Alex Cena (he/him) was AAJIL’s Co-Executive Director from 2019-2023 and serves as Board Treasurer for AAJIL. He is a diversity and inclusion professional specializing in leadership development and community organizing. His background in leadership comes from his experience in student organizing, youth development, higher education, and diversity & inclusion consulting. He also serves as the Director of Leadership Development for LEAP (Leadership Education Asian Pacifics), where he is responsible for the efficient, cost-effective, and timely delivery and coordination of community and corporate leadership development programs, workshops, and events.

“As someone who recently moved from Virginia to California, AAJIL has been vital in helping me develop community and giving me space to continue my work. I am excited about growing with members of this organization as we aim to create spaces for people to connect, learn, and grow as effective community leaders!”

Elaine Chiu (she/her) is an educator, facilitator, and community builder and serves as Board Secretary for AAJIL. Elaine has an educational background in Early Childhood Special Education, as well a second masters in Intercultural Studies with an emphasis on Asian American contexts. With her extensive experience as an elementary school teacher for 16 years, she is currently a co-director at AAJIL. Elaine’s lived experiences and work in the education field has led her to dedicate her studies and efforts into rethinking and reimagining curriculum and historical narratives, not only for her students, but for the community at large. As a lifelong learner, her commitment to learning fuels her dedication to studying, researching, and informing others, while fostering partnerships and communities who desire to make meaningful change.

“I appreciate the space and support AAJIL has given me to explore my own identity as a Chinese American and to also be a part of a community of people who are dedicated to social and racial justice work. I’ve been deeply moved by the stories and experiences of the individuals in AAJIL and grateful for the opportunity to be on this journey with them.”

Dr. Sandra So Hee Chi Kim (she/her) is AAJIL’s founder and an IDEA Fellow in the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies at Stony Brook University and serves as Board Chair for AAJIL. Her research explores the intersections of race, global coloniality, migration, and culture. Her articles have appeared in Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies, Positions: Asia Critique, Korean Studies, Discourse: Journal for Theoretical Studies in Media and Culture, and Occasion: Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities. She is currently working on a book manuscript entitled Kinning Empire: Transcoloniality, Kinship, and Korean Historical Trauma.

“What I appreciate most about AAJIL is the community of people it has attracted-- curious, generous, talented folks who share our values of justice, love, and emergence. These are people who really believe that we can change the world through collective action. It’s so inspiring.”

Jean Park (she/her) was an AAJIL Director from 2019-2023. She is a Program Coordinator at API Forward Movement, a nonprofit working to cultivate healthy and sustainable Asian and Pacific Islander communities through community-centered engagement, education, and advocacy. She is currently serving on the Sustainable SGV and Parks Now coalition.

“I’m so appreciative of the resources and guidance AAJIL has given me to develop collaborative projects, such as the Lotus Art Collective, and regularly engage in community-building dialogue. It’s been inspiring to envision a more just and loving world with my AAJIL family.”

Monica Chi (she/her) is Managing Partner of The Trium Group, a management consulting, leadership development and coaching firm committed to the practice of unlocking potential in people, teams, systems and organizations. Monica enjoys working with leaders to get clear on who they are and align their impact with their aspirations. She is proud to have been a founding Board Member for AAJIL and grateful for the integrated racial education and community experiences this organization makes readily available to the general public.

“Delving deep into the root causes of systemic racism, and becoming more and more aware of how the symptoms show up in every day is a life’s work. AAJIL creates a safe place to share diverse stories and experiences, and make new meaning together. What a gift to have this community and its resources for this journey.”