A Conversation with Catharina Min
You’re a co-founding member of CKA and now returning as Board Chair — what does this moment mean to you personally?
What is most gratifying to me is when someone comes up to me at a CKA event and says “Where has CKA been all my life?” This touches me so much and takes me back to growing up in very rural Virginia where I knew very few Korean Americans and felt so disconnected as a Korean American. This also tells me that what CKA has been doing since inception is working and that CKA is inspiring, transformative and super relevant to Korean Americans.
I am so proud of CKA and cannot be more honored to return as the Chair again. While we accomplished much in the first 15 years, we are at an inflection point, a CKA 2.0 if you will, and I am very excited to work with all of the stakeholders, members, directors and our new President Angela Sungmee Killoren and our wonderful staff to be more focused on engaging our members and strengthening our leadership programs at all levels so that all our leaders can connect with one another to be fully ready to exercise our voice and to no longer be a silent minority.
You led CKA’s Women’s Affinity Group for years and helped build it into one of our most attended programs. What did that experience teach you about what CKA does best?
CKA is best at finding Korean American leaders quietly leading in their fields and highlighting them so that we can see that others who look like us are trailblazing so fearlessly and they are inspired to go do the same. Korean American women have faced double ceilings in America and our programs have shed some very important light on those leaders in various sectors – in life sciences, technology, politics, nonprofits, policy-making, and many more. This is open to women and men, and to members and non-members and we welcome more ideas on who to highlight!
You’ve said your first priority as Chair is to hear from members and stakeholders. What are you most hoping to learn?
I want to hear more specifically what programs, events and learnings they want to see more of that will make them better leaders, mentors, mentees, partners and citizens. Also what makes them happy and energized to come to CKA events so we can keep facilitating more connections with each other. I really believe that when we are more connected, we will be stronger and more productive in all that we do.
CKA is heading into its 15th anniversary year, with the Envision Gala & Summit in Los Angeles this October. What are you most looking forward to?
THANKING all our members and supporters and CELEBRATING every year of those 15 years!
And really engaging with all of the Korean Americans in LA (and others who will come to LA) since this is the first time we are celebrating in LA.
LA, here we come!!
Last question — something our members might not know about you outside of work.
That my husband John Fish and I are fanatic about traveling with our daughters Isabella and Sydney and traveling to go see them wherever they are!
In the News
Catharina was also recently interviewed in the Korea Economic Daily, a prominent Korean business publication. The article (in Korean) covers her return to the CKA Board Chair role, CKA’s founding mission, and her priorities. A key quote from Catharina: “We must convert the popularity of the Korean Wave into real influence for Korean Americans in U.S. society… We won’t stop at Korean Americans rallying together. We will collaborate with other communities and amplify everyone’s voice.”
At CKA, we believe leadership thrives in community. By learning and unlearning together, we broaden our horizons and connect our industries with our impact.
Bridging Generations of Korean American Leaders through NetKAL Programming and Gatherings
The NetKAL XIV cohort recently convened in Los Angeles and New York, successfully blending executive leadership training with intentional community development to strengthen our intergenerational network.
Los Angeles (May 30–31): The cohort explored personal leadership styles and gained invaluable insights from veteran trailblazers Jane Cha Cutler, Phillip Hyun, and Jeffrey Yoo. In the evening, a vibrant reception brought together over 60 local CKA and NetKAL members for intentional time to connect and reflect.
New York (June 26–28): Shifting focus to executive presence and communication, a major weekend highlight was the collaborative CKA x KFS Dinner featuring a powerful fireside chat on community building with Sandor Hau (KFS Co-Chairman, CKA member, and NetKAL alumnus). Intentionally coordinated by NetKAL alumna Amy Ahn (KFS), the event successfully bridged our collective networks. The cohort also expanded their perspective through partnerships with The Korea Society (led by CKA member Dr. Abraham Kim), the Asian American Writers’ Workshop (AAWW), and an exceptional dinner at GUI by Chef Sungchul Shim.
The cohort heads to Chicago (July) and San Jose (August) next to expand their regional communities and refine their leadership voices.
👉 View photos on our Flickr page
Interested in a future NetKAL Cohort? Complete our interest form to receive updates and learn more about CKA’s leadership development fellowship.
Intentional Time of Rest, Reflect, and Reset
From June 15–18, 2026, fourteen Korean American nonprofit leaders gathered in Nashville, TN, for CKA’s 4th annual Empower Retreat. Nonprofit executives are constantly on the move and rarely have enough time to rest and recharge. The CKA Empower Retreat continues to serve as a vital sanctuary—a place where KA leaders can intentionally pause, reconnect with their core missions, and find the collective strength to keep moving mountains.
Through immersive experiences—from exploring Nashville’s rich music history and participating in community gardening to learning about local development efforts like The Store—our leaders were powerfully reminded of their “why” and the profound difference they can make together.
Meet the 2026 CKA Emerging Leaders Fellows!
This summer, a selective group of Korean diaspora students and young professionals launched their journey as the inaugural cohort of CKA’s Emerging Leaders Fellowship (ELF). This new, 10-week hybrid leadership incubator combines weekly interactive webinars with in-person experiences in New York and Washington, D.C., to help next-gen trailblazers explore careers in public service. From June to August 2026, fellows will sharpen their skills and expand their networks by connecting with over 40 Korean American leaders and dedicated CKA members.
2026 Emerging Leaders Fellows Include: Seongbeen Bae, Leah Cho-Carrier, Clive Chong, Sydney Fish, Ella Hwang, Rebecca Jang, Irene Song Kim, Colby Ko, Olivia Lee, and Hojin Mun.
Interested in the 2027 program? Join the interest list to learn more.
2026 Envision Gala & Summit
Fairmont Century Plaza
2025 Ave of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA
The annual Envision Summit & Gala returns to Los Angeles for an unforgettable weekend of connection, celebration, and community. Join us as we celebrate 15 years of CKA, 20 years of NetKAL, and the 250th anniversary of the United States. With special programming, distinguished honorees, and memorable experiences on the horizon, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Reserve your spot today, and stay tuned for exciting announcements about sponsorship opportunities, hotel accommodations, and more.
19th Annual
727 Korean War Veterans
Armistice Day Commemoration
U.S. Congress, Cannon Caucus Room
390 Cannon House Office Building,
27 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC
Join us as we commemorate National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (7/27), established by Congress to honor the courage and sacrifice of Korean War veterans. We will remember the day that the ceasefire agreement was signed in 1953 as we hope for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Held in the majestic Cannon Caucus Room on Capitol Hill, the evening will feature remarks from Members of Congress and veterans, Korean cultural performances, special photo exhibit, and a Candlelighting Ceremony at 7:27 PM.
Candles and a light dinner will be served. Please RSVP below.
NextGen Leadership
Roundtable: Designing
the October Summit
Manhattan, NY
Specific location provided upon registration
We’re excited to get to know our students and emerging Korean American leaders! As we prepare for the NextGen Summit as part of the 2026 Envision Gala & Summit, we want to create a more intentional and impactful program by hearing directly from you.
Join us for an intimate dinner to share your perspectives, connect with fellow leaders, and help shape the vision for the October Summit. Whether you attend for the evening or are interest in joining the Planning Committee, we’d love the opportunity to learn more about you and the meaningful work you’re already leading.