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Professional Background:
Jin is a National Board Certified educator with nearly three decades of experience in the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) as a curriculum specialist and elementary teacher. Her work included developing K–5 mathematics curricula, delivering differentiated instruction, serving on literacy and math adoption committees, mentoring new teachers, providing training in science and literacy, and supporting Korean families transitioning into the community. Although retired from teaching, she remains active as a volunteer and mentor.

Stanford University Residency:
From 2010 to 2021, Jin and her husband, Ira, served as Resident Fellows at Stanford University’s Potter and Yost Houses. They mentored undergraduate student leaders, advised residents with a focus on social-emotional development, and collaborated with Residential and Dining Enterprises to foster a vibrant dorm community while raising their children, Rachel and Joseph, on the Stanford campus.

Youth & Post-Secondary Program Development and Community Service:
Jin has co-created and facilitated youth day camp activities for pre-K through middle school-aged children in her local community and provided long-term tutoring in math and reading for elementary students. As the parent of a young man on the autism spectrum, she developed and coordinated a comprehensive post-secondary program for her son Joseph during their time in Washington, D.C. from 2021 to 2023. This individualized program focused on functional academics, life skills, public service, vocational training, and community engagement through the JCC. Jin and Joseph have also spent many hours volunteering at food banks and the U.S. Botanic Garden.

Personal Background & Interests:
Born in South Korea, Jin came to the United States in the third grade, and her family settled in the San Francisco Bay Area by the time she was in middle school. California has been home ever since. She attended UC Davis, completed her graduate studies at UC Berkeley, and became a public school teacher in the South Bay. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting her daughter in New York City, baking with Joseph, eating adventurously, watching cooking shows, trying new recipes, exercising, and playing as much tennis as possible.