Board Members
Shaighn Kim - President
Attorney
Shaigh Kim is an attorney practicing business litigation in Los Angeles. Previously an associate at Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker, Shaighn left the firm to study French at the Sorbonne in Paris and has since worked at various law firms specializing in complex litigation.
Background:
Shaighn graduated from the Southwestern School of Law, Los Angeles and received her B.A. in English and History from the University of Southern California. She is a member of the Korean American and Japanese American Bar Associations and served as Secretary for the Korean American Democratic Committee from 2001-2003.
Why PACS?
As the daughter of immigrants, I have always been interested in issues affecting first-generation APA families and finding ways to bridge the cultural, linguistic, and social gap between immigrant parents and their children. I am honored and proud to be serving on the board of a non-profit agency that creates possibilities for so many families during some of their most difficult times. I believe that PACS provides indispensable services to those families and would like to see PACS expand as an agency.
Roxana Lewis - Chair
Certified Travel Counselor (CTC)
Roxana Lewis is on staff at Protravel International, Beverly Hills where she specializes in customized travel to the Backroads of Italy for both individuals and groups. She is certified at the highest mark of professional excellence in the travel industry
Background:
Roxana attended the University of California, Berkeley where her focus on Comparative Literature prepared her to drop-out in 1966 to protest the war in Vietnam. She has extensive experience in the airline industry, working for Western and United Airlines, and in the corporate world with the Mitre Corporation in McLean, VA before opening her own firm, Chartwell Travel in 1977. She merged her business with Protravel in 2007.
Roxana is a native of Los Angeles and a proud third-generation Japanese American. She is a high altitude mountaineer and has climbed McKinley, Mont Blanc, several Latin American peaks and Mt. Fuji (four times) besides running 76 marathons. She is compelled to these extremes to justify her love of expensive dinners and maintains a resume of Michelin starred restaurants worldwide. Her husband, Howard, counterbalances with his passion for BBQ and very dry martinis. They reside in the South Bay with four cats.
Why PACS?
I left a ten year Board position at the South Bay Family Health Care Center to focus on my philanthropic efforts in the Asian arena. My lifelong pursuit to better the lives of those less fortunate has given me the tenacity and enthusiasm to move the PACS mission to Mt. Everest heights!
Mona Miyasato–Vice President
Local Government professional
Mona Miyasato’s professional life has revolved around city management, affordable housing and community development. She is currently the Deputy City Manager for the City of Santa Monica.
Background:
Prior to this, Mona worked for the City of West Covina as Redevelopment Project Manager and Community Planner, for the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency as an Associate Planner and private consulting firms. Mona has served on the Board since 2000.
Why PACS?
Serving on the Board of PACS is a privilege. It reconnects me to the issues that most inspire me – creating possibilities for API families and individuals, be they first-generation immigrants, teens needing support and direction, or adults struggling to connect with others.
Joseph Manalili – PACS Treasurer
Attorney, Airports & Environmental Law – Federal Aviation Administration
Joseph Manalili is an attorney with the Federal Aviation Administration. Practicing primarily in the area of airports and environmental law, he provides legal support on major airport and air traffic projects throughout the Western-Pacific region, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Prior to that, Joseph worked in other federal agencies in Washington, D.C. and in private practice in Los Angeles.
Background:
Joseph earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He went on to earn his law degree from the UCLA School of Law.
Why PACS?
After serving on various bar association boards, I wanted to use my time and expertise to work with an organization that provided direct services to my community and made real and immediate impact on peoples' lives. PACS provides important social services to the Asian Pacific American community that has historically been underserved. The dedication of the staff and response from its clients has been inspiring for me. I only hope that I can add to its success.
Brian Swanson - Secretary
Attorney & Doctoral Student of Psychology
Brian Swanson is currently working toward his doctorate degree in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Prior to the commencement of his doctoral program, Brian practiced for approximately seven years as a litigation attorney, specializing in various employment and professional liability matters.
Background:
Brian recently earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Pepperdine University. Brian also earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego, School of Law, and received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and a student affiliate of the American Psychological Association.
Why PACS?
As a native Angelino, I have greatly benefited from the rich diversity of people and cultures afforded throughout the Southern California area. As I pursue my own passions within the field of psychology, I feel tremendously honored and privileged to serve on the board of PACS; a non-profit agency that remains ardently dedicated to providing quality, culturally sensitive mental health services to the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. In light of the API communities’ notable history of underutilizing such services, I am excited to join PACS’ continued outreach efforts to provide services to all in need throughout this diverse population.
Atif Bhanjee– PACS Board Member
Revenue and Strategy Manager, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International
Atif Bhanjee is the youngest manager at Valeant, a publicly traded pharmaceutical manufacturer headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California. Prior to that, he worked as Finance Consultant for Secure Horizons, United Health Group’s Medicare Insurance Division. At both companies, Atif professionally sets himself apart from his peers by tackling the most complex financial problems and developing efficiencies that positively impact the bottom line.
Background:
Atif was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya (East Africa) to parents of Indian heritage. Upon moving to Houston, Texas in 1993, he skipped the 8th and 9th grades and began high school at the 10th grade. In 2000, Atif graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in Finance and Management Information Systems. Of his experience at UT, Atif is most proud of his participation in the University of Texas Varsity Rowing Team (Texas Crew). More recently, he is a graduate of the Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development Program (RVLDP) and currently serves in leadership roles for numerous nonprofit organizations.
On a personal note, Atif is passionate about designing cars; in fact, he would be more than happy to draw one for you – just ask!
Why PACS?
My experience in RVLDP taught me to identify and apply the essential components of a well-run and successful nonprofit organization. The experience also exposed me to a gamut of nonprofits, of all sizes, from around the country. The PACS organization, with its passion, mission, and leadership showed it to be the best of the bunch.
Craig Lyn – PACS BOARD MEMBER
Craig Lyn works in the Information Technology Group of a large global investment management company.
Background:
Craig graduated from the University of California at San Diego with a Bachelors of Arts double majoring in Economics and Chinese Studies.
Why PACS?
After graduating from college and studying abroad twice in Asia, I really wanted to get involved with helping the API community. Volunteering with PACS allows me to do my part in trying to make a difference in LA County.
There is a lot of stigma and misunderstanding associated with mental health issues in the general population and it is especially challenging within the API community. PACS provides crucial services that are often overlooked and are critical for our community and society at large, especially for those who are underrepresented and underserved.
Michael Mantong – PACS Board Member
Allstate Personal Financial Representative
Michael Mantong is an Exclusive Financial Specialist for Allstate Financial Services, LLC, (AFS) in a local office in Long Beach, CA. He has been working for AFS for over eight years, and has been in the business for twelve years. While at AFS he has earned the National Honor Ring award, California Golden Eagles Award, and is a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable, the Premier Association of Financial Professionals. He holds a series 7 and 65 license. He is completing coursework for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, a nationally recognized designation for the financial planning field. Michael is the current president of the Long Beach Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA),
Background:
Michael graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA, in 1990; he earned his CPA (Certified Public Accounting) at Deloitte & Touche, CPAs. He has a Masters in Business Administration from California State University, Long Beach, in 1996, emphasis in Finance.
He resides in Long Beach with his wife and daughter.
CRAIG MINAMI – PACS BOARD MEMBER
Paralegal
Craig Minami has been in the legal field for over 20 years as paralegal. He has worked for large, medium and boutique-sized law firms as well as the San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Legal Services. Craig, along with attorneys from Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, received the California State Bar Pro Bono award for their representation of tenants in a slumlord dispute which resulted in a $1.6 million award for their clients. He currently works for NBC Universal in their legal department.
Background: Craig is a lifelong resident of Southern California and has been actively involved in the Asian and Pacific Islander American community for over 10 years. He has been on the boards or volunteered for several organizations including the Japanese American Citizens League, Media Action Network for Asian Americans, LEAP, Asian Pacific American Legal Center, APEX, and Japanese American National Museum. Craig has served on the Board since 1993.
Why PACS?
I believe that PACS provides critical services to those individuals and communities who need it the most. Of all the organizations that I have worked with over the years, I will always be proudest to be affiliated with PACS because of its strong dedication to service and for its devotion to its clients.
Erhan Oktay – PACS Board member
Trader
Erhan Oktay is an Equities Trader for an investment management firm in Santa Monica. Erhan specializes in International Equity and trades in both developed and emerging markets. He has been working in the financial industry for seven years.
Background:
Erhan graduated from the University of Southern California. He received a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in both Finance and Information Systems. He was introduced to PACS via the Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development Program (RVLDP).
Erhan is a resident of Los Angeles and has been a board member since 2007. He enjoys surfing and traveling to exotic locations.
Why PACS?
I chose to donate my time to PACS because I wanted to help individuals and families in the API community. PACS has shown that it provides a valuable service to countless number of people all throughout Southern California. I’m proud to be involved with this organization hope to see to it grow as an agency and be a household name throughout the region.
ADVISORY COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support PACS’ mission and be knowledgeable about the agency’s services and programs.
- Allow PACS to use your name and title as an Advisory Council Member for fundraising and special events, official correspondence and other agency material.
- Attend the annual Advisory Council meeting, if possible.
- Agree to serve on the Advisory Council for a minimum of one year.
- Provide expertise for the agency when needed.
- Support PACS’ events through your attendance whenever possible.
- Be willing to share your circle of influence for PACS.
PACS’ Advisory Council
Ms. Nancy Au
Ms. Arlene Balaoing
Mr. Jason Chen
Ms. Way Ting Chen
Ms. Carrie Miyoko Clark
Mr. Alex Fukui
Mr. Ike Hatchimonji
Mr. John Hatakeyama
Ms Patricia Horikawa
Mr. Ronald Ikejira
Dr. Alexander Liang
Ms Trisha Murakawa
Ms. Sharon O’Rourke
Ms. Karen Pointer
Ms. Joy Perreras
Ms. Susan Rossetti
Ms Kimberlee Tachiki
Mr. Wes Tanaka
Ms. Emily Takeuchi
Return to Top |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 