Meet Our Operating Team
Sam joins TeachAAPI as an Integration Specialist, providing cross-departmental support and helping ensure operations remain smooth and efficient. Prior to joining TeachAAPI, she worked in educational technology, bringing computer science curriculum to K–12 students across the country. Sam is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that broaden perspectives and spark curiosity about the world. As a Southern California native, her commitment to local community impact is reflected through volunteer work with the Downtown Women’s Center. She is excited to contribute to TeachAAPI’s efforts to expand representation, celebrate diverse stories, and inspire the next generation of learners.
Samantha Docuyanan
Integration Specialist
Tessa Gin is a recent Loyola Marymount University graduate who manages TeachAAPI’s key event planning and marketing tasks – including scheduling, resource allocation, and logistical planning – for several of the organization’s key committees. She has gained a community-centered mindset from her leadership roles at LMU and her engagement with numerous civic organizations including Camp Kesem, Jenesse Center, and Social Justice Learning Institute. Tessa’s skills in operations, marketing, communications, digital media, event planning, logistics and organizational management have allowed her to serve as a representative for TeachAAPI at key community events, conferences, and partner events. Through these various roles, Tessa is passionate about amplifying the voices of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities and dedicated to the mission of weaving their experiences into the fabric of our collective American identity.
Tessa Gin
Strategic Initiatives Lead
As a Kanaka Maoli and Asian American who grew up in Gardena, CA, Nikki knows firsthand that formal education only takes you so far. The rest, she says, came from her hula teachers, her ōiwi leaders, and the Asian American movement. Those are the stories TeachAAPI works to bring into every classroom — so the next generation doesn’t have to find them on their own. Nikki brings 15+ years of leadership experience in both the nonprofit and tech sectors, including five years at The Posse Foundation, where she scaled programs across five national sites. She steps in as we expand to New York, Nevada, Texas, and a growing list of states ready for this work.
Nikki Keahi Kealalio
Chief Executive Officer
Jennifer Kong, Manager of Global Procurement (Marketing & Media) at Mattel, has 15+ years of CPG experience in Product Launch Development, Supply Chain, and Operations. She believes in the power of community and connection, and loves devoting her time planning impactful events for non-profit organizations. Jennifer joins TeachAAPI supporting strategic operations, marketing/communications, and community activations.
Jennifer Kong
Strategic Operations Manager
Betty Zhao is a proficient travel tech professional with extensive experience in account management, market management, product development, and strategic operations. She has held significant roles at industry-leading companies like Hopper, Booking Holdings, and Hotelbeds. In addition to her professional achievements, Betty is a dedicated volunteer leader. She serves as a Board Member for the ACE NextGen SoCal chapter, and is actively involved in the APA Community Holiday Toy Drive. Betty’s expertise in customer relationship management, sponsorship management, and community engagement makes her a versatile and impactful leader in both her professional and volunteer endeavors, including her contributions to the Strategic Operations team at TeachAAPI.
Betty Zhao
Strategic Operations Manager
