Meet Out Team
Where empowerment meets community. We are a dedicated group of Thai Americans committed to raising awareness and inspiring positive change.
Through authentic storytelling, advocacy, and community engagement, we shine a light on societal challenges, providing support and resources to those in need. Join us as we foster connections, promote inclusivity, and build a more just and equitable society.
Together, we are the bamboo – resilient, strong, and growing towards a brighter future.
Panawan "Tookie" Clayton
President | Founder
Tookie is driven by a deep passion for uplifting community voices and sharing survivor stories, which guides everything she does. She has dedicated years to advocacy, community building, and creating safe spaces for healing and empowerment. With experience as a board member of the Thai Unity Community and an advocate with the Asian Women’s Shelter, Tookie brings heart, leadership, and a strong belief in storytelling as a powerful tool for social change, cultural resilience, and fostering deeper understanding and unity across diverse communities.
Claudia Kornchaya
COO | Co-Founder
Claudia brings over a decade of experience in operations, digital media, and community engagement. She helped build the organization from the ground up, leading operations and social media while creating digital arts and cultural programming that amplify underrepresented voices. Passionate about using creativity and technology to connect and heal, Claudia is committed to fostering inclusive spaces, amplifying voices, and driving positive social change. Claudia also serves as a crisis line counselor and advocate, supporting individuals experiencing trauma with compassion and care.
Arpa Yadegar
Treasurer
Arpa is an experienced accounting, marketing, and sales professional with four years of expertise in budgeting control, tax preparation, payroll, and financial reporting. Skilled in QuickBooks, MS Excel, and ADP systems, she has successfully reduced company costs by 2% annually through efficient financial practices while maintaining high-quality performance.
Tata Jansaengchot
Outreach Coordinator
Tata brings over five years of experience in relationship building, outreach, and customer support to her role as Outreach Coordinator at The Bamboo Organization. Passionate about connecting people with resources and opportunities, she leverages her strong communication skills and IT expertise to strengthen partnerships and community.
Kim Gamble
Ambassador
Kim Gamble, Top 20 finalist of Miss Universe Thailand 2024 representing Phattalung, is passionate about culture, community, and connection. Known as the “Queen of Thai Cuisine” from Food Network, she shares her love of Thai culinary traditions while serving as a Realtor at Sotheby’s International Realty and inspiring others through her Sunrise Beach Camping adventures. As a Bamboo Organization Ambassador, Kim brings her platform and creativity to uplift cultural pride, foster inclusivity, and amplify voices within the Thai and Southeast Asian communities.
Kesinee Angkustsiri Yip
Communication and Grants Strategy Advisor
Kesinee Angkustsiri Yip is a strategic communications advisor with over 20 years of experience in corporate, nonprofit, and international development sectors. She has led engagement strategies for companies such as Cisco, served on nonprofit boards including the Asian Women’s Shelter and The Bamboo Organization, and integrates creativity and collaboration into her work through her practice, Creative Catalyst. A co‑author of Yes, and... for Success, she holds a BA from Stanford University and an MBA from Rice University. Kesinee uses communications to inspire social impact and connection.
Kitti Yindiphol
Board Advisor
Kitti is a longtime business owner and advisor with decades of experience in the insurance industry. Holding a BS in Marketing from Arizona State University and an MBA in Marketing & Finance from the College of Notre Dame, Kitti brings a wealth of knowledge in business operations, risk management, and financial strategy to The Bamboo Organization.
Koranat Sutthibut
Board Advisor
Koranat brings her creative eye and passion for cultural design to her role as Advisor at The Bamboo Organization. She specializes in creating welcoming event spaces, curating cultural decorations, and designing immersive experiences that celebrate heritage and community. She infuses warmth and artistry into every project, supporting our mission of cultural connection and celebration.
Umapon Parello
Chief Technology Officer
Umaporn serves as the Chief Technology Officer, bringing her IT expertise from her role at the DMV Headquarters. She leads our digital and technology efforts, building on the work Claudia previously oversaw, and helps strengthen our platforms to better serve our community.
Arie Suwaphat Janchay
Creative Designer
Arie has been immersed in the world of stylish and creative beauty since 2009, building a career rooted in passion, artistry, and purpose. His greatest source of pride comes from using his talent and expertise to give back to society and create meaningful impact. As the Creative Stylist at The Bamboo Organization, Arie channels his lifelong experience into advancing initiatives that make a tangible difference in the community. He believes that true giving is an ongoing, infinite cycle—and that there is no greater fulfillment than contributing to the very community that helped shape and inspire his journey.
