Hello, California tobacco prevention community!

I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the newest member of the TCEC team. My name is Hyewon Park, and I bring a Ph.D. in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education, along with a heart full of stories and a passion for supporting those who need it most. 

My journey began in South Korea, where I never quite felt like an outsider until I landed in the U.S. as an international student. Picture this: a so-called “independent adult” puzzling over how to ring the bell to stop a bus! For your reference, the bus did not have a buzzer! That moment of vulnerability, feeling like a stranger in a new world, was my “aha” moment. It opened my eyes to what it means to be on the margins, to feel vulnerable without any help, and unseen in a crowd. That experience became the thread that weaves through all my work. 

Back in South Korea, I had the privilege of working with North Korean defectors who, despite holding South Korean citizenship, faced challenges similar to mine in adapting to a new living situation. I dove into research to uncover the structural barriers they faced, which were not their fault, and sought to propose ways to support their careers. It was a turning point for me, shaping my professional mission: to amplify overlooked voices, challenge assumptions of inadequacy, and highlight systemic issues through storytelling. 

Over the years, I’ve worked with diverse groups—older adults, immigrant women, retirees, children, and families—across various fields to promote social change. At digitalLift, a nonprofit, I’ve championed digital inclusion especially for older adults and low-income families, supporting marginalized learners as an instructor and researcher to evaluate and enhance program outcomes. Building on this, as a senior research evaluation specialist at Santa Clara County’s Social Services Agency, I assessed social service programs for adults and children facing maltreatment. Each role deepened my understanding of the social factors shaping our communities and the need to address disparities for meaningful impact. These experiences taught me the critical importance of assessing community needs and advocating with professional expertise to drive lasting change. 

What I’ve learned as a researcher and evaluator is that evaluation isn’t just about data! It’s about the values we bring to the table. It’s e-VALUE-ation. I believe an evaluator’s perspective shapes the process. I’m committed to approaching my work with empathy, curiosity, and a focus on uplifting the needs of diverse communities through my practical experience, driving transformative change in our society where people live healthier and thriving lives! 

As a researcher and evaluator, I draw inspiration from resources like the Eval Cafe podcast, which offers practical insights on equitable evaluation, and Lumivero’s webinars which enhance my qualitative evaluation skills. 

I’m excited to bring my experiences and passion to TCEC, where I hope to continue learning, collaborating, and making a difference alongside all of you. Stay tuned for more stories from my journey and maybe a few tips on navigating new places without missing your bus stop!