Council of Korean Americans (CKA)

10/20/2026

2 days until brings Korean American leaders together in LA 💡✨

The 2026 CKA Summit and NextGen Summit will feature leaders, advocates, and changemakers sharing insights across higher education, biotech, civic engagement, AI, investing, sports, media, and more.

Guided by Our Evolving Community, these conversations will explore how Korean American identity, leadership, and service continue to shape industries, institutions, and the broader American story.

We can’t wait to hear from this year’s speakers and mentors, including voices like Mina Kimes, Beong-Soo Kim, Dr. Ken Song, Yul Kwon, Mark Keam, Angie J. You, Christine Moon, Ho Nam, Julie Kim, and many more.

🗓 October 22–24, 2026
📍 Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles, CA

10/19/2026

3 days until begins in Los Angeles 🌴✨

This week, Korean American leaders from across the country will gather for Our Evolving Community, a three-day experience celebrating CKA’s 15th anniversary, NetKAL’s 20th anniversary, and the next chapter of Korean American leadership.

The weekend begins with community-building and connection, including the Women’s Affinity Group Program & Reception and the NetKAL 20-Year Reunion, followed by a full day of Summit programming, the NextGen Summit, member gatherings, and our signature CKA Envision Gala.

We’re looking forward to reconnecting with longtime friends, welcoming new leaders, and creating space for meaningful conversations across generations and sectors!

🗓 October 22–24, 2026
📍 Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles, CA

10/18/2026

Introducing the 2026 CKA Women Affinity Group Summit at 💫✨

Join us for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration with Korean American women leaders across generations!

This year, we’re excited to introduce a new format for the CKA Women Affinity Group Summit: a special half-day retreat designed to foster connection, leadership growth, and candid conversation. Programming will center on two critical themes, Redefining Wellness and being Bold in Transitions, creating an intentional space to reflect, share honest insights, and connect with old and new friends as we navigate the future together.

Program highlights include:
Curated connection and peer networking 🫂
Thought-provoking panel discussions 💬
Facilitated small group breakouts 🌱
Sponsored lunch and closing reception 🍽️

Featured panels include:

Redefining Wellness 🧠
Moderated by Catharina Min
Featuring Dr. Suzan Song and Dr. Isabella Park

Bold in Transitions ✨
Moderated by Esther Song
Featuring Jessica Lee and Joanne Lee Molinaro (aka Korean Vegan)

🗓️ Thursday, October 22, 2026
🕛 12:00–5:00 PM PDT
📍 LimNexus LLP, Los Angeles, CA

Space is limited to ensure an intimate setting. Registration is first-come, first-served, so please RSVP early to secure your spot.

See you there!

Connecting Korean American Women Leaders Across Generations This event is open to all female identifying Korean American participants. New Format for…

10/18/2026

Introducing the NetKAL 20-Year Reunion at 🎉✨

NetKAL marks two decades of empowering leaders, building community, and driving impact! As part of the 2026 CKA Envision Gala & Summit, we invite CKA members, NetKAL alumni, and friends to gather for an evening of reflection, connection, and celebration.

✨ About NetKAL ✨
​Network of Korean American Leaders (NetKAL) is a transformative five-month leadership fellowship by CKA tailored for mid-to-early senior career Korean diaspora leaders. Through five immersive weekend sessions across the United States, 10–15 fellows deepen their leadership skills, expand their civic mindset, and tackle an ambitious community project together. Originally founded in 2006, NetKAL officially merged with CKA in 2021 under leadership including Angela Killoren, with all program graduates earning full CKA membership.

This reunion is a chance to honor 20 years of shared history in the Korean American community while reconnecting with old friends and making new connections.

🗓️ Thursday, October 22, 2026
📍 Brentwood, Los Angeles (address provided upon RSVP)
👥 Open to CKA members, NetKAL alumni, and friends

Interested in a future NetKAL program? The next cohort will run from April 2027 to August 2027. Learn more and complete the interest form at https://hubs.li/Q04BvwMv0.

Learn more + RSVP: https://hubs.li/Q04BvwPY0

10/15/2026

Just 1 week until we gather for Our Evolving Community at 🌴✨

The 2026 CKA Envision Gala & Summit is the national gathering where Korean American leaders come to celebrate how far we’ve come and be inspired to build what comes next.

Guided by our 2026 theme, “Our Evolving Community,” we are proud to honor extraordinary leaders whose stories reflect the continued growth, resilience, and influence of Korean Americans:

🏔️ Trailblazer Award — Julie Kim
President and CEO, Takeda

🌟 Visionary Award — Ho Nam
Co-Founder and Managing Director, Altos Ventures

From affinity group gatherings and member engagement opportunities to the CKA Summit, NextGen Summit, and signature Envision Gala, we can’t wait to welcome our community to Los Angeles for three days of connection, celebration, and conversation about what comes next.

🗓 October 22–24, 2026
📍 Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles, CA

10/13/2026

“We’ve opened the door. Come through. We’re here to help you.”

2026 CKA Trailblazer Award honoree Julie Kim shares a powerful message for the next generation: you are not alone, and leaders before you are holding the door open 🚪💙

As President and CEO of Takeda, Julie embodies trailblazing leadership that makes space for others to rise.

Join us October 23–24 in Los Angeles for as we celebrate and learn from Julie Kim and other extraordinary Korean American leaders.

https://hubs.li/Q04zQ_WX0

10/12/2026

“We’ve shown that you can create these amazing world-class companies right in Korea.”

2026 CKA Visionary Award honoree Ho Nam reflects on Altos Ventures’ global work 🌐 and the rise of Korean companies on the world stage 🌟.

As Co-Founder and Managing Director of Altos Ventures, Ho Nam’s story reflects the heart of Our Evolving Community: leadership built through vision, conviction, and global impact.

Join us October 23–24 in Los Angeles for as we celebrate and learn from Ho Nam and other extraordinary Korean American leaders.

https://hubs.li/Q04zQ_XB0

10/08/2026

“You waste a lot of energy trying to fit into something that is not you.”

2026 CKA Trailblazer Award honoree Julie Kim reflects on embracing every part of who she is: as a woman 👏, Korean 👏, Asian 👏, mother 👏, wife 👏, immigrant 👏, and leader👏.

As President and CEO of Takeda, Julie’s story reflects the heart of Our Evolving Community: leadership shaped by authenticity, visibility, and the courage to fully own your story.

Join us October 23–24 in Los Angeles for as we celebrate and learn from Julie Kim and other extraordinary Korean American leaders.

Learn more at https://hubs.li/Q04zDN200

10/08/2026

“What’s way more powerful is the compounding value of relationships.”

2026 CKA Visionary Award honoree Ho Nam reflects on the importance of trust, shared values, and surrounding yourself with good people.

As Co-Founder and Managing Director of Altos Ventures Ho Nam’s story reflects the heart of Our Evolving Community: leadership built through connection, purpose, and long-term impact.

Join us October 23–24 in Los Angeles for as we celebrate and learn from Ho Nam and other extraordinary Korean American leaders.

Learn more at https://hubs.li/Q04zDLhk0.

10/06/2026

The Council of Korean Americans is thrilled to announce that former Calm CEO David Ko, will be joining us for a featured fireside chat at the 2026 Summit! 🌟

Guided by our 2026 theme, “Our Evolving Community,” we are bringing together extraordinary leaders whose stories reflect the continued growth, resilience, and influence of Korean Americans. Their voices and achievements celebrate how far we’ve come and inspire us as we shape what comes next.

✨ About David ✨

David Ko is the former CEO of Calm, the #1 app for sleep, meditation and mindfulness. Before founding his own company, which was acquired by Calm, David spent over a decade as a leading healthcare executive. He is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of Recharge: Boosting Your Mental Battery One Conversation at a Time, and has been featured in TIME’s Leadership Brief, named a LinkedIn “Top Voice” and one of RockHealth’s “Top 50 Leaders in Digital Health.” David was also the COO at Zynga, which he helped take public in December 2011. Prior to his work at Zynga, he spent 10 years at Yahoo! and currently serves on various boards at his alma mater, New York University Stern School of Business.

✨ Fireside Chat ✨
David will join us for a chat on wellness and the C-suite, giving attendees his advice on how to stay low stress when your job is high-powered.

✨ About ✨
The Council of Korean Americans Envision Summit is CKA’s signature gathering that convenes leaders, advocates, and changemakers to celebrate Korean American stories and imagine what comes next. This year’s gathering in Los Angeles marks a momentous chapter: CKA’s 15th anniversary, NetKAL’s 20th anniversary, and the nation’s 250th anniversary.

🗓 October 22–24, 2026
📍 Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles, CA

We hope you will join us in Los Angeles to hear from David and the other amazing speakers we have lined up. Visit https://hubs.li/Q04zfdN80 for more information.