Jin M. Chun, Johnny Rhee and Jin S. Chun (left to right) participate in the CAPA event on behalf of KACF in Union Square.

 

Gina Chon heads KACF’s steering committee.

 

-         By James R. Cho

 

It’s Happy Hour 

Dozens of young professionals flocked to the slick confines of Camel Lounge in the heart of New York City’s Koreatown for a festive happy hour organized by KACF. The event raised nearly $4,400.

With hip hop playing in the background, KACF members and supporters enjoyed the evening’s festivities. The masterminds behind the event, Eun Cho and Jin Chun, considered the event a success. 

“We are thankful for tonight’s strong turnout,” Cho says. “We have had several people approach us to learn more about KACF and the different ways to volunteer.” 

 

Job Fair

On May 4, KACF recruited volunteers and members at the Global Korean Job Fair in the Madison Square Garden Expo Center, sponsored by The Korea Central Daily News. The job fair is held every year to introduce young Korean Americans to Korean and American corporations.

 

CAPA Heritage Festival

On May 6, KACF participated in the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival sponsored by the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA) at Union Square in Manhattan. The festival featured live music and dance, martial arts, film screenings, children’s activities, arts and crafts. The heritage festival is the largest pan-Asian outdoor event on the east coast.  KACF members urged participants to join the organization and encouraged them to give back to the local Korean community.

 

Welcome, Gina!

 

Earlier this year, Gina Chon was appointed as KACF’s new steering committee chair. KACF’s steering committee of volunteers implements the organization’s programs and events. 

Bomsinae Kim, KACF’s executive director, said Chon impressed the KACF board and the steering committee members with her unique talents, especially when it comes to recruitment, and her tremendous leadership skills in motivating others. Her appointment was a “no brainer,” Kim said.

Chon, a native of Korea, graduated from Cornell University and earned an MBA from Columbia Business School. Since moving to New York City, Chon said she had wanted to serve the Korean community through non-profit work. She first joined KACF in 2005 while earning her MBA. 

Chon is currently an associate at Lehman Brothers, Inc. She said she is always impressed by the 40-plus members of the steering committee, who all have full-time jobs, but tirelessly find time to volunteer. Chon said she was particularly attracted to KACF because of its focus on supporting the Korean and Korean American community through its outreach and educational programs.