Angel Pai is an actress, producer, TV host, fine artist, jewelry designer, social impact leader, nonprofit founder, entrepreneur, public speaker, and fashion model. Throughout her career, Angel has seamlessly woven her humanitarian ethos into every facet of her work, establishing herself as a change-maker and thought leader in education, women’s empowerment, and social justice.
Angel’s entry into the media world was serendipitous. Initially on the path of becoming a neurosurgeon, she fully embraced her passion and path in storytelling after being cast in a French film production while on location in Taiwan. Her role in the film, which premiered at various European film festivals and on French television, marked the beginning of a diverse and dynamic media career. As a fashion model, Angel is represented by top agencies in eight countries and has appeared in international campaigns and runway shows. As the muse of Malan Breton, Angel has opened and closed shows for the designer since his brand’s inception. Her work has been featured in leading publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, GQ, and Maxim. In 2009, she placed in the top four at the Miss Asia beauty pageant and won the Miss Body title. After being discovered for her vibrant on-screen presence during a celebrity fashion show in LA, she expanded into TV hosting, working with MTV IGGY, NYCTV, Travel Channel, and PBS AllArts. Her recent hosting segments for NYC VIBE on PBS AllArts cover humanitarian efforts in art, fashion, and entertainment.
As a passionate advocate for cultural exchange, holistic education, and gender equality, Angel has inspired audiences around the world with her keynote addresses and thought leadership. She serves as an official STEAM Ambassador for the Aspire Artemis Foundation, championing the integration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to create transformative opportunities for young men and women in marginalized communities. Her commitment extends globally as Education and Youth Empowerment Ambassador for The Dais, India, advancing education and women’s empowerment, and through her advocacy with the There Is No Limit Foundation in Africa, where she works to end gender-based violence.
Amplifying her influence on the international stage, Angel partnered with the PVBLIC Foundation as Master of Ceremonies and panel moderator at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in 2024, guiding pivotal discussions at the United Nations Headquarters SDG Media Zone. In this role, she catalyzed vital dialogue on “Shaping the Future Through Action and Partnerships: Building a Resilient and Equitable Future,” fostering collaboration and strategic partnerships toward global sustainable development.
A creative entrepreneur, Angel founded ILLUMIN DESIGNS, a sustainable art jewelry brand reflecting her deep connection to the Japanese philosophies of wabi-sabi (embracing the beauty in imperfection) and kintsugi (symbolizing healing and rebirth). Each one-of-a-kind piece of jeweled art is meticulously handcrafted by Angel in a meditative state, embedding intention and inspired by nature and her personal journey. ILLUMIN DESIGNS collaborates with various UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) foundations to promote sustainability and women’s empowerment. In 2023, her jewelry was presented at the UN Peace Day Youth Event during the UN General Assembly, bejeweling the Designs4Unity peace collection featuring the collaboration of Mariama Camara and Mazehual Mexico.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Angel co-founded Keep Breathing, Inc., a nonprofit designed to address the urgent needs of frontline medical staff. This fully volunteer-led initiative provided open-source designs and produced 3D-printed ventilator splitters, intubation boxes, ear savers, and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) for hospitals. Keep Breathing, Inc. was featured in Time Magazine, Observer, and World Journal for its contributions to the global fight against COVID-19.
A former competitive martial artist, Angel holds eight championship gold medals in tae kwon do, excelling in both sparring and forms. She has also trained in fencing and archery. Her artistic talents emerged early, with her first oil painting exhibitions at the age of ten and a feature in a young artist exhibition associated with the Museum of Modern Art while a student at the prestigious Stuyvesant High School in New York City.
Currently, Angel is developing film and television programming focused on uplifting stories of humanitarian achievement. Through her work as a thought leader in storytelling, she seeks to shift human consciousness by amplifying underrepresented voices and promoting social change. Having lived in seven countries, Angel brings a broad understanding of global culture and human connection to her mission—empowering others through media and creativity.
Recent highlights
Master of ceremony and panel moderator during the 79th United Nations General Assembly 2024: “Shaping the Future Through Action and Partnerships: Building a Resilient and Equitable Future” at the United Nations Headquarters SDG Media Zone by the PVBLIC Foundation
Master of ceremony for Aspire Artemis Foundation “Our Planet, Our Lives, Our Role in Forging a Sustainable Future: Climate, Energy, Oceans and Sustainability” 2024 UNSDG high level event
Official presentation at the 2023 United Nations Peace Day youth event as ILLUMIN DESIGNS jewelry designer and model in the Designs4Unity launch fashion show presentation
Master of ceremony for Aspire Artemis Foundation “Health, Immunity and the Role of Technology for Empowerment” 2023 UNSDG high-level event
Guest speaker on South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC): Discussion l A global view on Gender-Based Violence segment
Speaker/panelist on Aspire Artemis Foundation International Women’s Day 2023 event: Empower, Engage, and Innovate Education
Guest starred on season two of MANIFEST (NBC/Netflix) as Dr. Yeo
Speaker on Antigua Barbuda Today on International Coastal Cleanup
Speaker/panelist for Aspire Artemis Journeys in STE(A)M: Inclusion, Innovation + Impact - 2022 Global Symposium - Tortola, BVI
Co-founded Keep Breathing, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing evolving relief in response to the coronavirus. This fully volunteer-based organization provides open-source designs, as well as manufactures and donates 3D-printed ventilator splitters, intubation boxes, ear savers and PAPR(powered air purifying respirator) for medical staff on the front line during the COVID-19 pandemic. As featured in:Time Magazine, Observer, World Journal.