The Chi Family Fellowship Program, endowed by Youngsuk “YS” Chi and Sung Kim, aims to cultivate the next generation of nonprofit and social sector leaders. Chi Fellows train closely with our Capacity Building Team to learn best practices in consulting and organizational leadership and are immersed in KACF grantee partner organizations to support projects making a direct impact on the Korean American community.
Meet our 2024 Chi Family Fellow: SoHee Wreen
Our 2024 Chi Fellow, SoHee Wreen, is an undergraduate student studying Economic-Political Science and East Asian Language and Cultures at Columbia University. She is currently engaged with our grantee partner, the MinKwon Center.
Tell us about one of the projects you’re involved in at the MinKwon Center!
SoHee: At the MinKwon Center, I’m part of the Civic Engagement Team. I’m involved in policy-related projects, voter engagement events, and I’m part of the founding team for the Asian Student Civic Engagement Taskforce (ASCET) under the APA VOICE coalition. My work focuses on policy, civic, and community engagement within the Korean American and Asian American communities in New York City and New York State.
Can you tell us a little more about the Asian Student Civic Engagement Taskforce? Why is this work important?
SoHee: ASCET is a nonpartisan civic engagement initiative that aims to increase voter turnout for young voters and Asian Americans in New York State. The Asian American registered voter population is rapidly growing across New York State, yet voter turnout remains consistently behind the general population and party affiliation rates are the lowest among any demographic group. ASCET specifically focuses on mobilizing voters in Congressional Districts where the win margins in the 2022 elections were less than 5,000 votes. With the 2024 congressional elections based on a new set of congressional maps, it’s crucial for voters to know the importance of their vote.
What has shifted in your understanding of the Korean American community or a community issue since joining KACF as a Chi Fellow?
SoHee: Being a Chi Fellow has shown me the importance of working for the needs and concerns of Korean American, Asian American, and immigrant communities through community action, advocacy, and civic engagement. I’ve learned about policies, legislation, and issues that impact Korean Americans on a local, state, and federal level. Since joining KACF, I’ve come to understand how necessary Korean American leaders and nonprofits are to strengthen and support the community.
Let’s end with a fun one! What’s your favorite Korean food to eat in the summer?
I love eating bibim naengmyeon during the summer!
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST