Aiyoung Choi

Aiyoung Choi is passionate about creating change in the world through education and activism. She is dedicated to ending violence in any form, and building a more just and peaceful world.

Born in Korea during World War II, she grew up in Shanghai, Taiwan, and Japan, and came to the U.S. for college in Illinois. She subsequently moved to New York City which is now home. Originally a painter and sculptor, her interests shifted to teaching, publishing, human resource management and public relations, and after formal retirement has been working as a consultant to nonprofit organizations. She has served on numerous boards of directors, including the Coalition for Korean American Voters, Black & Korean Mediation Project, Korean American Family Service Center, Asian Americans for Equality, New York Women’s Foundation, Manhattan Country School, Union Theological Seminary, and Asian Women Giving Circle, among others.

In 2015 Aiyoung’s commitment to world peace took a big step forward when she joined 30 prominent international women peacebuilders to cross the demilitarized zone from North Korea to South Korea, calling for an end to the now 70-year Korean War, reunite separated families, and ensure women’s leadership in the peace process. She is currently Board Chair of Women Cross DMZ, a global movement led by women to avert war and press for diplomacy and a peace-first approach to end the Korean War with a formal peace agreement.

Aiyoung has received numerous awards for her vision, compassion, and leadership, and is a mentor to many, both young and old.