Sold out for the third year in a row, the event centered women’s leadership, philanthropy, and community-building, while raising funds in support of the Foundation’s mission.

The Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) hosted its third annual Women’s Luncheon in New York City, bringing together hundreds of Korean American women leaders, philanthropists, and community members from across the country. Now the largest annual gathering of its kind in the United States, the event highlighted the women whose bold leadership and generous contributions are transforming lives in their communities, while also spotlighting the growing impact of KACF’s work to uplift Korean American women and families nationwide.

The Luncheon opened with reflections from KACF board members Jeannie Park (Board Chair), Lisa Kim, and Cathy Oh on the intergenerational connections, shared heritage, and collective purpose that brought the room together.

The program featured three distinguished speakers: Hannah Yang, Chief Growth & Customer Officer at The New York Times Company; Tina Kim, world-renowned gallerist and founder of Tina Kim Gallery; and Dr. Young Seh Bae, founder and CEO of the Community Inclusion & Development Alliance (CIDA).

In her remarks, Hannah Yang reflected on the “legacy of courage” passed down from her immigrant parents, which shaped her journey to becoming a leader in the media industry. She connected her story to KACF’s mission, saying, “KACF reminds me of the privileges I’ve had and the courage poured into me. And it reminds me that there is still so much more we can and must do.”

Gallerist Tina Kim shared her journey from early exhibitions in Seoul to global stages such as the Venice Biennale and Art Basel, championing Korean and Asian diaspora artists along the way. She emphasized that the increased visibility of Korean artists worldwide is “not something that happened overnight, but the result of years of persistence and collaboration by artists, curators, collectors, and supporters who believed in the importance of representation in cultural institutions.”

Dr. Young Seh Bae, founder of CIDA, recounted how a small support group of Korean immigrant parents rooted in the belief that “opportunity changes everything” grew into a nonprofit now serving more than 1,900 families. She described how KACF’s partnership and support opened new doors of opportunity for children and adults with disabilities who had long been overlooked.

KACF President Kyung B. Yoon delivered a message urging bold generosity and solidarity to support Korean immigrant communities. She noted that nonprofit organizations nationwide are facing financial pressure due to federal budget cuts and shrinking funding streams, all while being asked to do more with fewer resources, sharing that “this year alone, 100 nonprofit organizations serving Korean American communities applied for funding from KACF.”

The program was emceed by Nydia Han, a 6abc anchor and Emmy Award–winning second-generation Korean American journalist.

Building on the community solidarity and philanthropic spirit demonstrated at the Luncheon, KACF will continue investing in efforts that help Korean Americans across the country achieve economic security.

KACF’s Women’s Luncheon would not have been possible without the generous support of our Host Committee, sponsors and Korean American women-led and -owned businesses.

HOST COMMITTEE

Elli Bai • Jennifer Ban • Juju Chang • Karen Choi • Patty Dhar • Laura Hong • Dohyun Kim • Hee Jin Kim • Jee Kim • Lisa Kim • Sonja Kim • Esther Lee • Hon. Grace Lee • Margarette Lee • Miyoung Lee • Sue Jin Lee • Sarah Min • Cathy Oh Tran • Catherine Park • Dr. Eunice Park • Jeannie Park • Josephine Shin • Gina Sohn • Christine Song • Sarah Paiji Yoo • Hee Yoon • Jean Yun

REIMAGINE SPONSORS

AIREM & Dr. Eunice Park • Karen Choi • Dohyun Kim & Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP • Lisa Kim • Esther Lee • Sarah Min • Cathy Oh & Mike Tran • YS Kim Foundation

EMPOWER SPONSORS

Anonymous • Elli Bai • Juju Chang • Jay and Sonja Kim Family Foundation • Hon. Grace Lee • Jeannie Park

ENVISION SPONSORS

Patty Dhar • Laura, Elizabeth and Caroline Hong • Miyoung Lee • Catherine Park & Douglas Elliman Real Estate • Hee Jin Kim & PureenMD • Josephine Shin • Christine Song • Tina Kim Gallery • Sarah Paiji Yoo • Hee Yoon • Jean Yun, M.D.

IN-KIND

AIREM • Ruchi • Aqua Best • Blueland • Bubble • byAVA • CIDA • good light • Hana Makgeolli • Haroo Planner • Hero Cosmetics • Karen Choi • Kimlyparc • Kish Apéritif • MCM • Melixir • Monse • Norie • OMA • Rice Blossoms • Sol de Janeiro • Sue Jin Lee • Sunday Aroma • 3Lab • 8282