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A legacy-driven media platform documenting Korean excellence in culture, economy, and identity
For many years, Mom&I and Show Me Your Heart have walked alongside each other, witnessing and supporting one another’s growth in the Korean-American community. Show Me Your Heart has been featured in our magazine multiple times, and as we mark the fourth anniversary of our Fort Lee studio—and with the launch of this newly rebranded publication—it felt like the perfect moment to dive deeper.
On the day of our interview, two sharp-looking men entered the studio—straight out of a GQ cover shoot. From that moment, the room was filled with warmth and vibrant energy. Under the direction of visual artist Eunju Lee, the photoshoot flowed naturally, and Heather Choi, alongside COTU’s co-founders, created cinematic scenes with ease and sincerity. Heather's magnetic presence and the trio's chemistry infused every moment with authenticity.
Self First“The biggest challenge isn’t external—it’s within myself,” Heather shared when asked about the difficulties of running a nonprofit. Success can feel like flying, she said, but failure hits harder than most expect. “Some people bounce back quickly. I don’t. So I try to surround myself with people full of positive energy.” Her candid vulnerability set the tone for a deeply human conversation.
Zachary Smith, co-founder and CEO of COTU (Center of the Universe), is a visionary leader focused on tech-driven community empowerment. Alongside COTU, he also founded Smith & Loud, a smart land-tech firm managing over 1 million acres globally, using data and analytics to shape sustainable land use strategies.
“We first met Heather at a St. Joe’s Hospital event,” Zach recalled. “Her authenticity, love for children and families, and her ‘tiger mom’ passion—we were drawn in immediately.” Their partnership, he said, wasn’t strategic but instinctive.
COTU co-founder Michael Crisofoli emphasized that the company’s core lies in integrity and creativity. “From our first conversation with Heather, we recognized alignment—her mission was all about heart.” Whether it’s teaching kids how to tie a bow tie or mentoring youth, COTU’s model reflects deep-rooted involvement beyond financial donations.
While many see technology as cold, Zach disagrees. “Tech allows me to FaceTime my cousin in Belgium or lets Heather connect with her mom in Korea. That’s the warmth of technology.” COTU extends this warmth into its workplace, where every staff member has Zach’s number and knows each other’s families. “Heather’s now one of us. This isn’t just a partnership—it’s personal.” Smith & Loud carries that same ethos: technology used to connect people and places with purpose.
In a metrics-driven industry, Michael says COTU prioritizes people. “That’s our edge—we surround ourselves with good humans.” Working with Heather is a natural extension of that belief. “It’s not about writing a check. It’s about showing up, mentoring, and truly caring.”
When asked about Korean culture before meeting Heather, Zach laughed. “I’ve been to Korea over 20 times. I know Seoul and I know tiger moms—I love their energy.” Michael, raised in an Italian household, added, “There’s something emotionally familiar in Korean warmth. This community feels like a second family now.”
“What makes CSR truly sustainable—not just trendy?” Michael’s answer was simple: “Don’t just donate and disappear. Show up with real interest and stay engaged. Heather lives this every day—and so do we.”
Zach recalled a moment when Heather asked him to speak to students. “Actually, she told me to,” he said, laughing. “So I said, ‘I hope you’ll be my competitors one day. My partners. My inspiration.’” Michael shared how a recent program graduate pitched them a startup idea. “We didn’t know her field, but we offered what we could. The fact she came to us first—that meant everything.”
This dialogue was far more than an interview. It was a testament to how technology, culture, and community values can intersect in real life. Heather Choi and the leaders of COTU are, together and individually, designing a new kind of future—one built on empathy, trust, and action.
“If you lead with sincerity,” they told us, “transformation will follow.” And that, more than anything, is the heart of their message.
