Dear CKA Supporters and Friends,
June has proven to be a month full of gatherings, deeper (in-person) connections, and travel! We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming CKA events and programming.
This month, we launched our two annual leadership development programs: the Emerging Leaders Scholarship (ELS) Program (formerly known as CKA-KALCA Public Service Internship) and the Network of Korean American Leaders (NetKAL)! Our competitively selected 2022 participants have already met in person in New York City and Washington, DC for ELS, and Colorado Springs for NetKAL XI. We extend a very special thank you to CKA Member L. Song Richardson and CKA Board Member Charles Yoon who graciously hosted our leaders, and helped organize the Colorado and NYC programming.
As always, it is our pleasure to share the accomplishments of CKA members, and the great impact Korean Americans make in entertainment, advocacy, policy, healthcare, law, and business.
Thank you and take care.
Warm Regards,
Abraham Kim, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Council of Korean Americans
Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund
The Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund at the Asian Pacific Community Fund celebrated its one year anniversary! CKA Members Carol Choi, Jihee Huh, and Robin Kim are all Founding Members who continue to invite Asian American women leaders to donate and direct program investments within the API nonprofit sector.
BTS met with U.S. President Joe Biden and made a brief statement at the White House to speak against the surge of hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.
Heung-Min Son Wins Premier League’s Golden Boot
Heung-Min Son became the first Asian player to win the Premier League’s Golden Boot, tying for lead goalscorer with 23 goals in the season.
Joanne Lee Molinaro Wins James Beard Media Award
“The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen” by Joanne Lee Molinaro won the James Beard Media Award for Vegetable-Focused Cooking. Learn more about her journey and recent award on her website and podcast.
Korean-American Citizenship Day Resolution
In a unanimous vote, the Pennsylvania state House of Representatives passed a resolution designating June 19th as Korean-American Citizenship Day.
Daniel published a policy piece in an edited report by the German Marshall Fund of the U.S. outlining how the U.S. and Taiwan could level up their technology cooperation across the security, diplomatic, information, and economic domains.
Eugene’s op-ed, “Listen to the hungry to help solve hunger,” was featured in The Washington Post to discuss the role of faith-based groups and communities in response to the hunger crisis.
Sam joined a panel on the Asian Hustle Network, a preshow to the Soul of a Nation special “Together as One: Celebrating AANHPI Heritage”, streamed on ABC as the network’s first primetime program dedicated to the recognition and celebration of the AANHPI community.
Congratulations to Monica for the selection of her book, “Rethink Creativity,” as a finalist for best business book in the 16th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards, 2022 International Book Awards (IBA), 2021 The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, and Midwest Book Awards!
Congratulations to Sabrina for joining the board of East West Bank, the largest independent bank headquartered in Southern California!
David was a keynote speaker at the 2022 RUC Forum, representing WSP USA in the discussion of Road Usage Charging and the Future of Transportation.
Duyeon shared remarks on today’s security landscape and deterrence response to the North Korean nuclear issue in “Deterring Aggression through Joint and Combined Readiness”, a panel discussion which took place at the 2022 LANPAC symposium in Honolulu.
Dr. Kim was consulted on the Novavax vaccine which is undergoing FDA review as an option for the COVID-19 vaccine. Novavax hopes to win over vaccine skeptics with its traditionally formulated approach.
Lami authored a commentary on “War on the Rocks” regarding the aftermath of North Korea’s recent missile testing and the persistence of an arms race on the Korean Peninsula.
Ron initiated the Kimchi Day resolution, which has now been passed by the New York state legislature and established by the State of New York.
Soo was interviewed on Government Matters for her insights on the North Korea nuclear crisis and the escalation of tensions given recent missile tests.
Toni was interviewed by Foundr Magazine to share her inspiring entrepreneurial journey to the magazine’s audience of young entrepreneurs.
Congratulations to Jennifer for receiving the inaugural MOLA Eroica Award in recognition of her dedication to advocacy work and artistic excellence!
Adventure Theatre MTC will be bringing back its short works festival Jingle in July after a two-year hiatus and is calling for local writers to sign up for this opportunity to inspire and share their creativity.
Jean’s insights on the COVID situation in North Korea were published by the New York Times and featured in interviews with NPR and PBS Newshour. A GZERO Media television episode on the Korean Peninsula presenting an interview with Jean won a Telly Award. The East Asia Institute also spotlighted Jean in an episode on North Korea’s cyber strategy.
Linda was featured on “The Brian Lehrer Show” as part of the show’s “51 Council Members in 52 Weeks” series to discuss her priorities for District 23 while serving on the New York City Council.
Congratulations to Chang for being named a 2022 Southern California “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine for his outstanding work in intellectual property law!
BJay testified before the Congressional Committee with regards to the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
Margaret co-authored the article “Humanizing Ourselves” for The International Educator about the need for a human-centered and humanizing approach to DEIJ work in international schools. She also facilitated a learning conversation for the Human Rights Watch community on Exploring Identity, Privilege, and Power. Starting on June 25th, she will co-teach a course, Pursuing our Collective Leadership and Pathways for DEIJ for the AIELOC summer institute.
Samsung Biologics is preparing to expand its contract manufacturing organization business with a plan to construct its first overseas production plant in the United States.
Andrew co-organized a conference at the Brookings Institution on South Korea and the new geoeconomics of Asia.
Congratulations to Songyee for her election to the MIT Corporation — the Institute’s board of trustees!