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In a historic move, a Korean immigrant, known for her passion for books and steadfast insistence on using her Korean name, has returned to New Jersey’s Ridgewood as the first Korean and Asian woman in the 128-year history of the public school board.
Having pursued higher education at an Ivy League institution, studied as an exchange student at Oxford, and graduated from the Wharton School, her illustrious career path embodies the dreams of many Korean immigrants. We sought to understand her motivation for returning to serve as an education board trustee in New Jersey.
She remarked, "For immigrants, education is a pathway to a better life. I believed that through academic achievement, greater things could be achieved, and public schools are a foundation for realizing the American Dream. I attended a regular local public school and was admitted to Brown University, becoming the first Asian exchange student selected for Oxford. Afterward, I completed my MBA at Wharton and pursued a career on Wall Street. I believe all this was possible due to the significant benefits I received from New Jersey's public school system. As someone who benefitted, I felt a great responsibility to give back. Ensuring that children in the Ridgewood district receive excellent educational benefits within a financially responsible model is personally important to me."
Although she graduated from Wharton and built a business career, she had once been an ambitious literary scholar who cherished books during her youth at Brown University.
"I loved books. They were my passion during my teenage years. Without the internet or cell phones, life was simpler back then. I was completely absorbed in plots, characters, and writing structures. Often, even during science or physical education classes, I'd get caught reading. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, inspired by a certain teacher in middle school who traveled the world and seemed to know everything, answering any question without hesitation. This teacher encouraged me to dream big. My journey to becoming an education board member might be a way to fulfill a piece of that childhood dream."
Elected in May to fill a one-year term due to the previous trustee’s sudden relocation, her initial term is short, yet she plans to run again to serve a full three-year term.
Her life's journey began at the age of five in Japan, followed by England at seven, and settling in the U.S. at ten. She steadfastly retains her Korean name, HyunJu Kwak, out of pride for her heritage.
"I am proud of Korea and respected my parents, who gave me this name when we moved to America. Despite the pressure to adapt quickly, it was a bold and stubborn decision for a ten-year-old. Back then, even in Palisades Park, Korean immigrants were a rare sight. Changing my name wouldn't change my face, skin, or accent. I used my name as a barometer for potential friendships, believing that anyone who tried to pronounce it genuinely wanted to know me."
Running under her Korean name in the recent election, she proudly stated, "Having lived with my Korean name for decades, I'm thrilled that voters saw beyond race and chose me based on my qualifications and abilities."
As the first Korean and Asian woman to break such a barrier in Ridgewood's 128-year history, her future activities are highly anticipated.
"I must embrace the entire community, not only students and parents but also all residents supporting schools. Ridgewood is a vast district with about 5,800 students and facilities that span 1 million square feet, with an annual budget over $110 million. As the first minority to also serve as the Vice-President of the Board, my goal is to enact positive changes gradually. Education is crucial for an individual's holistic development—from intellectual to emotional and social perspectives. As such, schools must strive to enhance students' potentials. Participation, whether through volunteering or attending meetings, is essential. Voting is particularly important, especially for minorities like us, to amplify our voices and influence."
With the new academic year underway amidst ongoing COVID-19 challenges, substantial changes in school operations are necessitated. Discussing her plans as a trustee managing the education budget, she stated:
"My agenda focuses on maximizing school support for student achievements in arts, sports, or academics. We will scrutinize budget decisions to maintain programs, even amid uncertainties in state funding due to the pandemic. We've invested continuously in technology to facilitate remote learning, ensuring financial flexibility for potential COVID-related expenses or reopening costs."
As many Korean families in New Jersey focus on their children's education as a reason for immigration, awareness and participation in school operations remain low among Korean parents. HyunJu Kwak, a mother of two daughters, reflects on this issue:
"The Korean community is growing in New Jersey, necessitating representation in local towns or schools. We must advocate for ourselves, which begins with direct involvement and vocal participation. Ridgewood's school budget constitutes nearly 65% of property taxes, providing taxpayers the right to express how their money is used. I extend an invitation to our community to participate in these discussions through regular board meetings. Your input is invaluable. It is your money, your school, and your community."
HyunJu Kwak
Graduated from Brown University and Wharton School, she worked as a consultant at Bain & Company under the leadership of Mitt Romney during the 1995 Republican presidential primaries. She currently resides in Ridgewood with her husband and two daughters, where they have lived for a decade.
