ABOUT US
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kelly Chu, President
In 1999, Kelly Chu transitioned from broadcasting to education by founding PA College Prep in Irvine, an educational enhancement and college preparatory program. Kelly’s passion and expertise in helping students get into their dream colleges has gained wide respect in the community. Later, she co-founded Pacific Academy in Encinitas, Irvine, and Costa Mesa, private PreK-12 schools that help students cultivate their talents while achieving academic excellence. She realized that some highly talented young musicians, athletes, artists, etc struggle to pursue their passions because their families can not afford the costs of training, competitions, and travel. In 2016, she started the Pacific Academy Foundation to help students relieve financial burdens and pursue their dreams.
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Hans Chi, Vice President
Dr. Hans Chi earned his Ph.D. in molecular biology from National Tsing Hua University and completed postdoctoral research at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then worked on the Human Genome Project at UC Irvine before joining Beckman Coulter, Inc. as a program manager. From his studies with genomics to his experiences as an educator. With a 20-year career in science and academia, Dr. Chi strongly advocates for education, career exploration, and youth talent development. As a co-founder of Pacific Academy, he manages strategic planning, business development, and magnet programs. He co-founded the Pacific Academy Foundation and has devoted his time to establishing the PAFO orchestra and fundraising concerts.
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Ilenia Chen, Secretary/ Board Member
Ilenia Chen has a Master in International Relations from New York University and a B.A. in Diplomacy and Political Science from universities National Chengchi University in Taiwan and Seoul National University. She worked as a diplomat at the UN in New York and also with the British Council, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a campaign office in San Bernardino County. In addition to government work, she has non-profit experience and volunteered at a Taiwanese youth care foundation for nearly 10 years. She has served as the Pacific Academy Foundation Board member since 2017.
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Tim Cheng, Board Member
Tim Cheng is an IT project management consultant with 15 years of experience, volunteering for various organizations in Southern California. He has held roles such as Irvine’s community services commissioner, LA-Taiwan Academy’s executive consultant, and president of the Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center, helping plan and promote numerous large-scale cultural events. Tim was one of the founding members of the Pacific Academy Foundation in 2016.
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Allison To, Board Member
Allison is a 2019 Pacific Academy graduate and a recent alumna of Oberlin College and Conservatory, where she earned a double degree in music, studying under world-class musicians. As a highly talented pianist, she has received numerous accolades and performed across the country, with praise for her artistry from WQXR Radio Station and New York Concert Review. Allison was a 2018 MTAC Young Artist Guild member, the highest honor for California Certificate of Merit students, and has studied under esteemed musicians, including Ethan Dong at Opus 119. Since graduating, she has remained involved in supporting the Pacific Academy community, having served on the Pacific Academy Foundation board since 2020, helping to provide opportunities for talented students with financial needs.
Rose Zhang, Board Member
Rose Zhang, a 2021 Pacific Academy graduate, is a highly accomplished professional golfer. Rose attended Pacific Academy starting in 7th grade, where she received strong academic support and the Pacific Academy Foundation’s financial assistance, enabling her to excel in golf. Ranked No. 1 in the world amateur rankings for 141 weeks, she won numerous amateur tournaments and prestigious golf awards. In 2021, Rose was recruited by the Stanford Women’s Golf Team, leading them to an NCAA championship win in 2022. She also claimed the NCAA individual champion title in 2022 and 2023, establishing herself as one of the greatest talents in collegiate golf. Rose made a successful LPGA debut in 2023 by winning her first tournament. Soon to graduate from Stanford, she remains deeply grateful for the foundation's support and continues to give back by serving on the PA Foundation Board to help other young athletes pursue their dreams.
Aaron To, Board Member
Aaron is a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. He was one of the founding members and the concertmaster of PAFO. Aaron has received numerous accolades from competitions, including the Southwestern Youth Music Festival, MTAC’s VOCE competition, and the American Strings Teachers Association Recital Competition. He has appeared in violin and chamber music master classes throughout Southern California, working with notable musicians such as Dr. Ernest Salem and Dr. Robert Watson. Aaron has also received two Gold Medals from the Southern California Junior Bach Festival. He greatly valued his four years with PAFO and all the opportunities it provided. To show his gratitude, Aaron has served on the PA Foundation Board since 2023, helping provide opportunities for other talented students.
Helaine Zhao, Board Member
Helaine Zhao, a 2024 Pacific Academy graduate, is now a student at Harvard University. She began piano lessons at age five and currently studies with Rufus Choi at the Salit Conservatory of Music. Helaine made her orchestral debut at 10 and performed at Carnegie Hall at 11, winning multiple awards. She has participated in numerous performances and competitions, with notable achievements including the 2023 MTAC Young Artist Guild, several competition prizes, and performances at various concert halls. She has also been a soloist with multiple orchestras. Aside from music, Helaine has served her community by performing at senior centers since 2012. With her exceptional achievements, she gained admission to Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and MIT. Helaine has served on the PA Foundation Board since 2023.
The Pacific Academy Foundation is a non-profit organization, which was established to help committed and talented students develop their abilities and academic skills. The foundation provides students with unique opportunities to hone their talents (such as competitions, performances, and master classes) and college preparation resources, while addressing their financial needs. The foundation's goal is talent search and development for underserved youth from the ages of 7 to 26.