Scoring for Community. This May, CKA celebrated AANHPI Heritage Month by recognizing the many ways our members are driving impact, building connection, and scoring wins for the Korean American community—on the field, in the boardroom, and across the country. From community sports nights to national recognitions, we came together to honor the strength of our heritage and the leaders carrying it forward.
We continued the 2025 Emerging Leaders Mentorship Series, preparing for our upcoming webinar on building a personal brand, while also gearing up for the series’ first in-person event in Washington, D.C. This program reflects how emerging leaders are not only carrying forward our heritage, but shaping the future of our community.
This month we celebrate the achievements of CKA Members Eric J. Kim and David Lee, recognized on the Gold House 2025 A100 List for their leadership in tech and media, and we joined members at AANHPI Heritage Month sports nights in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and D.C., celebrating Korean American presence and pride.
It was an active month for CKA leadership: hosting West Coast membership forums, co-hosting a Frieze VIP reception in New York, speaking at the American Korean Friendship Society Gala in Atlanta, and connecting with AANHPI leaders at national convenings.
Read on to see how our network and members are scoring for community and driving impact throughout AANHPI Heritage Month and beyond!
We’re pleased to announce that our first in-person Emerging Leaders Mentorship Series (ELMS) networking event and panel discussion will take place on June 26 in Washington, D.C.!
“Cultivating Innovative Leadership in Tech” will feature accomplished tech leaders sharing their personal journeys, dispelling industry myths, and offering practical advice on breaking into and thriving in the tech sector.
Stay tuned—our speaker lineup will be announced soon!
Eric Kim & David Lee Recognized on Gold House 2025 A100 List
CKA Members Eric J. Kim and David Lee were recently honored by Gold House on the 2025 A100 List, which celebrates the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific leaders shaping culture and industry today.
Eric J. Kim, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Goodwater Capital, was inducted into the A100 Hall of Fame after being named to the list three times. As the leader of the world’s largest consumer tech-focused investing platform, Eric has helped drive the success of companies like Kakao, Coupang, Toss, Xendit, and Musical.ly (now TikTok).
David Lee, COO and CFO of WEBTOON Entertainment, was recognized alongside WEBTOON Founder & CEO Junkoo Kim for his role in transforming WEBTOON into a global storytelling powerhouse. David helped lead the company through its historic IPO and rapid international growth, combining tech, IP, and entertainment.
Both leaders exemplify the power of innovation, investment, and cultural influence—and continue to pave the way for the next generation of Asian American leaders.
Tina Kim Named City & State Asian Trailblazer
City & State New York has named Tina Kim, Deputy Comptroller for State Government Accountability at the Office of the State Comptroller, to its inaugural 2025 Asian Trailblazer’s list. The recognition highlighting her development of the “Smart Audit” program, credited with identifying more than $27 billion in taxpayer savings over the past five years.
Betty Jang, David Namkung, and Suzanne Yoon Gather in Chicago at Executives’ Club Event
CKA members gathered in Chicago as David Namkung and Betty Jang attended The Evolution of Private Equity in Chicago, hosted by the Executives’ Club of Chicago, where fellow member Suzanne Yoon was featured. The event highlighted leadership in private equity and brought together top industry voices from across the region.
Andrew Yeo Joins an Episode of the World Unpacked Podcast
Andrew Yeo joined the World Unpacked podcast to discuss his latest book, Great Power Competition and Overseas Bases with scholars Isaac Kardon and Ashley Tellis. Discussion topics included President Trump’s regional priorities for U.S. force posture, Chinese grand strategy, and the political economy (and imperial) logic of great power basing.
Susan Park Tops the Ticket and Wins her Third Term as an Elected Town Meeting Member in Brookline, MA
Susan was the top of the ticket as she won the most votes in her town’s election on May 6, winning her third term in the legislative branch of Brookline’s Town Meeting. She will be serving 3 more years as an elected Town Meeting Member in precinct 17 representing her constituents.
Also, in honor of AAPI Heritage month in the month of May, Susan Park was asked by Brookline to create a show that would inspire the community. On May 6, Asian Flavors with Susan was launched. There are 7 episodes as Susan interviews Asian restaurants and a Korean school in Brookline.
Connie Chung Joe Honored as “Social Justice Visionary” at Asia Society Southern California Annual Gala
Connie Chung Joe, CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), was honored as this year’s “Social Justice Visionary” at the Asia Society Southern California Annual Gala. A steadfast advocate for civil rights and equity, Chung Joe has led AJSOCAL in advancing advocacy, policy reform, and community education to empower underserved communities. The Annual Gala celebrates leaders who embody cross-cultural understanding and impactful change across industries and communities.
Juliet K. Choi Honored at APAICS 31st Annual Awards Gala
Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), was honored with the Community Leadership Achievement Award at the APAICS 31st Annual Awards Gala. Earlier that week, she participated in the APAICS 2025 Legislative Leadership Summit as a panelist on the “Exploring Cancer Care and Its Unique Obstacles” plenary, where she joined experts and advocates to address the barriers AANHPI communities face in accessing quality cancer care and treatment.
Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month at Community Sports Events Across the Country
In celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month, CKA members came together for a series of community sports events in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., showcasing Korean American spirit, connection, and visibility.
On May 13, CKA and NetKAL members attended the San Francisco Giants game, where South Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee hit a memorable home run. Attendees included Board Member Esther Song, members Susan Kim and Perry Ha, and NetKAL Alum Bernard Moon. Special thanks to NetKAL alum Tad Yo for securing VIP seats at a discounted rate.
On May 14, CKA Board Members Esther Song, Lisa Yang, William Um, and Eugene Choi joined LAFC’s AAPI Heritage Night, where Gold House invited CKA members to walk onto the field in celebration of the community. CKA members David Lee and Eric J. Kim were recently honored by Gold House. David was named to the 2025 A100 List, and Eric was inducted into the A100 Hall of Fame.
On May 24, CKA wrapped up the month at AANHPI Night with D.C. United. Members gathered at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. for an exciting match, followed by a special post-game meet and greet with players Kim Joon-Hong and Hosei Kijima.
CKA Managing Director Linda Butcher attended the event, representing the organization and connecting with community members during this meaningful celebration.
May was a busy AANHPI Heritage Month for CKA leadership, marked by travels and events across the country that highlighted community, creativity, and connection.
We kicked off the month with two West Coast Membership Forums in Santa Monica and Burlingame on May 1–2. Led by CKA President Abraham Kim and Board Chair Soo Kim Venkatesan, and featuring speakers Taeku Lee and Neil Ruiz, the forums brought together members and partners for thoughtful conversations on the future of AAPI communities and CKA’s growing role in shaping it.
On May 7, CKA co-hosted the Frieze VIP Reception in New York City with Tina Kim Gallery, Kukje Gallery, and Frieze Seoul. Attended by Abe, CKA Managing Director Linda Butcher, and CKA Board Members including Tina Kim, the event welcomed over 170 leaders, artists, and advocates to celebrate Korean American creativity as part of CKA’s ACES Initiative.
In Atlanta, Abe emceed the May 10th American Korean Friendship Society Gala, honoring leaders like Dr. Wendy Lee Gramm and Brigadier General Michael B. Siegl for their contributions to public service and the Korean American community.
Back in New York, Linda attended the KACF National Nonprofit Convening, connecting with Korean American philanthropic and nonprofit leaders from around the country to discuss collaboration and community impact. CKA also participated in TAAF’s Heritage Month Summit, joining AANHPI leaders and changemakers for a multi-day celebration of culture, leadership, and collective power.
Closing out the month in D.C., CKA partnered with D.C. United to host the first-ever AANHPI Heritage Night at Audi Field on May 24. Members, friends, and supporters came together to cheer on Korean goalie Kim Joon-Hong and celebrate AANHPI culture and community through sport.