120 Years: Legacy Celebration. As we stand on the threshold of December, the closing notes of November carry with them the echoes of gratitude and the resonance of 120 years of Korean American legacy. This month, we pay tribute to the pioneers who, 120 years ago, set foot on the shores of Hawaii, sowing the seeds of a remarkable journey that has shaped our vibrant community.
As the autumn leaves make way for the crisp embrace of winter, we find ourselves reflecting on the enduring warmth of our Korean American family. Thanksgiving has come and gone, leaving behind a sense of appreciation for the ties that bind us.
In this season of reflection, we express gratitude to all who played a role in the success of the 2023 CKA Envision Gala & Summit last month. Your active engagement and financial support have left an indelible mark on our collective commitment to unity and the strengthening of connections that define us.
As winter settles in, let us continue to celebrate the legacy that unites us and the pathways that guide us forward.
Charles H. Jung is Driving Change in California
In a groundbreaking effort, CKA Member Charles H. Jung, Executive Director of the California Asian Pacific American Bar Association (Cal-APABA), played a pivotal role in the successful passage of AB 449, California’s first major revision of its hate crimes law. Charles’s efforts resulted in the unanimous passage of AB 449 by the California Legislature, and it was subsequently signed into law by Governor Newsom in October.
The Freedom from Hate Crimes Act marks a historic moment as California’s first major revision of its hate crimes law, addressing critical issues with the aim of creating a safer and more inclusive environment.
Bobby Cho Wins First NWSL Championship in Club History
Gotham FC & Co-Managing Owner, Bobby Cho, celebrated their first NWSL championship title on November 11th, beating the OL Reign 2-1. A year ago, the New Jersey / New York-based team finished dead last in the 12-team National Women’s Soccer League. New additions, a new coaching staff, and a revamped culture propelled Gotham to the playoffs, then through those playoffs, all the way to its first title. Congratulations, Bobby!
Tae Young Woo Becomes Bestselling Author in Korea
Finestra Co-Founder & CEO Tae Young Woo wrote and published his first book in Korea titled “세상을 공부하다” (roughly translated to “Study the World”), which has become a national bestseller in the country. The book discusses his ten years of experience organizing and hosting speaker events in both the US and Korea and the lessons he learned in leadership and being globally engaged from leaders he met around the world.
Monica Kang Receives the 2023 Impact Award from Coach Diversity Institute
InnovatorsBox Founder & CEO Monica H. Kang received the 2023 Impact Award from Coach Diversity Institute in October 2023. The Impact Award honors two changemakers annually who champion diversity and inclusion by harnessing the transformative power of coaching. Kang is honored for her commitment to fostering inclusion and her work to make creativity and leadership accessible for all.
Randy Sim Appointed as Chairman of the Airline Improvement District and Joins Forces with Sue Sim as Honorary Ball Chairs for Asia Society Tiger Ball 2024
Randy Sim, President/Founder of Satsun Corporation, has been named Chairman of the Airline Improvement District (AID), an organization dedicated to enhancing government services by implementing increased police patrol programs and improving infrastructure. Additionally, Randy and Sue Sim have been honored as the Ball Chairs for the prestigious Asia Society Tiger Ball 2024, a grand celebration of the remarkable wonders of Asia. The event, themed “Magnificent Asia,” is set to take place on March 1, 2024.
Tina Kim Joins ADAA Board, Bringing Expertise in Korean Art and Asian Diaspora
Tina Kim, Founder of Tina Kim Gallery, is now a board member of the ADAA (Art Dealers Association of America), a selection committee member for Frieze Seoul, and a selection committee member of TEFAF Maastricht and TEFAF New York. These are all major art galleries and art fair organizations that have a great impact on the art market both locally and globally. Tina Kim’s involvement will bring her specific expertise and point of view, which includes her knowledge of Korean modern and contemporary art history, as well as art of the Asian diaspora.
David Choi Publishes Article about Women in Family Businesses
David Choi, Conrad N. Hilton Chair of Entrepreneurship at Loyola Marymount University, recently wrote an article on how the last place women might expect to experience discrimination is within their family business. But research shows it’s a significant problem. Read the article on how to recognize and combat it in your business.
Juliet K. Choi Shared Insights at Milken Institute’s 2023 Future of Health Summit
Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of APIAHF, recently took part in a panel discussion at the Milken Institute’s 2023 Future of Health Summit in Washington, DC. The discussion focused on “Making Health Equity Actionable: Learning from Field Implementation and Solutions.” Various important topics were covered during the session, including the distinction between health equity and health equality, the significance of using disaggregated data, and the need to address language barriers faced by immigrants. The conversation also touched on the long-lasting effects of institutional racism and discrimination, the value of collaborative partnerships, and the role of funders in investing in health equity.
Jerry Won’s Fall 2023 Speaking Tour Continues at JP Morgan, RSM, Harvard Business School, and More!
Keynote Speaker Jerry Won has been traveling across the nation as part of his speaking tour. In October and November, he spoke at JP Morgan in New York City, RSM US LLP in Chicago, Harvard Business School in Boston, and the ACE NextGen #AAPIStrong Conference in Las Vegas. His keynote presentation, titled “Storytelling as a Superpower,” emphasizes the importance of embracing our identities, cultures, and personal narratives in order to succeed in business, community, and life. Special thanks to John Lee from RSM and Vivian Young from JP Morgan for their support in organizing these events. Learn more at www.jerrywon.com.
Disability Activist Stacey Park Milbern Becomes First Korean American Featured on U.S. Currency in 2025 Quarter Collection
In a historic moment for the Korean American community, Disability Activist Stacey Park Milbern is set to become the first Korean American featured on U.S. currency, specifically in the 2025 quarter collection. Milbern, an influential advocate for disability rights, left an enduring legacy as a champion of inclusivity and equality. Her remarkable achievements and commitment to broader social justice issues make her a fitting and impactful choice for this distinguished honor.
This decision to showcase Stacey Park Milbern on the 2025 quarter not only pays homage to her exceptional contributions, but also represents a significant breakthrough in Korean American representation. Beyond the recognition of Milbern’s advocacy, this inclusion holds profound meaning for our Korean American community, offering a powerful symbol of visibility and unity. By featuring a Korean American on such a widely circulated form of currency, the broader society is provided with an opportunity to appreciate and acknowledge the diverse narratives woven into the fabric of the Korean American experience.
Together, let’s celebrate Stacey Park Milbern as her presence on the quarter becomes a source of pride, inspiring and empowering the community while underscoring the richness and significance of our stories on a national stage.
As we enter the holiday season, Abe expresses gratitude to all CKA members for supporting CKA’s mission and work throughout this impactful year. This year marked significant milestones for the Korean American community, celebrating 120 years of Korean immigration and the 70th year of the US-Korea alliance.
In October, Abe played a pivotal role at the 2023 CKA Envision Gala & Summit in D.C. The 2.5-day event delved into reflection and appreciation for immigrant pioneers, especially our parents, who laid the foundation for today’s Korean American community. The Envision Summit explored the responsibilities of the current generation in advancing the Korean American community and the Envision Gala celebrated Korean American trailblazers. Awardees included Sunny Park, James Rhee, Song Richardson, and Ashley Park, each recognized for their contributions to breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
As November unfolded, Abe celebrated Thanksgiving with family, expressing gratitude for the immigrant spirit that continues to inspire us today, and to everyone in the CKA community.
These past two months, Abe also traversed the country, connecting with the CKA community in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. These journeys further solidified the bonds within our dynamic community, fostering collaboration and shared dedication to the CKA mission.
Thank you all for being part of the journey to empower leaders and strengthen the Korean American community across the country. Stay tuned for more updates on Abe’s continued efforts and engagement with our dynamic CKA network.