creativity, and continuing to tell stories that inspire and connect us. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
We have now arrived at one of our favorite parts of the interview – the lightning round. We’ll ask you a few quick questions to give us all some fun insights about you.
- Favorite Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life
- Favorite Book: Think and Grow Rich
- Favorite TV Show: SNL
- Favorite Band or Artist: Black Pink
- Sweet or Savory: Savory
- Mountains or Beach: Beach
- Favorite Sport (to watch): Golf
- Favorite Sport (to play): Golf
- Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Badminton and Table Tennis
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Actress
- French Fries or Onion Rings: Onion Rings
- Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Bobby Axelrod
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: Flintstones
- Favorite Childhood movie: My Geisha
- Favorite Breakfast Food: Oatmeal with fresh berries or Rice and Kimchi
Life is often about tough choices – can you talk to us about your thought process, strategy or philosophy when it comes to making difficult choices or tradeoffs.
Life is full of tough choices, and I’ve faced my share of them—from moving across continents to changing careers and building a nonprofit from the ground up. When making difficult decisions or tradeoffs, my approach is rooted in three guiding principles: gratitude, clarity of purpose, and courage. But above all, it’s my passion for what I do and my belief in living life to the fullest that makes it all possible.
Gratitude is a cornerstone of my philosophy, instilled in me by my parents. They taught me to focus on what I have, no matter the situation. When I transitioned from a successful career in business development and marketing to pursuing storytelling in media, it was a leap of faith. I relied on gratitude to reframe the uncertainty, focusing on the skills and experiences I’d gained that prepared me for this new path.
Clarity of purpose is another vital element. I always ask myself, ‘Does this decision align with my values and long-term goals?’ That question has guided me through many crossroads. Founding ACMA, for example, required significant tradeoffs in time, resources, and energy. But my purpose—to amplify underrepresented voices and build platforms for authentic storytelling—gave me the conviction to move forward, even when the road was challenging.
Courage is equally important. Growth only happens when you step outside your comfort zone, and every big step I’ve taken—from starting a consulting business as a college junior to launching the TAKE ONE Media Arts Academy—has required embracing uncertainty and trusting in my ability to adapt. I remind myself often that “a winner never quits, and a quitter never wins.” This belief keeps me moving forward, even when the odds seem steep.
Above all, I’m fueled by the passion I have for the things I do and the belief that nothing is impossible—after all, as Audrey Hepburn said, ‘The word itself says, I’m possible!’ This passion allows me to live my life fully and authentically, savoring every moment. As I like to say, ‘Life’s delicious, so taste it!’
Of course, I don’t navigate tough decisions alone. I rely on my spouse, family, mentors, friends and trusted colleagues for perspective and support. Their wisdom helps me approach challenges with confidence and grace. Ultimately, I see every tough choice as an opportunity to grow, learn, and align more deeply with who I am and what I’m meant to do. The challenges and tradeoffs we face often lead to the most rewarding and meaningful outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cathlynchoi.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cathlynchoi
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/cathlynchoi
- LinkedIn: https://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
