Council of Korean Americans

Exploring the World, One Mile at a Time ???? Today, we are proud to feature CKA Member Michael Yang, whose adventurous spirit continues to inspire. Michael, an expert motorcyclist and former tech entrepreneur, embarked on an incredible 37-day journey in 2023, covering 10,454 miles from California to Tuktoyaktuk, Canada, and Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Along the way, he braved rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking landscapes, embodying resilience and exploration. ?? ???????? Subscribe to the CKA Newsletter to receive inspiring updates from CKA members like this one: https://hubs.li/Q02ZkHKB0 Michael’s story, featured in Outlook Valley Sun, highlights his passion for adventure and self-reflection. From navigating wildfires to experiencing the Arctic Ocean at midnight, Michael’s journey showcases his determination and appreciation for the beauty of nature. Beyond the road, Michael is working on an autobiography that weaves his experiences as a motorcycle adventurer with his career as a successful entrepreneur. Join us in celebrating Michael Yang’s inspiring journey and his commitment to exploring and sharing the stories that connect us all. ?? ?? CKA's mission is to advance the national voice and influence of the Korean American community. We do this through our 4 pillars: Advocate for Our Community, Build Community Across Boundaries, Celebrate Our Identity and Impact, and Develop Bold & Compassionate Leaders. Member features like this one celebrate the identity and impact of our members and help amplify their work, fostering a stronger, more connected community that thrives together.

It's time for another #KCultureSpotting! ????? We're exploring how Korean Culture and the Korean American community are being represented in the latest news articles and highlighting Korean American contributions and influence. This week, we celebrate a historic milestone as Andy Kim becomes the first Korean American elected to the U.S. Senate, representing New Jersey. His victory reflects the progress of the Korean American community, which has grown from the first wave of immigrants over a century ago to a vital part of American society. Kim’s journey, from navigating challenges of identity to breaking barriers in public service, symbolizes resilience and the importance of diverse representation in leadership. This landmark moment honors the contributions of Korean Americans and paves the way for future generations. ???????? Subscribe to the CKA Newsletter and be the first to receive updates on events, community initiatives, and news like this: https://hubs.li/Q02Z9Pmj0 ?? Click through to see more stories. ?? What recent news related to Korean culture and the Korean American community has inspired you lately? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!

Owning the Game: Amplifying Korean American Leadership ??? Last week, The 2024 #CKAEnvision Gala & Summit concluded with a day of impactful discussions, networking, and community-building at the Envision Summit, centered on this year’s theme, “Owning the Game.” The summit highlighted strategies to amplify Korean American representation and inspire future generations. ???????? Learn more about the CKA Envision Gala & Summit and help us grow a Legacy of Hope: https://hubs.ly/Q02Z1Vyb0 The day began with an inspiring Opening Fireside Luncheon Chat titled "Shattering Barriers to Serve this Nation," featuring JoAnne (Jo) Bass, former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, who shared her journey and insights into breaking boundaries in public service. The conversation was moderated by Summit Co-Chair Debbie Shon. The afternoon continued with four thought-provoking panels: ?? Owning the Narrative: AAPI Leadership Changing the Game in Media Moderated by Naomi Tacuyan Underwood with panelists Catherine Kim (NBC News), MJ Lee (CNN), and Angela Moon (Bloomberg) ?? Claiming a Seat: AAPI Leadership without Limits Moderated by Marie Oh Huber with panelists Jeannie Diefenderfer, NACD.DC (CourageNpurpose, LLC), Lorence Kim (Ascenta Capital), and Suzanne Yoon (Kinzie Capital Partners LP) ??? Call to Lead: AAPI Voices Driving Change and Civic Impact Moderated by Mark Keam with panelists Kellie Chong (Office of the Honorable Tony Gonzales), Tammy Meinershagen (City of Frisco, Texas), and Maria Robinson (U.S. Department of Energy) ?? America’s Innovators: Korean Americans Redefining Entrepreneurship Moderated by June Lee, MD FACCP with panelists Eric J. Kim (Goodwater Capital I LP), David Lee (Texas Signal), and Christine Moon (BlueSpace.ai) The summit also celebrated the #NetKAL XIII winning team, The Hyodo Challenge, represented by Andrew Ikhyun Kim, Natalie C., and Senna Bayasgalan. Their inspiring initiative encourages honoring parents and grandparents through acts of love and gratitude. Thank you to our speakers, panelists, participants, and the Envision Summit Co-Chairs Soo im Venkatesan, Lucy Lee & Debbie Shon who made this impactful day possible. Together, you are helping us "Own the Game" by strengthening Korean American leadership and inspiring a legacy of resilience and hope. ?? ?? CKA's mission is to advance the national voice and influence of the Korean American community. We do this through our 4 pillars: Advocate for Our Community, Build Community Across Boundaries, Celebrate Our Identity and Impact, and Develop Bold & Compassionate Leaders. The Envision Gala & Summit provides a platform to celebrate exceptional individuals, brings together community members to foster connections, and inspires the next generation of leaders.

Reflecting on an Unforgettable Night at the 2024 #CKAEnvision Gala! ??? Last week, we gathered to celebrate the Korean American community with a beautiful program featuring incredible performances, heartfelt tributes, and inspiring words. Highlights included a moving drum performance by young Korean American artists, a breathtaking musical piece by soprano Tiffany Choe and pianist Alpin Hong, and a special Legacy Tree ceremony honoring our parents, grandparents, and mentors who have paved the way for a hopeful future. ???????? Learn more about the CKA Envision Gala & Summit and help us grow a Legacy of Hope: https://hubs.li/Q02YYRTt0 This year’s theme, "Building a Legacy of Hope," was brought to life as we recognized four extraordinary honorees for their contributions: ?? Bill Kim, Lifetime Achievement - Legacy Award ?? Paul Kim, Lifetime Achievement - Leadership Award ?? Catherine Kim, Trailblazer Award ?? Kristen Kish, Inspire Award As shared during the evening by our Gala Co-chairs, Jihee Huh and Carol Choi, “Our legacy is woven from the threads of generational sacrifice, wisdom, and resilience”— words that truly came to life last night. Thank you to our Envision Gala committee, honorees, performers, attendees, and sponsors for making this unforgettable evening possible. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Korean American community. ?? ?? CKA's mission is to advance the national voice and influence of the Korean American community. We do this through our 4 pillars: Advocate for Our Community, Build Community Across Boundaries, Celebrate Our Identity and Impact, and Develop Bold & Compassionate Leaders. The Envision Gala & Summit provides a platform to celebrate exceptional individuals, brings together community members to foster connections, and inspires the next generation of leaders.

Congratulations to Kristen Kish for receiving the Inspire Award at the Council of Korean Americans 2024 Envision Gala in Washington DC. Kristen brought the room of 500+ attendees to tears as she told the story of her journey as an adoptee struggling with identity for years. Today, Kristen is a powerful voice for Korean Americans, LGBQT+, adoptees, minority entrepreneurs, female leaders, aspiring creators, and more. We're proud to call her our partner, champion, and friend. Lisa Bull John Noe

A Legacy of Hope at the Museum of Asian Art ???? Last week, leaders and community members gathered at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art for the VIP reception, "Night at the Museum with Korean Art." This unforgettable evening marked the beginning of the 2024 #CKAEnvision Gala & Summit, with over 250 attendees, including key leaders from the Korean American community, art curators, and government officials. The evening was filled with inspiring conversations and meaningful connections. ???????? Learn more about the CKA Envision Gala & Summit: https://hubs.li/Q02YKmTJ0 The evening featured remarks by Abraham Kim, Executive Director of CKA, Peter Huh, CKA Chair, Chase Robinson, Director of the National Museum of Asian Art, and Sunwoo Hwang, NMAA’s inaugural Korea Foundation Curator of Korean Art and Culture. This year’s Envision theme, "Building a Legacy of Hope," truly came to life as we gathered to honor our heritage and discuss our community’s future. Thank you to everyone who made this evening extraordinary. Let’s carry this spirit forward in the weeks ahead! ?? CKA's mission is to advance the national voice and influence of the Korean American community. We do this through our 4 pillars: Advocate for Our Community, Build Community Across Boundaries, Celebrate Our Identity and Impact, and Develop Bold & Compassionate Leaders. The Envision Gala & Summit provides a platform to celebrate exceptional individuals, brings together community members to foster connections, and inspires the next generation of leaders.

#CKAEnvision Begins Today! ??? We couldn't be more excited to kick off the 2024 CKA Envision Gala & Summit and can’t wait to see everyone here! Over the next 2.5 days, we’ll come together for impactful discussions, celebrate achievements, and foster connections that will shape the future of Korean American leadership. ???????? Learn More: https://hubs.li/Q02Y0vQD0 ?? A huge thank you to our sponsors, donors, Envision Gala and Envision Summit committees, and everyone who has contributed to make this event possible. Your support has made CKA Envision a powerful celebration of legacy and hope! ?? For those who couldn’t join us in person, we hope you’ll celebrate with us from afar! You can still participate in the Legacy Tree of Hope, a living tribute that honors those who’ve made an impact on your life and the Korean American community. Stay tuned as we share photos and stories from this incredible experience over the next few days! ?? ?? CKA's mission is to advance the national voice and influence of the Korean American community. We do this through our 4 pillars: Advocate for Our Community, Build Community Across Boundaries, Celebrate Our Identity and Impact, and Develop Bold & Compassionate Leaders. The Envision Gala & Summit provides a platform to celebrate exceptional individuals, brings together community members to foster connections, and inspires the next generation of leaders.

#CKAEnvision begins tomorrow! ??? This year’s Envision Gala and Summit, themed "Building a Legacy of Hope," is possible thanks to the extraordinary support of our sponsors, who empower this gathering of Korean American leaders and changemakers. Together, we’re celebrating achievements, fostering connections, and inspiring the next generation of Korean American leaders. ???????? View our full list of sponsors: https://hubs.li/Q02XYBFd0 We would like to especially thank our Lead, Diamond, and Platinum sponsors, as well as our Vision Fund Donors. ?? Lead Sponsor ?? Bill & Mary Kim’s Charitable Fund ?? Diamond Sponsors ?? New Providence Pictures, Pacific American Fish Company (PAFCO), UC Irvine ? Platinum Sponsors ? Altos Ventures, Cooley, Covington & Burling LLP, KYCC, Morgan Stanley - Stephen Y. Park, NetKAL Alumni, , Overseas Koreans Agency, Sunny K. Park Family Foundation ?? Vision Fund Donors ?? Chairman’s Circle: Eugene & Carol Choi, Gideon & Susie Yu, Michelle Rhyu & Stephen Neal, Peter Yun Huh & Jihee Kim Huh - Embrace Unity Foundation Leadership Circle: Bill & Mary Kim’s Charitable Fund, CS & Jin Park, David J. Kim & June H. Lee, Dow Kim Family Foundation, Joseph Bae & Janice Lee, Kee & Susan Park, Lorence & Sherry Hsiung, Randy & Sue Sim, Robin-Hwajin Yoon Kim Foundation, Salle Yoo & Jeffrey Gray, Soo Kim Venkatesan, Yul Kwon We would also like to thank all Gold Sponsors, Community Partners, and Individual Donors for their invaluable support. Your partnership drives our mission forward, making this gathering a powerful celebration of unity and empowerment. ?? CKA's mission is to advance the national voice and influence of the Korean American community. We do this through our 4 pillars: Advocate for Our Community, Build Community Across Boundaries, Celebrate Our Identity and Impact, and Develop Bold & Compassionate Leaders. The Envision Gala & Summit provides a platform to celebrate exceptional individuals, brings together community members to foster connections, and inspires the next generation of leaders.

5 Days to #CKAEnvision! ???? Join us in Washington, D.C., from November 13-15 as we come together to celebrate achievements, foster connections, and inspire the next generation of Korean American leaders. This year’s CKA Envision Gala and Summit will bring together 500+ influential voices across business, media, policy, and more to advance Korean American representation, visibility, and influence. ???????? View the full schedule, purchase tickets, or become a sponsor: https://hubs.li/Q02XCCkj0 ? About #CKAEnvision ? This annual 2.5-day experience brings together leaders nationwide to celebrate and invest in CKA’s vital mission to empower Korean American leaders and communities across the globe. Our four honorees will be celebrated at the Envision Gala on November 14. Envision will also feature a VIP “Night at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art” on November 13, and the Envision Summit titled "Owning the Game" on November 15, which will focus on advancing Korean American leadership and resilience. Will we see you there? ?? ?? CKA's mission is to advance the national voice and influence of the Korean American community. We do this through our 4 pillars: Advocate for Our Community, Build Community Across Boundaries, Celebrate Our Identity and Impact, and Develop Bold & Compassionate Leaders. The Envision Gala & Summit provides a platform to celebrate exceptional individuals, brings together community members to foster connections, and inspires the next generation of leaders.

Bid on Exclusive Items at the #CKAEnvision Silent Auction! ???? We’re thrilled to announce that the Silent Auction for the 2024 CKA Envision Gala is now live! This year’s auction offers incredible items that not only elevate your personal collection but also support CKA’s mission to empower the next generation of Korean American leaders. ???????? Start bidding here: https://hubs.li/Q02Xsbv_0 Here’s a sneak peek at the unique offerings: ?? A custom PXG Legacy fitting experience, including two full sets of custom-built clubs and apparel ?? A luxurious 8-day stay for four at the Riviera Mayan Palace in Cancun, Mexico ??? A private five-course dinner for eight with Michelin-star Chef Aaron Silverman, complete with wine pairings by Master Sommelier Justin Moore ?? The breathtaking artwork “Archaic Beauty” by renowned Korean artist Park Dae Sung ?????????????? An exclusive visit for four to The Macallan Estate in Scotland ?? A limited edition Louis Vuitton Mini Twist bag in white crocodile leather, inspired by Korean artistry ?? A feast for the senses with Chef Daniel Hohng at The Park Club ?? A pair of diamond hoop earrings from House of Baguettes ?? An exquisite freshwater pearl necklace, a captivating blend of natural beauty and refined elegance Don’t miss your chance to bid on these one-of-a-kind items and support CKA's mission. The auction is open to both Envision attendees and the wider community, so be sure to explore all the items and place your bids now! ? About #CKAEnvision ? This annual 2.5-day experience brings together leaders nationwide to celebrate and invest in CKA’s vital mission to empower Korean American leaders and communities across the globe. Our four honorees will be celebrated at the Envision Gala on November 14. Envision will also feature a VIP “Night at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art” on November 13, and the Envision Summit titled "Owning the Game" on November 15, which will focus on advancing Korean American leadership and resilience. ?? November 13-15, 2024 ??Washington, D.C. ?? CKA's mission is to advance the national voice and influence of the Korean American community. We do this through our 4 pillars: Advocate for Our Community, Build Community Across Boundaries, Celebrate Our Identity and Impact, and Develop Bold & Compassionate Leaders. The Envision Gala & Summit provides a platform to celebrate exceptional individuals, brings together community members to foster connections, and inspires the next generation of leaders.