Milestone Year Begins. January launched with a commemoration of Korean American Day in Washington, D.C., honoring 123 years since the first Korean immigrants arrived in the U.S. This year we look forward to celebrating CKA’s 15th year, NetKAL’s 20th year, and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
This month also marked a leadership transition as President Abraham Kim concluded seven impactful years at CKA, with Board Chairman Angela Killoren serving as Interim President until the new permanent president is announced.
As we look ahead, leadership gathered in Los Angeles to begin planning for the October 23-24, 2026 CKA Envision Gala & Summit, while celebrating members including Suzan Song, whose work on leadership, and healing reflects the spirit of this year.
Read on to see how CKA and our members are honoring the past and building what comes next.
Suzan Song Explores Leadership and Healing Through Beyond Stability and New Book
CKA Member Suzan Song continues to reach readers navigating uncertainty through her writing platform, Beyond Stability, where she reflects on leadership, identity, and burnout in moments when stability is no longer guaranteed. Her essays draw from years of clinical work and advising in high-stakes environments, inviting readers to question the narratives that shape how they show up at work and in life.
In a recent essay, Suzan writes, “Burnout isn’t just about doing too much. It’s often about carrying an identity that no longer fits.” These ideas will be explored further in her forthcoming book, Why We Suffer and How We Heal. The book has been recognized as one of PRH’s Most Anticipated Nonfiction Books of 2026 and examines how people find clarity and grounding amid uncertainty. Suzan will host upcoming events in Takoma Park, DC (February 26 at People’s Book) and Ann Arbor, MI (March 6 at Literati Bookstore), continuing the conversation with community members in person.
Bobby Cho and Gotham FC Win Second NWSL Championship in Three Years
Bobby Cho, co-owner of Gotham FC, celebrated another historic milestone as the club captured its second NWSL Championship in three years with a 1–0 victory over rival Washington Spirit in front of a sold-out crowd at PayPal Park. The win capped a remarkable playoff run and secured Gotham’s latest title in the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league, adding to an already standout year that also included the club’s inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup title.
John Yoo Honored by Rep. James Walkinshaw and the Office of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Korean American Day
John Yoo, the CEO of Virginia University of Integrative Medicine and its network of VUIM Clinics, was cited for strengthening civic engagement, cultural recognition, and community partnerships across Virginia and Maryland on behalf of the Korean American Community.
Tina Kim Joins Board of SculptureCenter and Featured in “Power 20” List Shaping Korea’s Art Market
Tina Kim, founder and owner of Tina Kim Gallery, recently joined the board of SculptureCenter in New York. She was also featured in the 2025 Korea Art Market Report’s “Power 20” list of individuals shaping the Korean art market.
Jason Moon Elected First Korean American City Council President in Washington State
Jason Moon was unanimously elected President of the Mukilteo City Council, marking a historic first as the first Korean American City Council President in Washington State. His election followed strong community engagement, including a well-attended Korean American Day recognition in Mukilteo. As Council President, Moon will help guide the council’s agenda and work closely with city leadership to advance priorities for local residents.
Star Kimm Joins Varda Space Industries as the Head of People Operations
Star Kimm recently joined Varda Space Industries, a defense and space manufacturing company utilizing anti-gravity to create new pharma in space. Varda has raised over $300 million in funding from investors such as Peter Thiel (PayPal Mafia), Khosla Ventures, Caffeinated Capital and Lux Capital.
Michael Yang Shares Motorcycle Journey with Kiwanis Club
The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada welcomed local entrepreneur and adventurer Michael Yang to its weekly luncheon on Aug. 27 to talk about his recent 37-day, 11,000-mile motorcycle trip from La Cañada Flintridge to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and back.
Mihae Kim Stefani Celebrates 35 Years of Gimga Design Group and an Exciting New Chapter
Mihae Kim Stefani marked the 35th anniversary of Gimga Design Group, celebrating a milestone that also signals a new chapter in her creative journey. With the launch of Gimga × Sagetopia, the continued growth of Gimga Global, and the national expansion of KFoodinUS.com, Mihae continues to connect culture, commerce, and community through design and storytelling. A longtime creative partner of CKA, her work has helped shape cohesive, culturally resonant communications across programs, events, and campaigns, reflecting decades of leadership in design and communications.
Philip Kim Joins Comcast Public Affairs Team
Philip Kim recently joined the Comcast Public Affairs team as their newest Senior Director. Philip brings extensive public engagement experience to his new role, having served in senior leadership positions across the White House and other federal agencies.
Celebrating Korean American Day and a Milestone Year
On January 13, CKA and the Korea Economic Institute of America convened leaders, policymakers, innovators, and community members in Washington, DC to commemorate 123 years since the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States. The program honored Korean Americans’ enduring contributions while engaging in timely dialogue on artificial intelligence and innovation, and marked the start of a milestone year, including CKA’s 15th anniversary, the 20th year of NetKAL, and the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The evening featured opening remarks from CKA Board Chairman Angela Killoren and KEI President & CEO Scott Snyder, a fireside chat with CKA Member Songyee Yoon, Founder & Managing Partner at Principal Venture Partners, on the opportunities and responsibilities shaping the future of AI, and the presentation of the Korean American Day Award to Dr. Abraham Kim for his visionary leadership and decades of service to the Korean American community. The program highlighted Korean Americans’ vital role as cultural, economic, and diplomatic bridges, strengthening U.S.–Korea relations while looking ahead to the future we continue to shape.
In Washington, D.C., January 1 marked the conclusion of President Abraham Kim’s seven-year tenure with CKA. We are deeply grateful for Abe’s visionary leadership and decades of service to the Korean American community, which helped strengthen CKA’s national presence and expand opportunities for Korean American leaders across sectors.
Later in the month, CKA leadership gathered in Los Angeles to kick off planning for the 2026 CKA Envision Gala & Summit. CKA Board Members Angela Killoren and Esther Song joined Managing Director Linda Butcher and Community Engagement Manager Alpin Hong for early planning meetings alongside the 2026 Envision Co-Chairs: Jinhee Ahn Kim, Gloria Lee, Michelle Rhyu, and Lisa Yang. That week, CKA officially launched the new year with a dinner reception at MajorDomo, bringing together West Coast members, friends, and supporters to reconnect and build momentum toward the October 23–24, 2026, CKA Envision Gala & Summit in Los Angeles. The evening highlighted the significance of 2026 as a milestone year and marked the start of collaborative planning for CKA’s biggest celebration of the year.
Back in Washington, D.C., CKA commemorated Korean American Day on January 13 in partnership with the Korea Economic Institute of America. The event honored 123 years of Korean American history and featured opening remarks from Angela Killoren, a fireside chat on innovation and artificial intelligence, and the presentation of the Korean American Day Award to Dr. Abraham Kim, recognizing his lasting impact and leadership within the community.
As the year begins, we are also welcoming new CKA members from across the country, with more announcements to come soon.