Founders & leadership

Guided by purpose.
Grounded in community.

Purpose · Creativity · Care

Meet the people whose experience, care, and commitment move Access IDEAS forward.

Student Leaders

Meet the leadership team.

The people guiding Access IDEAS bring purpose, creativity, and a shared commitment to helping young people grow.

Portrait of Ethan Chung

Co-Founder / CEO

Ethan Chung

Contact: [email protected]

Ethan is a dedicated STEM student and an accomplished pianist whose interests span music, science, research, and education. During eleven years of piano study, he has completed ABRSM Grade 8 and his ARSM Diploma. He also serves as a founding member and Teaching Assistant at Chromatic Music Academy.

Beyond music, Ethan spends many hours each week in the lab conducting cancer research, competes nationally in speech and debate, and is a certified tutor on Schoolhouse.world across multiple subjects. He also independently coached a high school science team to victory in its school-wide science fair and remains active in his community through volunteer work with his church and school. Through these experiences, Ethan brings curiosity, energy, and an encouraging spirit to helping students learn and grow.

Portrait of Elise Chung

Co-Founder / CFO

Elise Chung

Elise is a dedicated student demonstrating initiative by guiding young musicians as a Teaching Assistant. Drawing on her experience in music, speech and debate, and STEM, she shares her knowledge through engaging experiments and hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and foster a lasting love of learning.

Her years of dedicated musical study have led her to finish ABRSM Grade 8, complete her ARSM Diploma, receive recognition in multiple competitions, and perform at Carnegie Hall. Elise hopes her journey will encourage other young people to pursue excellence with confidence, curiosity, and perseverance. Beyond piano, she has competed nationally in speech and debate, earning several tournament awards. She also competed in tennis, bringing discipline and determination to every endeavor.

Trina Calhoun smiling outdoors

Director of Communications

Trina Calhoun

Trina is a passionate student and enjoys listening to and making music. With many years of music experience, she has completed Certificate of Merit Level 7 and is working on completing Level 8. She has also participated in handbell ensembles and a choir.

Outside of music, Trina likes to explore biology and math and competes in Science Olympiad and speech and debate. Bringing a fun and hopeful spirit to others, she frequently volunteers with church and camps and is excited to use her creativity and ambition to inspire others in STEM and music.

Advisors

Guided by passionate mentors.

Our advisors support the student leaders and provide guidance as they develop and carry out projects.

Jack Chung

Advisor / Chair of the Board

Jack Chung

Contact: [email protected]

Jack graduated from the Oakland Unified School District before earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Engineering from MIT. At Oakland High School, he served as Student Body President and was actively involved in math competitions. He currently manages a team within Oracle’s Database Division. Committed to supporting young learners, Jack has tutored middle and high school students and has started volunteering at an Oakland middle school, helping students strengthen their math skills, build confidence, and achieve academic success.

Tenny Calhoun

Advisor / Vice-Chair of the Board

Tenny Calhoun

Growing up, Tenny benefited from math competitions and STEM enrichment programs that shaped her love of problem-solving and her career path. After earning a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and Stanford University, she pursued a career as a medical device engineer, where she was named as an inventor on 53 patents. For the past several years, she has taught STEM subjects and co-chaired a speech club for middle and high schoolers. She is excited to help give the next generation meaningful opportunities to learn and grow.

Dr. Seba Ali

Advisor

Dr. Seba Ali

Dr. Seba Ali is an accomplished pianist, educator, and entrepreneur who serves as founder and artistic director of Chromatic Music Academy. She created color-coded curricula and the Piano Orchestra, and has maintained her piano studio for twenty years. Her international student roster has won prestigious competitions and scholarships for graduate studies in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. Dr. Ali holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree and a master's degree from SUNY at Stony Brook, as well as a Professional Performance Certificate from Lynn Conservatory. She brings an imaginative, encouraging approach to helping students grow in confidence, creativity, and musicianship.