Saerom Yoo founded Pado Collective with a simple, demanding belief: Transforming systems requires transformative ways of working — rooted in anti-racist practices.

A Korean immigrant and Third Culture Kid, Saerom grew up in Bangkok, Thailand, and Jakarta, Indonesia, attending international schools alongside classmates from around the world. Multiculturalism and multilingualism weren’t ideals to aspire to — they were the default. That upbringing shaped a lifelong curiosity about people, power, and the systems that shape whose lives and voices are valued.

Saerom has since advanced a 20-year career in journalism and strategic communications in high-stakes, high-visibility environments, including the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, the Oregon Governor’s Office and the Oregon Health Authority. Throughout this journey, she refined her ability to shape public dialogue and policy through illuminating narratives that bring emotional resonance and clarity to complex issues.

Saerom founded her independent consulting practice in 2022 and later rebranded it as Pado Collective to better reflect the evolution of her work. She brings together strategic storytelling, public policy  and advocacy communications to support leaders and organizations driving high-stakes, values-driven work in complex environments.