Cathlyn Choi is a multifaceted professional who has made significant contributions as a TV/film producer, celebrity chef, host, and media activist. Since 2009, she has served as the Korean Food (Hansik) & Cultural Ambassador, using her platform to promote Korean cuisine and culture. Cathlyn is best known for self-hosting and producing Cathlyn’s Korean Kitchen, the first Korean cooking show in English broadcasted on national PBS in the U.S. Over the past 15 years, she has conducted more than 300 culinary demonstrations at cultural festivals and food events, educating the public on how to prepare delicious, healthful, and easy-to-make Korean-inspired recipes.
As the founder and Executive Director of the Asian Culture and Media Alliance (ACMA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2013, Cathlyn Choi has been a driving force in promoting unity, awareness, and empowerment for Asian and Pacific Islander communities through television, film, and new media. Her leadership has been instrumental in the success of the award-winning Asian Pacific Voices documentary television series, which is currently in production for its sixth season. The series, which she hosts and produces, showcases inspiring stories of Asian Pacific Islanders, art, culture, and history in Southern California.
In 2021, Cathlyn expanded her media efforts by launching the Asian Voices Radio podcast, now in its fifth season, to amplify diverse voices further. Her commitment to exploring the powerful connection between food, culture, and community health is also evident in her recent work. Since 2019, she has produced, written, and directed five short films and is currently writing a feature film based on her father’s experiences during the Korean War.
Most recently, Cathlyn has been producing and directing the Food for Life documentary series, part of San Diego Ciey’s led Far South Border North initiative. The series addresses health disparities and food insecurities in San Diego’s most vulnerable communities while exploring the powerful connection between food, culture, and community health.
Cathlyn received the Telly Award for Asian Voices in the Cultural Category (2021 and 2017). She also received the prestigious 2018 Asian Women Entrepreneur Lotus Award in Southern California. . She also received the Fil-Am Humanitarian Award in recognition of her leadership in the community as a cultural and media arts activist. In May 2016, she was honored with the Excellence in Culinary Arts and Media Award and Outstanding Leadership award from the 65th Assembly District of the API Legislative Caucus and California State Treasurer John Chiang. In 2012, Cathlyn received a recognition award from the former First Lady of Korea, Kim Yoon Ok, for her efforts in promoting Korean food and culture in the US through Television media.
As an advocate of the underserved community, Cathlyn has been volunteering on the board of various non-profit organizations since 2009. She served four terms as the President of Korean Women’s International Network San Diego Chapter (2012 – 2014 and 2019 – 2022) and is one of the grant reviewers for California Arts Council’s Arts. Additionally, Cathlyn is frequently invited as an emcee and celebrity judge at the International Ramen Festival San Diego, Top Chef Korean Food Challenge, Miss Asia International, Miss Asia California and SDCHM’s Noodle Cook Off Festival and the Asian Pacific Cultural Festival.
With over 25 years of international business development, sales, and marketing experience, Cathlyn is a seasoned professional. Her role as the VP of Marketing and Business Development for startups within the wireless, media, wellness, F&B, health, and beauty industries in North America, South America, and Asia, showcases her diverse skill set and global perspective.