Springing into Action. As spring approaches, CKA is entering a season of energy and momentum. This month, we announced the 2025 CKA Envision Gala & Summit, set for November 14–15 in Washington, D.C.—and we’re preparing to unveil even more exciting programming in the next few weeks.
We’re proud to celebrate inspiring leaders like CKA Member Jihee Huh, who was honored as Woman of the Year in California Assembly District 66, and Jonny Kim, who is about to become the first Korean American astronaut to visit the International Space Station.
From D.C. to L.A. to virtual gatherings with members across the country, CKA leadership has been on the move—deepening relationships, supporting community leaders, and building what’s next.
Read on to learn more about this month’s highlights and see how our members continue to lead with impact.
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times
Honoring the Life and Legacy of K.W. Lee
This month, we mourn the passing of K.W. Lee, a pioneering journalist whose life’s work transformed Asian American media and justice. Often called the “godfather of Asian American journalism,” Lee passed away on March 8 at the age of 96, surrounded by family. A trailblazer in every sense, Lee was the first Korean immigrant to work at a major U.S. newspaper and spent his career amplifying unheard voices, exposing injustice, and building bridges across communities.
His reporting on the wrongful conviction of Korean immigrant Chol Soo Lee ignited a pan-Asian American movement and helped bring about Lee’s acquittal. He later founded Koreatown Weekly to cover Korean stories left out of mainstream media and worked to build understanding between Korean and Black communities in Los Angeles after the 1992 uprising. The K.W. Lee Center for Leadership, founded in his honor, carries forward his commitment to empowering future generations.
His legacy lives on in the stories he told and the lives he touched. CKA honors K.W. Lee’s contributions and extends our deepest condolences to his family and community.
2025 CKA Envision Gala & Summit Announced
The 2025 CKA Envision Gala & Summit is set to take place on November 14-15 at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. This year’s event will celebrate The Power of Our Stories, honoring the resilience, leadership, and impact of Korean Americans.
As CKA’s premier annual event, the Gala & Summit will bring together trailblazers and leaders from around the country to elevate the voices shaping our future and invest in the continued growth of our community across industries.
Get ready to be inspired by the stories that have shaped our past and will define our future!
Jihee Huh Named 2025 Woman of the Year for California Assembly District 66
CKA Member Jihee Huh was recognized as the 2025 Woman of the Year for California State Assembly District 66 in honor of her leadership and dedication to the South Bay and greater Los Angeles County communities. She was celebrated on the Assembly Floor in Sacramento on March 10 as part of Women’s History Month.
“I am proud to name Jihee Huh as this year’s AD 66 Woman of the Year,” said Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi in a social media post. “Throughout her career and through her many volunteer and philanthropic efforts, she has been a leader for the district and the Los Angeles area.”
As the Executive Vice President of External and Public Affairs at PAFCO, Jihee has been a force for civic engagement and philanthropy. She is also the founder of the Los Angeles Coalition Foundation Embrace Unity, which supports underserved scholars in civic studies and empowerment.
This recognition highlights Jihee Huh’s commitment to public service and her efforts to uplift communities through advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership.
Photo Credit: The Oregonian
Marshall Cho Returns as Head Coach for the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit Men’s World Team
Marshall Cho, a distinguished leader in the world of basketball coaching, is returning as the head coach for the Men’s World Team at the prestigious 2025 Nike Hoop Summit. Taking place on April 12 in Portland, the event showcases emerging talent from across the world on a global stage. Marshall brings decades of experience working with young athletes and cultivating love of the sport, raising awareness and building a sense of community through basketball.
Jean H. Lee Named East-West Center’s Inaugural Presidential Chair
Jean H. Lee has been appointed as the East-West Center’s inaugural Presidential Chair, a prestigious position funded through the Charles Morrison Endowed Fund. An award-winning journalist and expert on North Korea, Lee has led groundbreaking work, including opening the Associated Press’s Pyongyang bureau and co-hosting the Peabody Award-nominated The Lazarus Heist podcast for the BBC. In this new role, she will collaborate with the EWC president on interdisciplinary initiatives advancing U.S.-Indo-Pacific relations.
Jena Boccetti Joins The Glenmede Trust Company
Returning to her fiduciary roots, Jena Boccetti has recently joined The Glenmede Trust Company’s Wilmington, Delaware office as a Vice President, Wealth Advisor. With a recent foray into the social media/tech space, Jena has reignited her passion for providing elegant solutions and thoughtful wealth management advice to clients across the country. With more than a decade of experience, she specialized in preparing families for transferring wealth to the next generation of leaders.
Jenny Choi-Fitzpatrick Named Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Asia Foundation
Jenny Choi-Fitzpatrick recently joined The Asia Foundation, an international non-profit organization working to solve the toughest social and economic challenges in Asia and the Pacific. As their new Vice President and COO, Jenny is responsible for driving global operational excellence across the organization including the United States and over 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Chloe Choi Featured by Kayo as One of The Top 25 in ’25 Women on The Move in Private Funds
Chloe Choi was featured by Kayo as one of the Top 25 in ’25 Women on the Move in Private Funds. This celebrates women in private funds who have stepped into new roles, driving deals, shaping strategy, and making waves in the industry.
Tina Kim Gallery to Release Major Korean Artist Letters Publication & Host Book Launch Event at Asia Society
Tina Kim will release a landmark publication exploring the letters exchanged between four major figures of Korean modern art—Kim Tschang-Yeul, Kim Whanki, Lee Ufan, and Park Seo-Bo—from the 1960s through the 1980s. The gallery will organize a coinciding exhibition, opening May 5, showcasing major works by the four artists from this pivotal period. On May 9, they will host a celebratory reception and panel discussion between the book’s contributors at the Asia Society. Yasufumi Nakamori, director of the Asia Society Museum, will moderate a discussion between the book editors and contributors: Doryun Chong (M+), Yeon Shim Chung (Hongik University); and Kyung An (Guggenheim).
Photo Credit: NASA
Jonny Kim Set to Become First Korean American Astronaut to Visit the ISS
On April 8, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim will embark on his first spaceflight, becoming the first Korean American to travel to the International Space Station. During his eight-month mission, Kim will conduct scientific research and technology trials to support future space exploration while also contributing to advancements that benefit life on Earth.
“I’m incredibly honored to represent NASA in our continued commitment to international collaboration and scientific discovery,” Kim shared on Instagram ahead of the mission.
His journey is the latest milestone in a remarkable career that has spanned service as a U.S. Navy SEAL, training as a physician at Harvard Medical School, and working as a space station capcom chief engineer. Born in Los Angeles to South Korean immigrant parents, Kim’s achievements continue to inspire, demonstrating the potential of Korean American leadership in every field—including outer space.
CKA leadership remained active in March, deepening relationships and honoring Korean American leaders across sectors.
CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim ended February by joining CKA members, partners and the Capitol Hill community at the Honoring Korean American Chiefs Reception in Washington, D.C. Co-hosted with a number of organizations and individuals, including the Congressional Korean American Staff Association (CKASA) and H Street Group, the event, hosted at the UPS Townhouse, recognized the leadership, and contributions of the 9 Korean American Chiefs of Staff.
In Los Angeles, Abe met with CKA members, key partners, and Vision Fund donors to discuss upcoming initiatives and opportunities for collaboration. These in-person connections continue to strengthen CKA’s work across the country.
CKA also remained active virtually. Abe held one-on-one meetings with new members, and we hosted the first NetKAL USA Alumni Reunion of 2025. Alumni from across the country reconnected, shared updates, and learned about exciting opportunities ahead as we approach NetKAL’s 20th anniversary in 2026.
To close out the month, Abe attended the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation First Annual Honors Banquet on March 21 at the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Attending alongside CKA Member Sunny Park, he joined guests in honoring those who have supported Korean War veterans and their families.