Film Maker
Transformation Production LLC
Michelle Koo Hayashi is a philanthropist and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, recognized as a leading voice among female Asian filmmakers. Born in Taiwan and raised in Japan, she attended Keio University and Harvard Business School.
At 25, inspired by her mother’s benefit concerts, she founded the Chinese Children Charitable Association in Taiwan, which provides financial, medical, and educational support to underserved children. One of its first initiatives aided rural indigenous communities affected by a devastating earthquake in Nantou County.
Michelle's commitment to marginalized communities led her to create the documentary "Born to Be," which explores the lives of transgender individuals and premiered at the New York Film Festival in 2019, earning two Emmy nominations. In response to rising anti-Asian violence, she launched the Asian Initiative at a major university to highlight Asian American contributions and combat stereotypes.
She has served on the boards of several nonprofits, including the Museum of Chinese in America, and received the 2020 Hero Award from MOCA. Currently residing in NYC with her three children, Michelle is working on a screenplay featuring strong Asian female leads, further challenging stereotypes in film. Her hobbies include golf, pickleball, and gardening.ng that it is possible to achieve their dreams through hard work and innovative thinking.