Since 2011, Kim’s expertise has been foundational to evolving First 5 LA’s emphasis on the influence of data by leading research and evaluation initiatives, developing the First 5 LA Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework, and representing the organization in county and statewide data development and data sharing efforts.
As a thought leader and subject matter expert in standards of evaluation, methodologies and knowledge and information analytics, Kim plays a key leadership role today in First 5 LA’s strategic priority to expand the availability, use and power of data and parent voice to call attention to disparities, amplify advocacy, and drive policy change, practice change, and will building.
Prior to joining the organization, Kim fostered continuous learning and improvement at LAUP through responsive evaluation and monitoring approaches as an internal evaluator. Her experience also includes more than a decade of serving as an external evaluator building evaluation capacity among community-based, nonprofits serving people of color.
While working toward her B.A. in Psychology from Southern A&M University in Baton Rouge, LA, Kim was introduced to academic research by a faculty mentor. Working in a research lab eventually led to participation in a summer research program aimed at increasing under-represented students’ pursuit of doctoral training. Kim went on to earn a PhD in Community Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. While in graduate school she was exposed to program evaluation and developed a passion for using research and evaluation as tools for advocacy and social change. She returned to Los Angeles in 2004 where she continues to pursue that passion.
