Maximizing the Moment. In a time filled with change and uncertainty, we are reminded that what we have is this present moment — and it’s ours to make the most of. This April, CKA focused on creating opportunities to elevate rising leaders while celebrating the incredible achievements shaping our community’s story.
We officially kicked off the 2025 Emerging Leaders Mentorship Series with a webinar to help participants maximize their internships and career growth.
We honor the achievements of CKA Board Member Catharina Min, recipient of the 2025 AAPI Alumni Achievement Award from UVA, and recognize Chef Danny Lee’s selection as a James Beard Award finalist for shaping the D.C. food scene.
This month, CKA leadership remained active across the country: attending the Korean American Community Foundation Gala in New York City, supporting the launch of the Emerging Leaders series virtually, and celebrating Korean craftsmanship at the Smithsonian Craft Show in D.C.
Read on to see how CKA and our members maximize every moment to lead, connect, and uplift our community.
2025 Emerging Leaders Mentorship Series Kicks Off
The 2025 Emerging Leaders Mentorship Series (ELMS) has officially launched, providing an exclusive cost-free opportunity for upcoming leaders across the country. This series offers mentorship, training, and community connections in sectors such as corporate, media, and politics.
The first virtual event took place on April 17, with Maximize Your Internship for Career Success led by Commissioner Sam Cho. The next webinar—Position Yourself for Success: Building a Brand Employers Notice—with Jerry Won will be held on June 4.
Take the next step in your leadership journey by signing up for the upcoming webinar and staying informed on in-person programming this summer in D.C.
Please share this opportunity with any emerging leaders in your network. You can also help spread the word by reposting our LinkedIn post with a message to your followers.
Catharina Min Honored with 2025 AAPI Alumni Achievement Award
CKA Board Member Catharina Yoosun Min was recently named the recipient of the 2025 AAPI Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Virginia. The biennial award honors UVA’s AAPI alumni for their career accomplishments and contributions to their local communities and the broader AAPI community.
Catharina is a partner at Covington & Burling LLP in Palo Alto, where she represents technology and life sciences clients in high-impact corporate transactions. A recognized Women Leader in Technology Law, she is also the co-founder of UVA Law’s Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA), which has grown into one of the school’s largest student organizations. She continues to mentor its members and support its growth through leadership and sponsorship.
A Founding Director and past Chairman of CKA, Catharina has led and served in numerous organizations across the Korean American and AAPI communities. She currently serves as a CKA Board Member and Co-Chair of CKA’s Women’s Affinity Group (WAG).
She was honored at the UVA AAPAAN Spring Banquet on April 26 as part of the university’s first annual Asian Alumni Weekend.
Suzanne Yoon Speaks at 24th Annual Booth Private Equity Conference
Suzanne Yoon, the Founder and Manager Partner of Kinzie Capital Partners, was at panelist at the 24th Annual Booth Private Equity Conference. She joined four other panelists to discuss the trends and strategies that are currently shaping the current world of PE. Public policy, supply chain, and the impacts of AI were all popular discussion topics.
Jim H. Lee Empowers Teams through the Power of Diverse Voices
At the Empower Summit, Jim H. Lee, Founder and Chief Executive Coach, guided participants through the ‘5 Voices’ framework, helping them reframe cultural differences as strengths to foster inclusivity and collaboration. Through shared stories and reflections, attendees uncovered their unique voices and learned practical strategies to overcome barriers, build trust, and create high-performing teams. The energy and insights in the room were a testament to the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of executive leadership valuing diversity in changing times.
James Rhee Completes Two-Week Red Helicopter Launch in Korea
James Rhee recently returned from a two-week tour of Seoul, where he formally launched the Korean translation of his global bestselling book, red helicopter. The trip included work sessions with CEO groups, a special lecture at the National Library of Korea, lectures at several international high schools, meetings relating to the film project, and a noteworthy appearance with Huh Yunjin of LE SSERAPHIM on the stage of the Maekyung Annual Forum.
Sam Hyun and Julie Kim Speak at The Asian Leadership Initiative Summit in Boston
Sam Hyun and Julie Kim spoke on a panel at The Asian Leadership Initiative Summit in Boston, Massachusetts, joining a distinguished lineup that included Former Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. Hosted by the Asian Leadership Initiative and The Asian American Foundation, the summit brought together prominent Asian American leaders from government, business, and media to explore leadership, representation, and community impact.
Thomas Kim Featured in Podcast on Role of Fund Independent Directors
Thomas Kim, Managing Director of the Independent Directors Council, recently participated in the Educational Alpha podcast to discuss the important role of fund independent directors in the asset management industry. Hosted by independent director Bill Kelly, Tom discussed the history and growth of the mutual fund industry, the role of fund boards of directors in serving the interests of 120 million shareholders, the impact of ETFs, and the increasing need for investor education.
Gene Hong Speaks at JPMorgan Chase Business Leaders Symposium
Gene Hong spoke on a panel at the inaugural JPMorgan Chase Business Leaders Symposium on April 17. The event brought together industry leaders and business founders from the Asian and broader business community for networking and discussions around retail growth, capital access, and succession planning.
Edward Dhong Named a 2025 Stand-out Lawyer by Thomson Reuters
Edward Dhong, attorney at Yoon & Yang LLC, has been named a 2025 Stand-out Lawyer by Thomson Reuters. Selected through the organization’s annual Sharplegal Study, this recognition is based on direct nominations from senior in-house counsels and legal service buyers worldwide. Dhong was commended for his legal expertise, business insight, and pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach.
Susan Go Hosts Salesforce’s Agentforce DC World Tour Government Keynote
On March 19th, Susan Go, Senior Director of Solution Engineering, hosted the Government Keynote at Salesforce’s Agentforce World Tour DC that brought together more than 4,800 Agentblazers in person and 250,000 online across government, private, education and non-profit sectors to learn from product experts how AI agents are revolutionizing technology. Susan spoke on the power and necessity of an agentic government to meet the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow.
Chef Danny Lee of Fried Rice Collective Selected as James Beard Finalist for Shaping D.C. Food Scene
Friend of CKA and celebrated Korean American Chef Danny Lee, alongside his business partner Scott Drewno, has been named a finalist for the 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur. Through their partnership, The Fried Rice Collective, the duo has launched seven restaurants under three different brands—CHIKO, Anju, and I Egg You—bringing Korean flavors to the forefront of the Washington, D.C. culinary scene. Danny, who spoke at CKA’s 2024 Korean American Day event Elevating Korean Flavors, has long been committed to honoring Korean cuisine while building a strong community around their restaurants.
“We’re grateful for our partnership, but equally as important are our teams and culture,” Lee said.
The James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur honors individuals who lead with integrity, build community through their restaurants, and shape the industry through innovation and entrepreneurship—values reflected in Lee and Drewno’s work. Winners will be announced at the 2025 awards ceremony on Monday, June 16.
As they continue expanding their vision, Lee and Drewno’s work not only showcases the richness of Korean and Asian American flavors but also highlights the spirit of collaboration and community that defines their success. We are excited to see their continued impact on the national culinary stage.
CKA leadership remained engaged across the country this April, showing up for our community and deepening connections with members, partners, and rising leaders.
In New York City, CKA leaders and members attended the Korean American Community Foundation’s Annual Gala on April 9. This year’s theme, The Power of Jeong (정), celebrated the deep bonds of connection that unite our community and inspire collective giving. CKA attendees included President Abraham Kim, Managing Director Linda Butcher, and Board Members Soo Kim Venkatesan, Debbie Shon, Tina Kim, and Kee Park, along with many members and friends who came together for a meaningful evening of celebration and support.
CKA also kicked off its Emerging Leaders Mentorship Series virtually, hosting a live webinar on April 17 with Sam Cho, Commissioner of the Port of Seattle and former White House appointee. The session focused on how to make the most of any internship and set yourself up for career success. Abe attended the session, and CKA’s Membership & Program Manager Angela Cho gave the opening remarks.
In Washington, D.C., Linda attended the 2025 Smithsonian Craft Show to celebrate ceramic artist Yeonsoo Kim, who was showcasing his handcrafted Korean Onggi pottery. The show is one of the country’s premier events for contemporary craft and design, and it was a proud moment to see Korean excellence represented on a national stage, as Yeonsoo won Best in Show.