About Quentin

My name is Quentin Choy, and I am the Founder and Executive Director of the Immigration Civic Advocacy Alliance. I am originally from Hawaii before moving to Colorado in 2018, where I have lived ever since.

I earned a degree in Political Science and work at a large global nonprofit/NGO where I am the founder of an Asian-American/Pacific Islander employee resource group. I also have certifications from Cornell University’s eCornell program in Policy Advocacy and Project Management.

As someone who grew up in Hawaii – a place known for a rich immigrant DNA and blended cultures, I know what it means to not always feel a sense of belonging. I advocate for the needs and struggles of immigrants because I want to bring them a stronger sense of belonging, in a time where they are often made to feel unwanted and unwelcome.

While the work in the citizenship space is rewarding, it can also be quite heavy. I hold parts of my life closely that bring me happiness and joy, especially my lovely fiancé. Some of those things include learning, cooking, history, social sciences, music, literature, culture, and art. Some things I have started to love most recently include Sunday evening walks, K-Pop, home cooking, and Broadway.

I also enjoy Mexican food and Chinese food, and in the evening you might catch me at a Taco Express drive-thru or at the Korean market.

I optimistically believe that everyone deserves a fair shot at the American dream and that citizenship is about dignity. I also believe that my faith calls me to “welcome the sojourner” or to welcome the immigrant. This is a belief that I take seriously and strive to do, especially through ICAN.

I am also of the belief that “excellence counters exclusion.” When the immigration system is strained and inefficient, changes at the community level can create change and counter exclusion with excellence. Citizenship is far more than paperwork. It’s about belonging and empowerment.

One of my favorite memories from citizenship education was when I was given gifts by some of my students: Pork Bao buns from one student and Ghiradelli Chocolate from another. I also am proud of when two immigrant students who weren’t registered and just wanted to check the class out more than halfway through were accommodated and taught by me and made to feel welcome.

My hope is that ICAN counters exclusion with excellence and brings a sense of belonging to immigrants all throughout the Western United States.