Current Board of Directors
Esther K. Chung, President
CC, P&S, SPH
Esther received her B.A. in Biochemistry as part of the first co-ed class at Columbia College. She received a joint MD/MPH degree from Columbia U. College of Physicians & Surgeons and the School of Public Health. She has practiced medicine for the past several decades, with special interests in maternal child health, public health, childhood poverty, and medical education. Esther has been engaged in Columbia alumni activities, serving as past Co-President of her P&S class and as a past member of the Philadelphia Club. She and her husband, Dennis, love to explore the world through food, hiking, and travel. Previously, she served as the Volunteer Chair for CAA Seattle.
Ezgi Ucaner, Vice President
SIPA
Ezgi is a SIPA graduate (2002) with a focus on economic development. Her expertise lies in designing, implementing, and managing innovative financial solutions to provide financial access to lower-income populations in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East & North Africa regions. Since relocating from Nairobi in 2019, she has been an active volunteer with CAA Seattle and is excited to connect with members during joyful events.
Robert Andre, Treasurer
CLS
Bob received his undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Princeton University in 1969 and his law degree from Columbia University in 1972. He is admitted to practice law in Washington, Colorado, New York and New Jersey. Bob handles a wide range of litigation matters, including insurance coverage, code enforcement, real property and land use, commercial litigation, medical malpractice, products liability, toxic torts, and environmental and regulation issues.
Hannah Liu, Secretary
CC
Hannah received her B.A. from Columbia College in 2017. During her time at Columbia, she held leadership roles including President of the Lion Dance Club and served on the boards of the Wind Ensemble and Credit Union Initiative. After graduation, she contributed to the Alumni Representative Committee in New York, supporting admissions outreach. Currently based in Seattle, she works as a Product Manager in tech, where she applies her skills in organization, communication, and project management. Hannah is excited to support the Seattle alumni community by fostering connections and organizing events that strengthen professional and personal networks.
Ankita Sharma, Programs and Event Chair
GSAPP
Ankita received her Masters in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University. She currently works as a Mission-Critical Design Lead in the design and construction field, overseeing complex, large-scale infrastructure projects across North America. During her time at Columbia, Ankita was actively involved in the Sustainable Development Club and the Women in Real Estate Development Club, where she championed sustainable innovation and female leadership. Ankita now serves as the Programs and Event Chair for the Columbia Alumni Association in Seattle. She is passionate about curating inclusive, meaningful experiences that strengthen alumni connections and reflect Columbia’s core values. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, swimming, and exploring the world through travel, architecture, and food.
Guillermo Guzman-Barron, Membership Chair
CBS
Guillermo received his M. SC in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia Engineering in 1990. He also has an MBA from Columbia Business School from 1993. Guillermo has been engaged previously in Columbia University alumni events such as being part of the Ambassador program for Columbia MBA for the past years. Guillermo has had a career in IT technology, leading sales and marketing teams throughout Latin America and now as a Global Strategy Director for a worldwide position. “As I have lived in several countries, always keen to get to know the amazing Columbia alumni network in the different areas I lived. I think we have so much potential to attract all alumni and learn from each other and be able to network. Looking forward to be part of the community”.
Justin Bae, Volunteer Co-Chair
CC
A native of the Seattle area, Justin received his B.A. in Art History from Columbia College in 2019. While at Columbia, Justin was a member of the Varsity Lightweight Rowing Team and served as a Columbia College Student Ambassador. After graduating, he worked in management consulting for several years before attending law school at Northwestern University, where he earned his J.D. in 2025. Justin is now based in Seattle and practices corporate law at a law firm. He is eager to strengthen the Seattle Columbia alumni community by organizing volunteer opportunities that foster connections among alumni.
Jenny Turner, Volunteer Co-Chair
TC
Jenny Turner graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University with an MA in Anthropology and Education as a Margaret Mead Fellow in 2017. Her thesis explored cross-sector collaborations between performing artists and non-profit organizations, which ultimately led her to starting her small business, Twinkle Arts for Good. Jenny also works for the Pacific Northwest Ballet as well as Seattle Veterinary Outreach, and enjoys being a part of the Columbia community here in Seattle. She holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of Michigan, and an AA in Art History from John Cabot University in Rome, Italy.
Jazlynn Pak, Recent Alumni & Student Chair
CC
Jazlynn received her B.A in biology from Columbia College in 2024. At Columbia, Jazlynn swam on the Women’s Varsity Swim Team and participated in numerous Columbia Alumni events. As a recent alumni, Jazlynn would like to give back to the community and offer support to new alumni. Her leadership experience includes being elected Team Captain of the Women’s Swim Team, Co-Director of Programming of Columbia’s Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program, and a Programming Officer of Columbia’s Korean Student Association. All of these experiences involve bolstering a community at Columbia and she looks forward to doing the same as the Recent Alumni and Student Chair of the Seattle Alumni Association.
Leslie A. Zukor, Communications Chair
CJS
Leslie A. Zukor is a 2023 graduate of Columbia Journalism School, as well as a freelance writer and editor, organizer, public speaker, and disability rights activist. At Columbia, she won multiple awards for her disability justice advocacy, including the Campbell Award for leadership and Columbia spirit, the School of General Studies Honorary Owl Award, and the Disability Community Connection Champion Award. Zukor founded and served as president of the Columbia Journalism School Alliance of Journalists with Disabilities, the first affinity group for journalism students with disabilities at a journalism school worldwide. She also co-founded and was president of the Columbia Student Disability Network, where she spearheaded the university's first Disability Affinity Graduation, an event that continues to this day. As an alumna, Zukor is the founder and president of the Columbia Alumni with Disabilities Shared Interest Group, which supports the wider disabled Columbia community and allies.
Josh Thurman, Member-at-Large
Josh Thurman spent his early life overseas- in Libya, Malta and Spain. His career in construction, real estate development and sales began after graduation from Columbia University. His diverse background strengthens his insight and skill in negotiation, as well as the successful completion of diverse types of transactions. Josh collaborates in group investment, construction and sales, and is a member of JB Collaborative and previous member of Market Place Properties, Market Ready Properties and LHJ Investments, LLC-working with Leonard Shapiro of Saltchuk, Hedy Joyce of Coldwell Banker, Julie Green of Sotheby’s and Barbara Bro, his real estate and investment partner for over 20 years.With a background as a licensed general contractor who has been a builder, developer and Broker for over 30 years and a reputation as a person who never gives up, Josh is investing in the future now and will continue to collaborate and be a strong member of the community until his role is complete. It has been a source of great pleasure for Josh to join with others as a volunteer within the community as a member of various scholastic associations and as co host of a real estate themed radio show. Joshua enjoys traveling with his partner Karen and his son and two daughters and sailing and discovering more of his home area in the Pacific Northwest-and southwestern and South Central Canada.
Julie Adams, Member-at-Large
Julie Adams lives and works in Edmonds, where she maintains a private practice as a clinical psychologist. She specializes in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Anxiety Disorders. She earned her degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 2000.
As of August 13th, 2025
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