Our team

The program's operational team has diverse yet consistent experience encompassing both international backgrounds and an emphasis on media, the corporate world, and creative industries.

Elizabeth Kay

President

Read

Elizabeth Kay

Elizabeth has been a leader in cultural exchange throughout her career. She first came to New York on her own at the age of 15 and attend high school in Long Island. After graduating from college majoring in Accounting and Computer Science, she worked in nonprofit, publishing, and advertising for high-profile clients such as Citibank, MetLife, Delta, Johnnie Walker, Denny’s, and MCI. After completing her MBA in Strategic Marketing and Communications, she started FUSIA in 2002. Aside form her role as the president of FUSIA and Responsible Officer of BridgeUSA (J-1 Visa) EVP, she works extensively with all aspects of web platform development. Since 2008, she has sat on the board of managers of the Flushing YMCA.

Henry (Nam Pyo) Hong

Managing Partner

Read

Henry (Nam Pyo) Hong

Henry graduated from Hunter College with a major in Film and minor in Chinese. Before immigrating to the United States 20 years ago, he studied and worked in the tourism industry in Korea. Henry’s main role at FUSIA is strategic development and research, focusing on Korea and other South Asian markets. He also leads FUSIA’s exploration programs, where participants interact with US industries and organizations through in-person visits.

Joseph Smith

Communication Associate

Read

Joseph Smith

Joseph joined FUSIA in 2007. He continues to grow an array of diverse and seemingly contradictory interests: he is a technology enthusiast and futurist who abstains from owning a smart phone. He is also passionate about automotive design and auto racing history, but is an advocate of car-free, walkable cities. The diversity, creativity, openness, and empathy within him reflect the ethos of FUSIA and the missions of CCIP. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts (TV and Film) from St. John’s University.

Joseph Fonseca

Communication Associate

Read

Joseph Fonseca

For an entire decade, Joseph was engaged in a self-funded travelogue titled “10 Cities / 10 Years,” which was featured in the Washington Post, US News and World Report and numerous other publications. He received a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing with a focus in Psychology from the University of Kansas.

Yanni Liang

Program Administration Manager

Read

Yanni Liang

Yanni joined FUSIA in the summer of 2018, after working there during NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). The opportunity to interact and share experiences with interns from across the world drew her to the team. Yanni earned her associate degree in accounting from LaGuardia College and received her bachelor’s degree in Finance from Baruch College. At FUSIA, Yanni’s responsibilities center on accounting, HR, and program administration.

Ahbab Ashraf

Program Assistant, Information Technology

Read

Ahbab Ashraf

Ahbab joined FUSIA during his last year at Hunter College, graduating with a bachelor’s in Computer Science. While Ahbab has a hand in different aspects of the program, his main responsibilities lie on the technology side of the organization. Examples of his duties monitoring web security, providing technical support, and assisting in the implementation of UX/UI design protocols.

Alif Haque

Program Assistant, Compliance

Read

Alif Haque

Alif earned his bachelor’s in Economics at Hunter College. While he has a hand in various parts of the program, he focuses on the compliance side of the programs. Examples of Alif’s responsibilities include preparing literature and gathering/parsing data for program use, as well as reviewing submissions to ensure compliance with government regulations.

Instructions

Our team

Elizabeth Kay

Henry (Nam Pyo) Hong

Joseph Smith

Joseph Fonseca

Yanni Liang

Ahbab Ashraf

Alif Haque