In our ongoing commitment to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, KCET and Union Bank honor three local heroes in the community for their dedication and commitment to enrich the lives of others.
"Community involvement has enriched my personal journey beyond mere words."
Sandy Sakamoto is a talented community organizer and a partner at the firm of Lim, Ruger & Kim, LLP. Her practice includes dealings in real estate, litigation, and business development. Ms. Sakamoto joined Lim Ruger as "Of Counsel" in 2008, after a brief retirement from nearly a thirty-two year career at AT&T.
"I feel that music is the universal language because it uplifts the spirit and makes a person feel so good about so many things; it brings harmony."
Both as a music teacher and as a philanthropist, Ruth Ding has inspired students and members of her community with her organizational expertise and unflagging optimism in all of her endeavors. She credits the strong work ethic and vision that her family instilled in her throughout her upbringing for her positive outlook on life, which served as a constant reminder to never take for granted the opportunities that she was afforded.
"For me, it's all about giving back to the community, and having my own business gives me the freedom to do that...I began to appreciate the immigrant community coming together to help one another, and it was really inspiring."
Charles Woo is the co-founder and CEO of Megatoys, an international toy manufacturing company headquartered in Los Angeles. Mr. Woo started this business with his brother Peter in 1989, and it currently staffs seven hundred employees in the Los Angeles area. Mr. Woo is also credited as the founder of the Los Angeles Toy District, a thriving international trade center borne from a blighted industrial area in Downtown Los Angeles. He has helped hundreds of immigrant entrepreneurs start their businesses and created thousands of jobs in the district he founded.
