IWD- 2016 Community Leader Award

Growing up in Seoul South Korea, Esther Pierce embraced her love for arts and culture by immersing herself in music and visual studies. During graduate work in English and Education,her membership experience within UNESCO had influenced her interest for community building and cultural associations. She later branched out to marry her interests and passion to build a private arts academy - Sojin Art School, where she was acting principal for 20 years.

She immigrated to Canada 30 years ago with her young family and attended York University for business management and YUELI to further expand her education and work skills. This cultural shift impacted her vision to further promote arts and culture from a Korean-Canadian perspective in order to strengthen Korean identity among Korean-Canadians.

Her new vocation in Canada includes Chair for Arirang Korea TV (Korean OMNI Television in Ontario) for the past 7 years as well as chair for annual Arirang Korea Smartphone Film Festivals. She’s been board member and most recently chaired the Hyo Filial Care Society of Canada, a non-profit organization servicing seniors respectfully through cultural programs. She is also the founder and chair of Korean -Canadian Charity Foundation.​

In 2012 she’s chaired the Korean Canadian Arts Association which she is currently actively supporting member among many other foundations such as Korean Canadian Cultural Association, Korean Canadian Scholarship Foundation, and Korean Canadian Women’s Association just to name a few. Sunday, is when she dedicates her afternoons to her church as head of choir.

Family, community, and cultural heritage in Canada, are the key fundamentals that have elevated her vision as she assumes her leadership roles. Her efforts have contributed tremendously for Korean- Canadian communities to engage in healthy citizenship as well as maintaining cultural heritage for future generations.