Charlie Woo (Bruin story since B.A. ’72, M.S. ’75) is a changemaker whose journey from an immigrant student to a business leader has transformed communities. Woo emigrated from Hong Kong to study physics, overcoming challenges as a student with a disability.

In 1989, Charlie and his brother Peter founded Megatoys, a global toy manufacturing company that employs over 700 people in Los Angeles. Woo has been credited with revitalizing a neglected area of Downtown LA, transforming it into the vibrant Los Angeles Toy District. Through the community, he has helped over 100 immigrant entrepreneurs launch their businesses.

As the first Asian American chairperson of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Charlie has championed underrepresented voices in business and policy, supporting Asian American entrepreneurs and children with disabilities while funding scholarships through UCLA’s Asian Pacific Alumni network.