Empowering Leaders through Community. This June, we leaned into the power of empowering leaders through community with a series of impactful events and initiatives. On June 20, we partnered with the Commonwealth Club World Affairs for an inspiring fireside conversation with CKA Member James Rhee, acclaimed CEO, investor, and author of “red helicopter – a parable for our times.” Moderated by CKA Board Member Yul Kwon, this event highlighted the strength of community connections, unity, and the profound impact of kindness in leadership, demonstrating how diverse voices and shared experiences can foster immense personal and professional growth.
The 13th cohort of the Network of Korean American Leaders (NetKAL) gathered for their third session in Warrenton, VA, focusing on “Using Influence and Impact to Work Smarter, Not Harder.” This session emphasized leveraging personal strengths through the support and insights of the community. Additionally, we hosted the Empower Retreat at Flathead Lake, Montana, offering civic leaders a much-needed respite and the opportunity for deep reflection and connection with fellow leaders, reinforcing the idea that true empowerment comes from collective support and shared wisdom.
We were excited to make two big announcements connected to empowering leaders this month. We announced the recipients of the 2024 Emerging Leaders Scholarship, a remarkable group of young people dedicated to public service and the Korean American community. We also shared news about the upcoming 2024 Envision Gala & Summit in Washington, DC, set for November. This premier event will bring together trailblazers and leaders to celebrate and invest in CKA’s mission, paying tribute to the dedication of Korean American leaders across generations.
Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to empowering leaders through the strength of community. As we support each other and build strong connections, we continue to foster a vibrant future for Korean Americans.
Junna Ro Speaks at Women in Compliance Conference
Join us in celebrating CKA Member Junna Ro, who recently spoke at the Compliance Week Women in Compliance Summit in Atlanta. This prestigious event brought together legal and compliance professionals to discuss key issues and best practices.
Junna’s insightful talk focused on presenting to boards and senior leadership, emphasizing how to convey complex legal and compliance matters effectively. She shared strategies for understanding high-level audiences, simplifying intricate topics, and building credibility and trust.
The Compliance Week Women in Compliance Summit highlights the contributions of women in the legal and compliance fields. Junna Ro’s participation underscores her leadership and expertise, providing valuable guidance for professionals navigating these complexities at the highest organizational levels.
Dokkaebier named Finalist in National Competition by Samuel Adams
Oakland-based Dokkaebier is one of a handful of craft breweries that will take part in the Sam Adams “Crafting Dreams Beer Bash” in Boston. It’s a chance to collaborate with one of the biggest beer giants in the business and meet some of the country’s up-and-coming craft brewers.
Julie Kim Appointed as a Trustee of the Boston Public Library
Julie Kim was appointed by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu to the Board of Trustees for the Boston Public Library (BPL). BPL was founded in 1848 and was the first large free municipal library in the United States.
Jean H. Lee Makes Guest Appearance on CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront
Jean H. Lee joined CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront to discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang and the significance of his strengthened relationship with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
David Hong’s Expertise and Compassion Lead to Miraculous Recovery for Young Patient
David Hong, MD, a distinguished pediatric neurosurgeon at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, played a pivotal role in the miraculous recovery of 6-year-old Trace Servin after a severe car accident. Dr. Hong performed a life-saving spinal fusion surgery, stabilizing Trace’s neck and preventing paralysis. His meticulous surgical skills, combined with his compassionate bedside manner, have been instrumental in Trace’s remarkable healing journey.
Monica H. Kang Interviews Laura Kim, Co-Creative Director of Oscar de la Renta and MONSE for Forbes Korea
InnovatorsBox Founder & CEO Monica Kang’s interview with Laura Kim, co-Creative Director of Oscar de la Renta and MONSE for Forbes Korea is now live. Monica shares exclusive stories of Laura’s journey from intern to co-creative director of two global fashion brands. Monica attends MONSE’s Fall 24′ Fashion Show to meet Laura Kim and see her in action. The article at Forbes Korea is available in Korean in the June monthly magazine and both English and Korean online.
Junna Ro Elected to the Board of Directors for Taproot
Junna Ro was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations amplify their impact by mobilizing skilled volunteers to advance resource equity. Since 2001, Taproot’s community has served over 19,000 social change organizations and provided almost 2 million hours of service worth over $300 million.
Celebrating the Korean American Spirit: Community Mural Unveiling in Atlanta
On June 1, 2024, the Atlanta community gathered at Minhwa Spirits in Doraville, GA, for the unveiling of a stunning new mural by renowned artist Julia Chon, also known as Kimchi Juice. This event celebrated the vibrant Korean American spirit and honored the community’s rich cultural heritage.
The mural, titled “Morning Calm,” reflects the journey between two worlds, capturing the struggles, growth, and the quest to find a voice in a new country while honoring one’s heritage. Julia Chon’s artwork, featuring her mother’s hanbok, adds a deeply personal touch, symbolizing the connection between past and present.
The event featured a variety of activities, including coffee from Postern Coffee, a Minhwa art class for kids, and professional headshots. Chef Jiyeon Lee, owner of Heirloom Market BBQ, joined the celebration, which highlighted her impact on the community. The mural at Minhwa Spirits stands as a lasting symbol of the Korean American spirit and the enduring contributions of Asian Americans.
In June, CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim filled his time with travel and engaging events. He began with the Empower Retreat in Flathead Lake, Montana. Designed to offer nonprofit and civic leaders a physical, mental, and emotional respite, this retreat allowed participants to immerse themselves in meaningful conversations with fellow nonprofit & foundation leaders amidst stunning natural surroundings. He then traveled to Seattle, Washington, where he met with CKA members and supporters to discuss ongoing initiatives and future projects, strengthening community ties and fostering collaboration among Korean American leaders.
In Washington, D.C., Abe engaged with high school students from the Stanley Prep – UN Training Program. He spoke to them about CKA’s mission and the organizational landscape in the capital, and provided valuable advice for their futures in international relations.
On June 20, Abe was in San Francisco for Reimagining Leadership and the Social Compact. This event featured CKA Member James Rhee, CEO, investor, and national bestselling author, in conversation with CKA Board Member Yul Kwon. Abe then participated in CKA’s West Coast Membership Meeting.
Next, Abe headed to the third session of NetKAL XIII in Warrenton, Virginia. He was glad to watch the fellows’ mid-vector community project check-in presentations and engage with other CKA members who came to provide feedback for the fellows.
Finally, Abe kicked off his participation in the 95th Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC). This prestigious 6-day program offers civic and business leaders an in-depth understanding of national defense through direct interaction with service members from various branches of the U.S. military. Abe joined 32 senior business, media, and entertainment executives as the program kicked off in Anchorage Alaska, and will visit the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc, CA, and the US Indo-Pacific Command in San Diego, CA.
Abe has had a busy but exciting month engaging with the Korean American community accross the states. He looks forward to sharing more about his experiences at JCOC upon his return!