(Santa Ana, Calif) In a unanimous vote, the Santa Ana College (SAC) Foundation Board of Directors welcomed accomplished educator and Asian-American businesswoman
Joy Loo Kim as its newest member. The 25-member board oversees the nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and securing philanthropic resources for SAC's students and programs. Serving over 70,000 students annually, the SAC Foundation Board of Directors play a key role in supporting the college and the most pressing philanthropic initiatives that propel students and SAC's programs forward.
Asian-American Education Advocate and Businesswoman Joy Loo Kim is the newest member of the SAC Foundation Board of Directors
"Joy Loo Kim brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the intersection between education, leadership, and economic growth," said SAC President Dr. Annebelle Nery. "As a woman and an Asian American leader that advocates for equitable opportunities, Joy embodies the equity commitment that drives SAC's mission forward. Her experience in business strategy will provide invaluable insights for the future of our academic programs and workforce training initiatives."
As an advocate for education and a businesswoman, Kim shared that she looks forward to serving on the board to optimize resources, so that Santa Ana College students have the strategic tools needed to be productive changemakers in their local and global communities.
“I am honored to join the SAC Foundation Board of Directors and look forward to working with the team to help students achieve success not only in the classroom but beyond," said Kim. “As someone who understands the challenges faced by first-generation students, I want to ensure SAC remains a place where students feel empowered, whether they aim to enter the workforce, launch businesses, or continue their academic journey. I am particularly excited to contribute to SAC's initiatives in career development, and financial literacy."
Kim previously served as the Education Ambassador for the Small Business Diversity Network of Orange County and was involved with the Asian Business Association of Inland Empire, and the Advisory School Board. She is a seasoned mathematics educator with more than 15 years of experience and has taught high school students up to the AP Calculus level and led STEM-related programs, including robotics competitions and summer camps designed to spark interest in technology among underrepresented students. Kim has discovered a perfect blend of advocacy for education and business and continues to bring this combination to all of her work.
In college, Kim studied Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and would later further her education with a Math Teaching Credential and a Master of Education in Computer Education and Technology Leadership at California State University, Los Angeles.
Kim has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to building bridges between education and community needs. She previously served as an administrator for the Boyle Heights VEX IQ robotic competition and coordinated the LAUSD-USC STEM Summer Camp, where students developed skills in coding, robotics, and engineering. She also played an integral role in her former school's budgetary decision-making through her work on the School Site and Governing Council.
SAC Foundation Board Members, Joy Loo Kim, Ignacio Muñiz, Jayne Muñoz, Jose Hernandez, Yareiry Alba
"Joy's leadership in empowering women and youth, particularly through initiatives like Girls Build and her role as a board member and education liaison for the Asian Business Association of Orange County and Asians in Energy, reflects the spirit of innovation we want to foster at Santa Ana College," said David Valentin, president of the SAC Foundation Board of Directors. "We are excited to leverage her experience in guiding students toward leadership and entrepreneurial success, as well as her understanding of the financial and cultural challenges many students face."
Kim's work in Santa Ana has focused on creating educational pathways for students from diverse backgrounds, drawing on her own experience growing up as the daughter of Asian immigrants and pursuing a career in both education and business leadership. Kim strives to create partnerships with the business community that provide a heightened sense of belonging and private resources. Her husband, Alexander Kim, and the Kim family have long-standing ties to the Santa Ana community, making her commitment to the city's growth and success deeply personal.
To learn more about the Santa Ana College Foundation, please visit
www.sac.edu/foundation. At Santa Ana College, classes start every eight weeks, to learn more visit
www.sac.edu/enroll. Questions about this press release can be directed to Ethereal Violet Reyes, Public Information Officer at
reyes_ethereal@sac.edu.
About Santa Ana College:
Santa Ana College (SAC), founded in 1915, serves more than 70,000 students yearly for credit and noncredit classes. At present, SAC students can work toward completing an associate degree, university transfer, career/workforce training or a bachelor's degree in occupational studies. In 2025, the college will offer a second bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies. As part of Santa Ana College, the School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center offers free classes throughout the community for adults of all ages and academic backgrounds. Santa Ana College is an award-winning college and was recently ranked as one of the nation's top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students and named one of the best community colleges in California by Intelligent.com for a 2nd consecutive year. The college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and medical personnel.
