Creating Space for AANHPI Voices. As we end the month of May, we want to bring attention to the importance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It is a time for us to celebrate and amplify the diverse cultures, contributions, and accomplishments of the AANHPI community.
Our community brings great leadership, wisdom, and rich history to this country. This month, we want to share our member contributions, and current issues facing the AANHPI community, and highlight ways we can all support and uplift our community for the better.
CKA Celebrates President Yoon Suk Yeol’s State Visit All Week Long
Leading into May, 100+ CKA members and other Korean American leaders gathered in Washington, DC, to welcome and celebrate the State Visit of President Yoon Suk Yeol. We have released a formal statement reflecting on our experience throughout the week of the State Visit, But, to reiterate our feelings, it was empowering to be surrounded by so many leaders and changemakers from our community and witness this historical moment between the U.S. and South Korea together.
CKA Member Jerry Won Moderates the 2023 White House AANHPI Forum with Vice President Kamala Harris
Founder of Just Like Media, Jerry Won, moderated the featured conversation of the White House Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Forum with Vice President Kamala Harris where she addressed issues facing the AANHPI community like anti-Asian hate, identity and representation in leadership positions, and how our community can take action to make the changes we want to see in our country.
“The theme of today is ‘visible together.’ […] we’re all working very hard in our own ways to make this a safer place for our children and our next generation.”
Paul Seo Makes Historic Proclamation in Local Community
Deputy District Attorney of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Paul Seo, drafted and delivered a proclamation recognizing the month of May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month at the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council Meeting. This is the first time in 50 years that the city has made such a proclamation; congratulations Paul! We commend you for your unwavering dedication to amplifying Korean American and Asian voices.
Hyepin Im Shares Perspective on NowThis News and Hosts Successful Fair
President and CEO of Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE), Hyepin Im, was featured on NowThis for a Korean American perspective on LA Riots on its 31st anniversary. FACE also hosted a successful Black Homeownership Fair with the African Consular Corps & LA County African American Employee Association. Over 500 people attended in support.
CJ Kim Interviewed by IEEE Electron Devices Society
UCLA Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, CJ Kim, Ph.D., sat down for an interview with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers to discuss the journey from his childhood in South Korea to his life today, and his pioneering research into liquid-based microelectromechanical systems. Kim, who holds the Volgenau Endowed Chair in Engineering, leads the Micro and Nano Manufacturing Lab.
“I learned that the only way to do the project I wanted to do was to become a faculty member.”
Susan Park Wins Big in Brookline, MA Election
Town Meeting Member from Brookline, Susan Park, was the Chair for Ballot Question 3 on the Brookline town-wide election on May 2, 2023. Question 3 called to cap marijuana retail stores to 4 or fewer in Brookline, MA. This election had the highest turnout of any Brookline town election in the past 15 years and nearly twice the average turnout of previous elections.
Edward Han Runs for California State Assembly
UCLA School of Law Lecturer Edward Han recently launched his campaign for the California State Assembly.
“I’m running because I want to ensure that the American dream becomes an American reality for more of us.”
Alice Cho’s Article Is Published in Brookings
Senior Advisor of Boston Consulting Group, Alice Cho offers commentary in her recently published article, “Rethinking bank oversight in the wake of recent banking turmoil”, discussing the need for a new approach to bank oversight in light of recent financial crises.
Soo Kim Featured on Channel News Asia and Speaks at Multiple Engagements
LMI Policy Practice Area Lead, Soo Kim, appeared on Channel News Asia to give an analysis of the outcome of the US-South Korea summit. She also spoke as a discussant at the Committee of Human Rights on North Korea’s (HRNK) launch of the report, The Root of All Evil, authored by North Korea sanctions expert Joshua Stanton and as a panelist at LMI’s Private Sector Day for the University of California Berkeley’s Center for Security in Politics student delegation, led by former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
Kevin D. Kim Spotlights the Significance of AANHPI Entrepreneurship
Commissioner of NYC’s Small Business Services, Kevin D. Kim, was featured in an interview with NY1. Being the first Korean American commissioner of Small Business Services in the city, he highlights the contributions of AANHPI entrepreneurs to the small business community and the importance of supporting their entrepreneurship.
“I’ve been really proud to serve on President Biden’s advisory commission on AANHPI. We have been able to make real recommendations to help and support our small businesses that are the backbone of our economy.”
David J. Lee Starts New Position at Inevitable Tech
David J. Lee recently started a new position as CEO and Board Chair at Inevitable Tech which invents and builds advanced growing systems using AI, plant science, and automation technology. Congratulations, David!
Dr. Kenneth Kim Reappointed to Medical Council
Dr. Kenneth Kim, Medical Director of Ark Clinical Research, was reappointed for another 2-year term as an Advisory Council Member of the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine (CIAPM), where he serves as the Co-Chair of the Equitable Consent Committee. Additionally, he was appointed in March 2023 as a Board Member of the SITES and Smithsonian Affiliates Board.
Jenny Jonak Wins School Board Election
Founder and Principal of Jonak Law Group, P.C., Jenny Jonak made a landslide win at the Eugene, OR 4J School Board Election. With over 27,000 ballots (and counting), Jenny has received the most votes per candidate in Eugene 4J School Board history. Congratulations on this monumental win, Jenny!
NetKAL’s Team Jeong Featured in CoStar Article for Korean Movie Night
Annie Canada, Sooj Park, and Jen Kim from NetKAL XI’s Team Jeong were featured in CoStar’s May 2, 2023 article on their upcoming June 17, 2023, Korean Movie Night.
“Representation matters. We thought an event that celebrates Korean cinema and culture with the greater community should exist so we made it happen,” Kim, the group’s head of partnerships, said in a statement. “We are very thankful to our sponsors and supporters for believing in us and helping bring our vision to life.”
Tickets are on sale now for Korean Movie Night’s premiere screening of Parasite!
New CKA 2023 Elevate Series Video: Will Lee, COO of NPR Out Now
We recently released our latest 2023 Elevate Series video with NPR’s Chief Operating Officer, Will Lee! Moderated by CKA Member Jean Lee, Will Lee shares his personal story, unique career path, and invaluable lessons he imparts to the next generation of Korean American leaders. Gain insights into his upbringing and professional journey while discovering the keys to success in the ever-changing field of journalism.
“Mentorship and allyship among generations are incredibly important to show that there is a lived experience that is shared,” Lee says in the interview.
This interview was recorded at CKA’s January 2023 Korean American Day Celebration held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Korean-Owned Brewery in Oakland Serves Up Asian-Inspired Flavors
CKA Member and CEO of Dokkaebier, Youngwon Lee, was featured on KTVU FOX 2. Dokkaebier, Oakland’s first Korean-owned brewery, makes beers that feature Asian-inspired ingredients and recipes, creating something fresh and unique to drink. Dokkabier’s Kimchi Sour also recently won the silver medal in the World Beer Cup, the largest craft beer competition. Cheers and congratulations!
“It’s important for us to be truly authentic to our culture and what we represent and dissolve into the beer we make.”
CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim, Ph.D. Releases Statement on Allen, TX Mass Shooting
“I am wrestling with pain after the senseless May 6, 2023 murders at the mall in Allen, Texas. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families impacted. As a father, I am particularly heartbroken by the deaths of the children–James Cho and sisters, Daniela and Sofia Mendoza–and the thought that William Cho lost his parents and brother on what should have been a day filled with love.”
Continuing the AANHPI Month celebration in Washington, D.C., CKA Executive Director Abraham Kim attended the Smithsonian’s National Asian Art Museum Centennial Gala. It was a star-studded night, featuring guests and performers like Mindy Kaling, Eric Nam, and CKA Member Jennifer Koh, who performed at the event.
Before jetting off to California, on May 17, Abe and Managing Director Linda Butcher joined 200+ CKA Members and friends in the Big Apple to celebrate the opening night of NYC FRIEZE, a leading international art fair featuring 65+ galleries, including CKA Member Tina Kim’s gallery, Tina Kim Gallery. CKA co-hosted a private reception with Tina Kim Gallery and Seoul FRIEZE at Oiji Mi.
The next day, Abe and Linda headed to sunny California for another fun-filled and productive weekend with NetKAL XII. CKA Member John Lee and RSM US LLC Irvine kindly hosted the two-day program with USC Professor Greg Patton. CKA Board Member Eugene Choi and CKA Member Carol Choi generously hosted the Saturday evening reception and dinner for NetKAL XII fellows, alumni, CKA Members and friends.