The Power of Collective. Each month as we reflect on our highlights of the Korean American community and stories of CKA members we’re reminded how much more is possible when we dream and work together.
What does this actually look like?
Showing up for each other’s initiatives. Celebrating each other’s success. Being there when things are tough. Asking how much we work together to dream bigger and bolder for the greater community. Every step taken with kindness for each other creates a ripple effect. We’re humbled at how many of those moments occurred this past month in the programs we supported, collaborated on, and witnessed.
Below are some highlights from this month. We hope they inspire you to keep building together.
Consider this ➜ Who is someone you want to work and grow more with? Send them a hello today.
2026 Emerging Leaders Fellowship Applications Extended
Applications for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellowship have been extended through May 1. This is the final opportunity for you to apply.
This premier 10-week leadership incubator is designed for the next generation of the Korean diaspora. The hybrid program offers rising college juniors, recent graduates, and graduate students a transformative summer experience.
Fellows will:
- Participate in weekly virtual leadership modules
- Receive personalized 1:1 mentorship from CKA members
- Travel for immersive field trips in New York City and Washington, D.C.
If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. We also invite you to share this opportunity with students or young professionals in your network who have secured a public service internship.
Final deadline: May 1: For more information on eligibility and program dates, please read here. For more questions please contact our Director of Programming, Monica Kang, at EmergingLeaders@councilka.org.
CKA Members Step Into Leadership and Board Roles Across Industries
CKA Members Gene Hong, Andrew Chung, Kevin D. Kim, and David Choi are raising the bar for Korean American leadership with new executive and board appointments across media, real estate, and private equity.
- Gene Hong has joined Crunchyroll as Senior Director of Global Collectibles Product Development, where he will lead franchise-driven product strategy for a global fanbase of over 100 million. He also recently spoke on The Experience Edge podcast on design leadership in an AI-driven world.
- Andrew Chung has been appointed President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Extell Development Company,
- Kevin D. Kim has joined the firm as Executive Vice President of Government Relations & Capital Raising – Asia, helping lead international strategy.
- David Choi has been appointed to the board of STIC Investments Inc, a leading pan-Asian private equity firm managing approximately $7 billion in assets.
These new roles reflect the growing presence of Korean Americans in top leadership and board roles. By increasing visibility in these spaces, we continue to uplift and expand representation across industries.
Isaac Yang, MD of UCLA Neurosurgery Is Named Editor-in-Chief of Neurosurgical Review by Springer Nature
Isaac Yang, MD, a professor at UCLA Neurosurgery and UCLA Geffen Medical School, has been named Editor-in-Chief of Neurosurgical Review, a leading journal published by Springer Nature. This milestone highlights not only his leadership in advancing neurosurgical research worldwide, but also the growing impact of Korean Americans at the highest levels of academic medicine.
Susan Go Delivers Keynote on Agentic Government at Salesforce Agentforce World Tour DC
Susan Go, Senior Director at Salesforce, delivered a keynote on Agentic Government at Salesforce’s Agentforce World Tour DC. The event brought together leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to explore how Agentforce and Data 360 can help agencies scale mission impact, automate complex workflows, and deliver trusted experiences more efficiently.
Hyepin Im Speaks at NAWRB Leadership Summit as FACE Expands Opportunities
Hyepin Im, President & CEO of Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE), was a featured speaker at the 2026 NAWRB Leadership Summit: Part II – Rise of Energy, where leaders gathered to explore pathways to homeownership, access to capital, entrepreneurship, and community-driven innovation. Alongside this continued impact, FACE is also hiring for multiple full-time positions, seeking mission-driven individuals to support and grow its work across Southern California.
Jean H. Lee Featured on The Guardian’s Today in Focus Podcast
Jean H. Lee, journalist and former Associated Press Pyongyang bureau chief, was featured on The Guardian’s Today in Focus podcast, where she discussed Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of Kim Jong-un, and the future of North Korea. In conversation with host Helen Pidd, Lee provided insight into the country’s secrecy around its leadership and the cultural significance behind recent public images of Kim Ju-ae.
ROAR Story Slam Celebrates the Power of Korean American Storytelling
On April 18, 2026, Korean American Story hosted its annual ROAR Story Slam at Racket NYC, bringing together their largest audience yet of 240 attendees for an unforgettable evening of storytelling under this year’s theme, Joy. As a proud storyteller sponsor, CKA joined partners and community members in celebrating the depth, vulnerability, and creativity of Korean American voices. Six finalists took the stage to share deeply personal stories that resonated through humor, honesty, and heart.
Hosted by Emmy-nominated puppeteer Kathleen Kim with a Q&A moderated by journalist Vivian Lee and music by DJ Jungin, the evening highlighted the richness and range of Korean American narratives. The videos of the winners will be released by Korean American Story soon.
Why it matters: Korean American storytelling is expanding beyond trauma toward joy, humor, and complexity while platforms like ROAR continue to create space for these stories to be shared on their own terms.
CKA leadership remained active across the country this April, supporting Korean American storytelling, entrepreneurship, and community connection through partnerships and member-led initiatives.
In New York, CKA was proud to support a number of community-driven events. As a key sponsor of the SPIT: A Life in Battles book launch at the Korean Cultural Center, CKA joined members and partners in celebrating a powerful story and the first New York event by Korean American Leadership in Hollywood. Director of Programming Monica Kang attended alongside several CKA members. CKA members also participated in the AKP Sports Foundation’s 5th Annual Korean American Soccer Tournament, where Monica joined fellow members in supporting a day of youth development, mentorship, and community-building.
CKA continued its support of Korean American Story through the ROAR Story Slam, with Vice President Linda Butcher and Monica Kang in attendance. CKA also partnered with MONSE for a Sip & Shop event celebrating 2025 Envision Inspire Awardee Laura Kim, where Linda and Monica joined members and partners for a panel featuring Korean American women founders from MONSE, Glow Recipe, and Blueland. Linda and Monica also met with New York-based members to strengthen connections and explore future engagement in the region.
In Los Angeles, Interim President Angela Killoren brought together members and friends for a community hike to Griffith Observatory, creating space for informal connection and engagement.
All three were also present at Harpers Ferry this past weekend to kickstart the NetKAL XIV cohort program as 14 selected fellows embark on a five month leadership journey. We look forward to introducing you to the latest cohort of NetKAL members.