Candidate for
Secretary
Alex Therathanakorn
Los Angeles, CA
Co-Founding Asian Pacific American Law Student Chapter
Statement of Interest
​
I am seeking the opportunity to contribute to The Thai American Samakkee Coalition as a Secretary because its mission closely aligns with my lived experience and professional trajectory. As someone who grew up as an immigrant in a family of small business owners, I have seen firsthand both the resilience and the challenges faced by Thai and Thai American communities in the United States. These early experiences instilled in me a belief that communities thrive when we lift one another, share knowledge, and create pathways for collective advancement.
Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have consistently invested in work that brings people together and elevates communities. At the University of Texas at Austin and later at Florida State University College of Law, I helped found student organizations dedicated to advancing Asian American interests, building platforms for representation, collaboration, and shared advocacy. My subsequent experiences in both the private and public sectors, including my time as a Florida Gubernatorial Fellow, have equipped me with a practical understanding of policy, leadership, and coalition-building across diverse stakeholders.
​
I am particularly drawn to the organization’s emphasis on civic engagement and leadership development. My own interest in public policy is deeply personal, shaped by navigating the U.S. immigration system and seeing how policy decisions impact real families. This perspective drives me to help create systems that are transparent, fair, and empowering for our community. As I continue my graduate studies in Organizational Leadership at CIAM, I have become even more committed to strengthening the capacities of mission-driven organizations and the communities they serve.
​
I believe strongly in the development of meaningful relationships as opportunities to serve; in upholding high ethical standards in both professional and community life; in treating every occupation as a dignified avenue for contributing to society; and in fostering goodwill, understanding, and unity across cultures. These principles have shaped the way I build partnerships, lead teams, and engage with diverse communities.
​
I hope to contribute my experience in public service, cross-sector collaboration, and community advocacy to help advance the organization’s vision. More importantly, I hope to serve as a bridge that facilitates communication, strengthens networks, and supports the next generation of Thai and Thai American leaders. It would be an honor to help foster a stronger, more connected, and more empowered Thai and Thai American community in the United States.
Bio
Alex Therathanakorn is a first generation Thai American. Growing up as an immigrant in a family of small business owners, he gained early insight into the challenges faced by underrepresented communities from navigating complex systems to building economic stability. These experiences shaped his commitment to community-centered leadership and sparked a lasting interest in public policy. As a result, his career choice blends public service, community engagement, and cross-sector leadership.
​
As a first-generation college graduate, he earned his B.A. in Government and Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, where he also helped found Asian Pacific American Coalition, a student organization dedicated to advancing Asian American interests and representation on campus. He later completed his J.D. at Florida State University College of Law, receiving numerous merit-based scholarships and continuing his advocacy by co-founding an Asian Pacific American Law Student chapter, focused on Asian American visibility and community engagement.
​
A proud alumnus of the Florida Gubernatorial Fellowship he gained early exposure to high-level state leadership and developed a strong foundation in public administration. His encounters with the various governance system further deepened his dedication to promoting fair, transparent, and humane policy processes.
His professional path spans both the private and public sectors, giving him a balanced perspective on strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable impact. He is currently expanding his leadership toolkit as an M.A. candidate in Organizational Leadership at the California Institute of Advanced Management, where he studies on a competitive scholarship.
​
With a passion for mission-driven work, equity, and community empowerment, Alex Therathanakorn strives to help organizations grow, collaborate, and transform lives.