Inspired by Our Stories. This October, we reflected on the stories that shape our leadership, our community, and our future. As we prepare for next month’s CKA Envision Gala & Summit, we’re reminded of the power of storytelling to inspire action, bridge generations, and strengthen Korean American leadership nationwide.
This month, we announced the upcoming leadership transition of CKA President Dr. Abraham Kim, who will depart at the end of December to become the next President and CEO of The Korea Society. Over seven years, Dr. Kim elevated CKA into one of the most visible and respected national organizations representing Korean Americans. Under his leadership, CKA expanded its membership, strengthened its financial foundation, and elevated its national profile through thought leadership, leadership development, and community engagement. As he embarks on this new chapter, we celebrate his contributions and the stories that continue to guide our organization forward.
We also wrapped Season 4 of the Korean American Perspectives podcast, which spotlighted trailblazers across industries whose journeys embody courage, creativity, and service. Across the country, CKA leadership and member gathered for programs, partnerships, and celebrations that reflected these same values—from the Women’s Affinity Group’s inspiring webinar with JoAnne “Jo” Bass to local and national events in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Each gathering deepened our connections and set the stage for Envision, where our stories will take center stage.
Read on to see how CKA and our members are finding inspiration in every story, leading with purpose, and writing the next chapter together.
The 2025 CKA Envision Gala & Summit Is Almost Here
We’re just weeks away from the 2025 CKA Envision Gala & Summit, taking place November 14–15 in Washington, D.C. Guided by our theme, “The Power of Our Stories,” this year’s gathering will bring together leaders, advocates, and changemakers to celebrate Korean American stories and legacy.
We are proud to honor three extraordinary leaders whose journeys reflect courage, generosity, and service: David Chung, Founder & CEO of The Rootist and Founder & Chairman of the Judith Ehm Foundation; Laura Kim, Co–Creative Director of Oscar de la Renta & MONSE; and Simon Kim, Founder & CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management and Owner of COTE Korean Steak House & COCODAQ.
This year’s Gala will be hosted by CNN Senior National Enterprise Correspondent MJ Lee and will feature performances by Broadway, film, and television actors Marcus Choi and Stephanie Jae Park, who will bring our shared stories to life on stage.
The CKA Envision Summit, taking place the next day, will convene leaders from across sectors under the same theme. This high-energy afternoon brings together a wide spectrum of leaders—from rising professionals to senior executives—to celebrate how Korean American identity and lived experience are fueling innovation and impact across medicine, the arts, sports, policy, and more. Through candid conversations and cross-sector exchanges, participants will explore how our narratives shape decisions, open doors, and drive change nationwide.
This gathering offers more than celebration: it’s a powerful opportunity to build community, deepen connections, and invest in a more inclusive future. We can’t wait to uplift one another and inspire future generations to lead with purpose both locally and globally.
Stay tuned for details on our Silent Auction coming soon, open to everyone who wants to support CKA and help amplify Korean American stories nationwide.
JoySauce Founder Jonathan Sposato Launches JoySauce TV
CKA Member Jonathan Sposato is a serial entrepreneur, creative visionary, innovative investor, and the founder of JoySauce, the preeminent American Asian media platform. In his current role as founder, CEO and editor-in-chief at JoySauce, Sposato oversees all business operations for the groundbreaking media platform that centers emerging Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) talent.
This month celebrates the launch of JoySauce TV, the only standalone streaming service which imagines a beautiful world where the entirety of “American Asian” is represented. JoySauce TV can be found on Amazon Prime Video, and will be deployed on YouTube TV and the JoySauce standalone app soon.
Sposato is the owner of SeattleMag.com and SeattleBusinessMag.com, and also currently serves as the Chairman and co-founder of GeekWire, one of the tech sector’s leading news sites.
Tina Kim Featured in Maison Marie Claire Korea for 10th Anniversary of Tina Kim Gallery
Tina Kim, Founder and CEO of Tina Kim Gallery, was featured in Maison Marie Claire Korea’s Women in Focus series in celebration of the gallery’s 10th anniversary in New York’s Chelsea district. The feature highlights her contributions to elevating Korean and Asian contemporary art on the global stage, from championing Dansaekhwa masters to amplifying the voices of women artists such as Choi Wook-kyung and Lee Shin-ja.
Charles Kim’s Third State Books Hits New York Times Bestseller List with THE VALE by Abigail Hing Wen
In September, Third State Books, co-founded by CKA member Charles Kim, published THE VALE, a middle-grade sci-fi novel by the bestselling writer Abigail Hing Wen (LOVE IN TAIPEI). THE VALE, one of the first children’s books to discuss AI in-depth, reached the New York Times bestseller list in its debut week and has hit three other bestseller lists since its release.
Noel Jee’s Portfolio Company Elektrofi Acquired for $900M
Novo Holdings Partner Noel Jee successfully exited portfolio company Elektrofi, which has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Halozyme in a transaction valued at $900 million. Noel served as a Board Director and was the lead investor in the company’s Series C financing in 2024.
Monica H. Kang Speaks on Elevating K-Food at K-Branding Conference in Seoul
Monica H. Kang spoke to more than 300 food and beverage industry leaders and experts at the K-Branding Conference in Seoul. She shared SHIA’s journey and its non-profit initiatives in sustainability, education, and social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of a collective effort to shape the future of K-food on the global stage. SHIA is a fine-dining Korean restaurant in Washington, D.C., by Chef Edward Lee.
Korean American Perspectives Season 4 Wraps, Spotlighting Trailblazers Across Industries
Season 4 of CKA’s Korean American Perspectives podcast has officially wrapped, featuring ten inspiring episodes that amplify Korean American voices shaping our nation’s future. This season explored leadership, creativity, and service across corporate, civic, and cultural fields. Throughout the season, we celebrated the innovators who continue to advance CKA’s mission of elevating Korean American visibility and influence.
Highlights include conversations with 2024 Envision honorees Bill Kim, Paul Kim, and Kristen Kish. These leaders’ journeys embody excellence in business, philanthropy, and the arts. Other standout episodes featured CKA Member JoAnne “JO” Bass, the first woman and first Asian American to serve as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, environmental champion Eddie Ahn, whose graphic memoir Advocate was named Best Graphic Novel of the Year by the Washington Post, and a discussion with acclaimed chefs Edward Lee, Beverly Kim, and Danny Lee on how Korean flavors are shaping American cuisine.
All episodes of Korean American Perspectives Season 4 are available now on our website and streaming wherever you get your podcasts.
As we look ahead to the 2025 Envision Gala and Summit, these conversations remind us of the extraordinary impact and enduring power of our stories to inspire, connect, and lead change.
October was a busy month for CKA leadership; connecting with members, partners, and emerging leaders while preparing for next month’s CKA Envision Gala and Summit.
The month began in New York, where CKA President Abraham Kim and Managing Director Linda Butcher attended the Korea Finance Society’s National Symposium and Gala, joining more than 1,000 Korean finance professionals to celebrate mentorship and leadership across generations.
Abe then traveled to Northern California to meet with members and community partners, followed by the Inspired Together: Los Angeles Reception with Community Engagement Manager Alpin Hong. The event gathered more than 70 CKA members, NetKAL alumni, and friends at City Club LA for an engaging program led by KAC-LA Executive Director Eunice Song, featuring CKA Member Alex Cha and Board Member Randy Sim in conversation about their experiences leading two of the nation’s largest Korean festivals.
In Boston, CKA partnered with the Korean Student Association (N-KSA) to co-host the Boston Student Leadership Dinner, bringing together student leaders from universities across the region. Abe joined N-KSA Founder & Emerging Leader Alumnus Peter Lee Hamilton for a discussion on leadership, identity, and collaboration within the next generation of Korean American changemakers.
CKA was also active virtually, as Board Chair Angela Killoren joined the Women’s Affinity Group webinar featuring Joanne “Jo” Bass, the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, in conversation with CKA Member Susan Go.
Back in New York, CKA held two concurrent events on October 23. Linda and Angela Cho attended an exclusive MONSE pop-up event celebrating 2025 Envision Inspire Awardee Laura Kim, where 10% of proceeds supported CKA’s programs. That same evening, Abe attended The Korea Society’s Annual Gala, which honored leaders strengthening U.S.–Korea relations.
Closing out the month in Washington, D.C., CKA leadership and members joined a volunteer event organized by CKA Member Monica Kang to prepare for the upcoming CKA Envision Gala and Summit. As we look ahead to November, the excitement is building for an unforgettable celebration of The Power of Our Stories.