Maria Kwong

Maria Kwong has a diverse work experience in the museum and retail industry. Maria started their career in 1991 as a Store Manager at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and later moved on to become the Museum Store Manager at the Autry National Center. In 1995, they worked as a Business Manager at Asiaphile, a high-end accessories company. Maria then joined the Japanese American National Museum in 1999, initially as the Museum Store Manager and later promoted to Director of Retail Enterprises. In the same year, they also became the Director/Curator at the Los Angeles Toy, Doll and Amusements Museum, where they were involved in creating a new kind of museum experience. Maria has also served as a Board Member for the California Association of Museums and as Director At Large for the MSA - Museum Store Association. Their expertise lies in retail management, curating, and creating engaging museum experiences.

Maria Kwong's education history includes attending the University of California, Los Angeles from 1985 to 1989, where they studied General Accounting and Horticulture. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from Immaculate Heart College from 1975 to 1976. Their earliest educational experience was at St. John's College from 1969 to 1974, where they focused on studying Philosophy.