Springing Up Together. As the season of renewal begins, CKA is focused on cultivating new growth. We’re planting seeds of investment in our people, strengthening partnerships, and tending the soil so our community can thrive.
We’re launching the 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellowship, a 10-week leadership incubator designed to equip the next generation of Korean American leaders in public service. At the same time, our Women’s Affinity Group brought together leaders across industries for Give to Gain, a conversation on how investing in others strengthens leadership across generations and communities.
Across the country and beyond, CKA welcomed new board members and staff—including Monica Kang as Director of Programming— and connected with members through onboarding and gatherings. We also celebrate members leading with purpose, including Kevin D. Kim, who is helping shape a future national museum of Asian Pacific American history and culture through a nationwide listening tour.
Read on to see how CKA and our members are coming together to nurture growth for a flourishing future.
In Memoriam: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Leo Kim
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of CKA member Minkyu “Leo” Kim on February 22, 2026. Leo was a brilliant neuroscientist, biotech founder, and dedicated public servant whose work spanned research, industry, and community engagement.
Based in Virginia, Leo joined CKA in 2021, where he was an active member, friend, supporter, and mentor to many. He brought not only wisdom and guidance but also a sense of humor and joy to every interaction, making him a beloved presence in our community.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Leo’s family, friends, and all who mourn this loss. A memorial service will be announced, and the family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to organizations supporting research into pediatric and neurodegenerative diseases
Applications Open: The 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellowship
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellowship, a premier 10-week leadership incubator designed for the next generation of the Korean diaspora. This hybrid program offers rising college juniors, recent college graduates, and graduate students a transformative summer experience.
Fellows will engage in weekly virtual leadership modules, receive personalized 1:1 mentorship from distinguished Korean American leaders, and participate in two immersive field trips to New York City and Washington, D.C.
We invite you to share this opportunity with students or young professionals in your network who have a confirmed public service internship. Also, if this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. This is a one-of-a-kind experience to challenge perspectives on service and join a lifelong network of changemakers.
Applications are open through April 24.
For more information on eligibility and program dates, please read here. For more questions, please contact our Director of Programming, Monica Kang, at EmergingLeaders@councilka.org.
Kevin D. Kim Leads Listening Tour for Potential National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture
CKA Member Kevin D. Kim, Commissioner of the National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission, recently convened community leaders in New York City and Dallas as part of a national listening tour to shape the future of the first national museum dedicated to Asian Pacific American history and culture.
By October 2026, the Commission will deliver a comprehensive plan of action to Congress and the President, laying the groundwork for authorization of the future museum.
Jieun Baek Publishes Book on Grievances of North Korean Elite
Dr. Jieun Baek’s forthcoming book, “Privileged but Powerless: How North Korean Elite Grievances Reveal the Regime’s Greatest Weakness,” will be published by Yale University Press in May 2026. Drawing on extensive interviews with former North Korean elites and years of original research, the book examines how internal elite grievances and information control shape regime stability, offering new insights into North Korea’s political structure and long-term vulnerabilities.
Jean Lee Among Global Leaders Selected to Join Bellagio Center Residency Program’s 2026 Class
Jean Lee is among 87 leaders from six continents selected by the Rockefeller Foundation to join the Bellagio Center Residency Program’s 2026 Class. Representing a range of critical expertise and professional backgrounds, the 2026 Class joins a program that has hosted more than 5,000 trailblazers and changemakers from more than 140 countries, including 18 Nobel Laureates, since 1959.
Hyunseok Kang, MD, Joined Stanford University School of Medicine as Leader of Head and Neck Medical Oncology and Head and Neck Clinical Research Group
Dr.Hyunseok Kang, an academic medical oncologist who served as Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, joined Stanford University School of Medicine as Professor of Medicine. He will lead head and neck medical oncology program and head and neck cancer clinical research group.
Star Kimm Joins Varda Space Industries in Zero-Gravity Biotech
Star Kimm joined Varda Space Industries, working on developing drugs in space using zero gravity. Varda is one of only three companies, alongside SpaceX and Boeing, to bring back a vehicle from space—where space meets pharma.
Susan Go Hosts 4th Annual International Women’s Day Gathering “Give to Get”
Susan Go, Senior Director of Solution Engineering at Salesforce, hosted the fourth annual International Women’s Day event, “Give to Get,” bringing together over 80 women and allies in McLean, VA. Co-created with Siu Cheung Rossmark and Nina Un in support of Asian American LEAD, the event continues to create an open and authentic space for connection, dialogue, and support across communities. This year’s gathering featured speakers, including Jocelyn Hong and highlighted the importance of uplifting women to drive lasting impact.
Tina Kim Joins Board of SculptureCenter and GYOPO
Tina Kim, founder and owner of Tina Kim Gallery, has joined the boards of SculptureCenter, a contemporary art museum located in Long Island City, New York, and GYOPO, a nonprofit that organizes free public programs and projects connected to diasporic Korean arts and culture in Los Angeles and beyond.
Women’s Affinity Group Explores “Give to Gain” in Leadership and Community Building
On March 11, the CKA Women’s Affinity Group (WAG), in partnership with the Korea Finance Society (KFS), hosted Give to Gain: How Women Leaders Build Power Through Community and Capital, a virtual conversation bringing together over 50 attendees for an engaging discussion on leadership, philanthropy, and community impact.
CKA Board Member Sandra Schubert and CKA Board Member and WAG Co-Chair Lisa Yang provided opening remarks, with Lisa also moderating the conversation. Speakers Karen Choi and CKA Member Connie Chung-Joe shared candid reflections on their leadership journeys, the importance of representation, and how life experiences deepened their commitment to giving back.
A central theme of the discussion was “give to gain”—the idea that investing time, talent, and resources into our communities not only uplifts others, but also strengthens leadership and builds lasting networks.
Attendees left feeling inspired to engage at every stage of their leadership journey. It was wonderful to see so many community members come together, and to see the continued impact of WAG in creating space for meaningful conversations like this.
CKA leadership continued to build momentum this March, strengthening our community through new leadership, meaningful connections, and investment in the next generation of Korean American leaders.
We were proud to welcome three exceptional leaders to the CKA Board of Directors: Paul Chae, Michael Keyoung, and Sandra Schubert. Each brings deep expertise and a shared commitment to advancing the national voice and influence of the Korean American community. We also welcomed Monica Kang as Director of Programming and Mai Anna Pressley as Membership & Program Coordinator. At the same time, we said goodbye to Community Engagement Manager Alpin Hong. We are so grateful for his contributions and wish him the best in his next chapter.
Virtually, Interim President Angela Killoren and Vice President Linda Butcher connected with new members through onboarding welcome meetings. CKA’s Women’s Affinity Group also hosted a timely conversation in celebration of International Women’s Day, Give to Gain: How Women Leaders Build Power Through Community and Capital.
In Seoul, CKA hosted a dinner bringing together CKA members, NetKAL alumni, and Director of Programming Monica Kang, creating space for connection and continued engagement across our global network.
We are closing out the month in Boston with K-Connect Bowling Night, bringing together local Korean Student Association (KSA) Executive Boards and CKA members for an evening of mentorship, networking, and community-building.