Circles of Innovation and Legacy. This August, CKA hosted and participated in a series of transformative events that reflect the progression and enduring influence of our community. We celebrated the culmination of this year’s Network of Korean American Leaders (NetKAL) XIII Fellowship and the Emerging Leaders Scholarship (ELS) program, closing the circles on this year’s programs and preparing for new beginnings. The NetKAL fellows demonstrated their innovative spirit through community-focused projects, bringing creative solutions to the forefront, while the ELS graduation underscored our commitment to nurturing young leaders who represent the future legacy of the Korean American community.
TEDxLogan Circle, fittingly held in Washington D.C.’s Logan Circle, was a vibrant celebration of innovation, featuring CKA members and other visionary speakers. This event not only showcased groundbreaking ideas across various industries but also reinforced the importance of creative thinking within and beyond our community circles.
As you read about the achievements and celebrations in this month’s newsletter, consider how each event contributes to the ongoing cycle of innovation and legacy within our community. Together, we are closing current chapters while eagerly preparing to write new ones, continuously creating an inspiring future for the Korean American Community.
Noel Jee and Sandra Schubert Share Insights at KFS West Coast VISION Summit
CKA Members Noel Jee and Sandra Schubert recently shared their valuable perspectives at the 2nd Annual KFS West Coast VISION Summit. This event brought together prominent Korean and Korean American financial professionals to discuss career paths, partnership experiences, and lessons from the LP perspective.
Noel Jee, a Partner at Novo Holdings, and Sandra Schubert, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, were key speakers at the summit. Their insights into navigating the financial industry and building impactful connections offered attendees a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
The VISION Summit, hosted by the Korea Finance Society, aims to foster relationships and collaboration among professionals in the finance industry. Noel and Sandra’s contributions to the event exemplify their leadership and commitment to supporting the next generation of Korean and Korean American professionals.
As we recognize their achievements, we celebrate Noel Jee and Sandra Schubert’s ongoing dedication to empowering their peers and shaping the future of finance.
Jim Chung Moves On After 14 Years as Founder of GW Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Jim Chung has completed his role as the associate vice provost for research, innovation and entrepreneurship at the George Washington University on July 19, and will serve as a visiting scholar at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology this summer before returning to DC to explore other interests and opportunities. Jim founded the GW Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in 2010, and helped to build GW into a leading university for academic entrepreneurship.
Jerry Won Takes Main Stage at Ascend Convention, Attends the Inaugural White House Creator Economy Conference
Jerry Won, NetKAL X alumnus and Founder of World Class Speakers, spoke and led a conversation on allyship at the Ascend National Convention, held at The Bellagio on July 31, in Las Vegas. The audience of more than 2,000 attendees are mainly Asian American leaders in Corporate America, many of them leading their internal Asian American leadership initiatives.
Jerry also was one of 100 invited guests at the inaugural White House Creator Economy Conference, held on August 14, hosted by the White House Office of Digital Strategy. President Biden stopped by to make remarks to the creator economy leaders. Jerry also spent time with NetKAL 13 Fellow Phil Kim and friend of CKA Janice Lee, who both work at The White House
Innovation Ignites at TEDxLogan Circle's Inaugural Event
On August 15th, the streets of Washington D.C. were alight with the spirit of innovation during the first-ever TEDxLogan Circle event, themed “Rethink Innovation.” This volunteer-led initiative, proudly sponsored by CKA among other groups, was organized by CKA Member Monica Kang, Founder of InnovatorsBox.
The event showcased an impressive lineup of 12 visionary speakers, including CKA Member Jeanie Y. Chang and Emerging Leader Alumna Serin Oh. Their presentations captivated the audience, exemplifying the successful launch of this new platform for revolutionary ideas and networking. CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim and Managing Director Linda Butcher were in attendance, witnessing the rich discussions that spanned multiple industries.
The day was marked by energetic discussions and unique perspectives, reinforcing the importance of cross-industry collaboration. Attendees connected with leaders from various sectors such as government, AI, and the arts, celebrating how creative solutions can foster progress and creativity.
CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim experienced an August filled with connections, conversations, and community empowerment. His journey took him first to Montana, where he embraced the great outdoors. This trip was a chance to connect with CKA members from California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey while enjoying fly-fishing and hiking in Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park. Abe values these moments of rest and connection, as they reinvigorate his commitment to CKA’s mission.
Following Montana, Abe attended #AAJA24 in Texas, hosted by the Asian American Journalists Association. Amid sessions highlighting the role of AAPI journalists, CKA hosted a dinner fostering discussions and networking with influential community members. This event was crucial in strengthening community ties and promoting media representation.
In California, Abe celebrated the finale of the NetKAL XIII program in Orange County. The closing ceremony and a series of Shark Tank-style presentations engaged over 100 members, alumni, and supporters. Abe also held meetings with members and supporters in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Francisco, enhancing local connections and collaborations.
Back in the DMV area, Abe participated in the first-ever TEDxLogan Circle in D.C., organized by CKA Member Monica Kang. This event featured profound talks, including one by ELS Alumna Serin Oh and CKA Member Jeanie Chang. Additionally, Abe had a productive lunch with Ambassador Sung Kim in Maryland and connected with local CKA members at various events.
Throughout the month, Abe has been busy recording episodes for the highly anticipated fourth season of the Korean American Perspectives podcast. These episodes are set to deliver engaging and thoughtful content to the broader community.