Catherine Han

Catherine Hyowon Han (한효원) (she/her/hers) serves as the Virginia (VA) Middle School Program Coordinator here at Asian American LEAD (AALEAD). Catherine identifies as being a second-generation Korean American, a proud daughter of immigrants, and is the oldest of five in her family. She graduated from University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) Honors College with her Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Sociology in 2019 and was awarded the Chancellor’s Medal for Community Service as well as Student Leader of the Year. Then, in 2021, she graduated with her Master of Science degree in Social Work (MSSW) with her method being Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming (AGPP) and field of practice in International Social Welfare with Services to Immigrants and Refugees from Columbia University School of Social Work (CSSW) and was awarded Outstanding Student Leader of the Year. Catherine is also a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. During her time in both undergraduate and graduate school, Catherine found her passion in advocating and supporting the community that hits close to home, and that is the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, more specifically being able to uplift young people’s needs and voices. She is excited, ready, and committed to apply both her professional and personal experiences to this role, and to be able to meet youth where they are at, and to collaboratively provide a safe and authentic space, as well as to co-create a space of growth in order for youth to be able to explore, learn, and develop more about themselves in a fulfilling and enjoyable environment. In Catherine’s free time, she enjoys watching her favorite TV shows which include Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, and Riverdale, watching sunsets on the beach, and jamming out to some Disney music.