Officers & Board of Directors
Ted Gong, Chairman of the Board
(Holding duties of President and Treasurer)
As Chairman of the Board, Ted provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the 1882 Foundation. In his additional roles as President and Treasurer, he ensures strong financial stewardship and accountability, maintaining appropriate checks and balances in the organization’s governance. Click for full bio
Ting-Yi Oei, Secretary of the Board
Also serves as Education Program Director
As Education Program Director, Ting-Yi works with teachers, administrators, researchers, and policymakers to develop curricula and lesson plans tailored to local learning environments. He also supports the Foundation’s broader initiatives, ensuring that educational programming remains central to its mission. Click for full bio
Stan Lou, Talk Story Program Director
Stan leads Talk Story, the 1882 Foundation’s flagship oral history program. He oversees monthly programs that preserve lived experiences and strengthen community dialogue. In addition, he directs the Literary and Arts Corner initiative, which engages the public in discussions around Asian American studies, literature, film, and the arts. Click for full bio
Amy Trang, Ph.D., M.Ed., Senior Director
Also serves as Chief Financial Officer
As Senior Director, Dr. Amy Trang oversees the operations and strategic growth of the 1882 Foundation. She works closely with the Chairman and Board of Directors to guide fund development, public relations, stakeholder engagement, and program implementation. In her capacity as Chief Financial Officer, she ensures responsible grants and contracts management, financial oversight, and compliance with IRS requirements for maintaining 501(c)(3) public charity status.
Dr. Trang co-leads the organization in advancing its mission and long-term sustainability. Click for full bio
Elaine Gin, Co-Executive Director
As Co-Executive Director, Elaine provides budget and accounting oversight while helping guide the Foundation’s strategic and programmatic direction. She plays a key role in developing the Internship Program and advancing special projects focused on policy, advocacy, and legal issues affecting Chinese Americans. Click for full bio
Yilin Zhang, Co-Executive Director
As Co-Executive Director, Yilin provides budget and accounting oversight while leading the Foundation’s public relations and communications efforts. She oversees development of the PR and communications team, coordinates the Chinese American Women in History Conference and related programming, and supports the Talk Story initiative. Click for full bio
Jenn Low, M.Des., Chinatown Projects Director
Jenn provides strategic guidance for projects focused on the revitalization and preservation of Chinatowns across the United States and Canada, with particular emphasis on Washington, DC. She builds and maintains strong relationships with community stakeholders to ensure that preservation efforts are community-driven and sustainable.
Her work with the 1882 Foundation includes leading DC Chinatown Tours and contributing to initiatives such as the Rural Chinatown Conference. Click for full bio
Sojin Kim, Ph.D., Historic Preservation Director
(Volunteer Academic Director / Advisor)
Dr. Sojin Kim provides strategic guidance for the development and preservation of historic sites related to Chinese American history across the United States. She supports research initiatives, publications, conferences, and landmark registrations that strengthen public recognition of this history.
Her work with the 1882 Foundation includes advancing national context studies, ancestry research initiatives such as Range 99, historic landmark and monument registration, and Heritage Tours that bring preservation efforts into public engagement. Click for full bio
Advisors
Phil Sexton is a historian that provides heritage tours and assists with registered places and monuments. He also assists with public affairs.
Sue Lee is a historian with experience working in museums. She’s part of the historical societies and assists with public affairs.
Sue Fawn Chung is a historian and preservationist.
Shirley Woo provides guidance on building grassroots community relations in DC Chinatown and provides support for 1882 Project Foundation programs and projects.
Walter Woo provides guidance on building grassroots community relations in DC Chinatown and provides support for 1882 Project Foundation programs and projects.
Carolyn Chan, provides guidance on building national community relations through the Chinese American Citizens Alliance to support 1882 Project Foundation programs and projects.
Note: There are also others who wish to stay anonymous.
Foundation Team
Ellen Feng, DC Office Manager
Ellen oversees day-to-day operations at the 1882 Foundation’s DC Chinatown office, including supervision of volunteers and interns. She manages digital communications across platforms, including Instagram and website updates, and provides technical support for Talk Story events. Ellen also leads the Pod-Luck Club podcast program, expanding the Foundation’s reach through digital storytelling and community engagement. Click for full bio
James Xiao, Sacramento Office Manager
James oversees day-to-day operations at the 1882 Foundation’s Sacramento Chinatown office, including supervision of volunteers and interns. He coordinates Talk Story events throughout the Sacramento region, expanding the Foundation’s cultural and educational programming in Northern California and the Central Valley. Click for full bio
Alex Lucas, Technology Associate
Alex oversees IT infrastructure, systems alignment, and digital management for the 1882 Foundation. They play a key role in strengthening the organization’s technological capacity, supporting internal operations, CRM systems, and digital storytelling initiatives.
Through their LLC, Saros Liminal, Alex leads a DC Chinatown virtualization project and manages the Foundation’s CRM platform. They also edit The Pod-Luck Club podcast and provide technical support for digital engagement efforts. Click for full bio
Deborah Steinhart, Creative Director & Marketing Consultant
Deborah provides strategic leadership in branding, communications, and design for the 1882 Foundation. She translates the Foundation’s mission into compelling visual identity systems, storytelling campaigns, and digital experiences that inspire engagement and support. Click for full bio