Our Mission
KWA partners with diverse communities to empower individuals to live safe and dignified lives.
Our Vision
All families and individuals in communities where we work are empowered and supported to lead stable and healthy lives.
Our Core Values
We are guided by integrity, committed to equity, grounded in sustainability, and driven by innovation in everything we do.
The Korean Women’s Association (KWA) provides services to all of Western Washington through 16 offices in 15 counties and employs 1,900+ employees to serve the diverse needs of more than 10,000 people each year.
Hongja White, Korean wife of an American serviceman, formed KWA in 1972 after recognizing a need for other Korean wives on base to share meals and cultural connections. Today, the organization continues to grow, meeting the needs of over 20,000 people each year across the state of Washington.
Board of Trustees
The KWA Board of Trustees is deeply committed to KWA’s mission of providing multicultural, multilingual human service to diverse community members, regardless of race or ethnic background, through education, socialization, advocacy, and support. This commitment guides our work and inspires us to honor KWA’s roots and history while developing Korean American women as community leaders and volunteers. In doing so, we uphold Korean cultural values and traditions, cultivate leadership among Korean American women, and pass this legacy from generation to generation (Article II, Purposes, KWA Bylaws).
The Board is dedicated to strengthening and transforming communities across Western Washington and beyond. We strive to ensure transparency in our operations and the responsible stewardship of resources as we advance KWA’s mission.
Myung Lae Park - Board Chair
Yon Yi - Vice Chair
Kyung Ja Shin - Secretary
Min Hee Kim - Treasurer
Young Goering - Member
Staff Leaders
As a nonprofit organization, KWA holds in high regard the stewardship entrusted to the agency to manage funds and our team. Our funders and community partners trust us to create safe and accessible programs that best serve our communities. KWA is committed to the best practice in governance, accountability, and transparency. Meet our leadership below.
Peter Ansara - Executive Director
Bringing more than three decades of leadership experience in human services, nonprofit management, and public sector administration, Peter Ansara is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who holds a B.A. in Business Administration and a Master’s in Human Relations, grounding his work in both strategic vision and compassionate community care. He previously led KWA from 2009–2016, guiding the organization through significant growth and program expansion, and later served as Director of Human Services for Pierce County, overseeing major divisions in aging, disability, veterans services, housing, and behavioral health. Rejoining KWA in 2019, Peter continues to champion the organization’s mission to empower, serve, and uplift diverse communities across Washington. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to cultural responsiveness, equity, and ensuring that every individual has access to the resources, dignity, and support they deserve.
Hwaja Lee - Director of Finance
Hwaja Lee comes from a long line of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of others. Her grandparents built a church in Korea and passed on that work to her parents and uncle, a commander in the Salvation Army. Following in her parents’ and uncles’ footsteps, she began her 27-year career in social service, starting in Korea and Canada, where she would serve 11 years in the Salvation Army before moving to the United States and working for Upjohn Healthcare, the Multicultural Self-Sufficiency Movement, and, finally, the Korean Women’s Association where over 10 years she has led the Finance Department. Hwaja has seen KWA grow tremendously in her time here and hopes to see even more growth in the future.
Don Tilley - Director of Human Resources
Don Tilley is a retired U.S. Army veteran with more than 30 years of human resources leadership experience, including 10 years serving as Director of HR for KWA. For over 50 years, he has been deeply connected to Korean culture, a relationship that has shaped both his personal life and professional approach. Don is passionate about developing people, strengthening teams, and leading with purpose. He also enjoys serving on short term Christian mission trips, where he brings together his commitment to service, mentorship, and global community.
Nada Choe - Director of Home Care
Nada Choe is a transformational Homecare Director with over 15 years of experience in healthcare financial operations, revenue cycle management, and leading large, multi‑facility healthcare operations. She is an expert in leveraging data analytics to drive informed decision‑making, improve efficiency, exceed strategic goals, and strengthen organizational sustainability. Nada holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University and has a proven record of empowering teams through impactful tools, training, and coaching. Her leadership emphasizes accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement, all while maintaining the right balance of empathy and data‑driven clarity. She is known for fostering positive, active leadership cultures where people feel supported, empowered, and equipped to succeed. A lifelong learner, Nada leads with a growth mindset and an unwavering commitment to developing herself in mind, body, and soul. She promotes wellness in both her personal and professional life and enjoys hiking, walking outdoors, and staying active. Above all, Nada is inspired by her 10‑year‑old son, Kai — her “why” and her greatest motivation.