OUR EVOLVING COMMUNITY

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The 2026 CKA Envision Gala & Summit is the national gathering of Korean American leaders, bringing our community together to celebrate how far we have come and to imagine what comes next.

This year’s theme, Our Evolving Community, honors the remarkable arc of the Korean American story, from immigration and resilience to leadership, innovation, and influence across industries. Hosted in Los Angeles, home to the largest Korean community outside of Korea, Envision 2026 will celebrate the continued evolution of Korean America.

This year marks a momentous chapter: 15 years of CKA, 20 years of NetKAL, and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

From October 23 to 24, 2026, the Council of Korean Americans will convene more than 600 leaders for a landmark gathering that honors our shared history, celebrates the accomplishments of our community, and creates space for meaningful conversations about the critical issues shaping our future.

As CKA’s premier national event, the Envision Gala & Summit brings together leaders across sectors to strengthen the relationships, ideas, and collective influence that will shape the next chapter of Korean American leadership and service.

Get Your 2026 Envision Gala & Summit Tickets

Join us October 23–24, 2026 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

Get Tickets

$1,000

Envision Summit Only

Friday, October 23

$1,500

CKA Gala Only

Saturday, October 24

$2,000

Summit & Gala Full Access

October 23–24

Book your stay for the 2026 Envision Gala & Summit

CKA has secured special group rates at three hotels for October 22–25, 2026.

  • Fairmont Century Plaza (Official Gala Venue)
  • Beverly Hills Marriott: book by October 5
  • Courtyard Century City/Beverly Hills: book by October 1
View Hotel Options

2026 Visionary Award Honoree
CKA is proud to honor Ho Nam with the 2026 Visionary Award. With more than two decades of venture leadership at Altos Ventures, he is recognized for building enduring technology companies, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and expanding opportunity across the industry.

2026 Trailblazer Award Honoree
CKA is proud to honor Julie Kim with the 2026 Trailblazer Award. With 30 years of global health care leadership, she is recognized for advancing innovation, building inclusive teams, and improving patients’ lives.

2026 Visionary Award Honoree
CKA is proud to honor Ho Nam with the 2026 Visionary Award. With more than two decades of venture leadership at Altos Ventures, he is recognized for building enduring technology companies, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and expanding opportunity across the industry.

2026 Trailblazer Award Honoree
CKA is proud to honor Julie Kim with the 2026 Trailblazer Award. With 30 years of global health care leadership, she is recognized for advancing innovation, building inclusive teams, and improving patients’ lives.

2026 Visionary Award Honoree
CKA is proud to honor Ho Nam with the 2026 Visionary Award. With more than two decades of venture leadership at Altos Ventures, he is recognized for building enduring technology companies, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and expanding opportunity across the industry.

2026 Trailblazer Award Honoree
CKA is proud to honor Julie Kim with the 2026 Trailblazer Award. With 30 years of global health care leadership, she is recognized for advancing innovation, building inclusive teams, and improving patients’ lives.

Leadership Award

2026 Leadership Award Honoree
CKA is proud to honor Ho Nam with the 2026 Leadership Award. With more than two decades of venture leadership at Altos Ventures, he is recognized for building enduring technology companies, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and expanding opportunity across the industry.

Trailblazer Award

2026 Trailblazer Award Honoree
CKA is proud to honor Julie Kim with the 2026 Trailblazer Award. With 30 years of global health care leadership, she is recognized for advancing innovation, building inclusive teams, and improving patients’ lives.

Individual tickets open mid-September 2026

Due to limited venue capacity, sign up now to receive priority notification as soon as registration goes live.

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2026 PROGRAM & SCHEDULE

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From the CKA Summit and NextGen Summit to receptions, a community day of service, and the Envision Gala, this year’s program brings established and emerging Korean American leaders together for three days of conversation, connection, and celebration in Los Angeles.

2026 Gala & Summit at a glance
Three days of programming in Los Angeles, October 22–24. Select a day to see the full schedule and register.
Thursday, Oct 22Women's Affinity Group Summit
WAG & CKA Member Reception
NetKAL 20 Year ReunionView Thursday schedule Friday, Oct 23CKA Summit
NextGen Summit
CKA x ELOREA ReceptionView Friday schedule Saturday, Oct 24Community Run
Member Breakfast & Salon
KYCC Day of Service
2026 CKA Envision GalaView Saturday schedule
View Full Program & Register
On the program page, you'll find detailed schedules with speakers, registration links for every event, and a calendar of all upcoming CKA activities.

More Ways to Connect

Stay connected beyond the Gala & Summit. Browse gatherings throughout the week and upcoming CKA events, and follow our calendar to hear about new ones.

Browse All Events

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

PRE-PROGRAM
OCTOBER 22

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Women’s Affinity Group Lunch

Gather with Women’s Affinity Group members for lunch and connection before the afternoon program.

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Women’s Affinity Group Event

An afternoon of conversations, community building, and programming for members of the Women’s Affinity Group.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Women’s Affinity Group & CKA Member Reception

Women’s Affinity Group participants and CKA members come together for an early evening reception.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

NetKAL 20 Reunion Event

Celebrate 20 years of NetKAL with an evening of reunion, reflection, and connection.

Locations, participation details, and additional information will be announced soon.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23

FRIDAY PROGRAM
OCTOBER 23

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast & Registration
Fairmont Century Plaza — Foyer

Check in, enjoy breakfast, and connect with fellow attendees before the day’s programming begins.

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Summit & NextGen Opening Sessions
Fairmont Century Plaza — Gala Floor

A series of sessions bringing Summit and NextGen participants together for conversations, learning, and connection.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch

NextGen participants will have lunch at another location nearby.

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

CKA Summit
Fairmont Century Plaza — Gala Floor

An afternoon of conversations, workshops, and programming featuring leaders from across the Korean American community.

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

NextGen Summit
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

Programming for emerging leaders, including workshops, coaching sessions, and opportunities to connect with fellow participants.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Summit & NextGen Closing Session
Fairmont Century Plaza — Gala Floor

Summit and NextGen participants reconvene for a shared closing session.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

CKA Summit Reception

Join fellow attendees for a reception at the hotel.

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

ELOREA Event

Open to those who would like to attend. In collaboration with ELOREA.

6:30 PM

Dinner On Your Own

We encourage attendees to connect and make their own dinner plans this evening. No additional dinner options will be provided, so that everyone is free to choose where and with whom they’d like to spend the evening.

Locations and additional details will be announced soon.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

SATURDAY PROGRAM
OCTOBER 24

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM

CKA × NoWhere Running Club Community Run
Meeting location to be announced

Start the day with a community run through Los Angeles. Open to all members of the CKA community.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

CKA Member Breakfast
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

CKA members are invited to gather for breakfast before the annual member programming begins.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

CKA Member Meeting
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

CKA members come together for organizational updates and a look ahead at the future of the community.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

CKA Member Salon — Round 1
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

A member-focused conversation designed to encourage meaningful dialogue, learning, and connection.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

CKA Member Salon — Round 2
Fairmont Century Plaza — Constellation Ballroom

A second round of facilitated conversations for CKA members.

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

CKA Donor and Honorees Luncheon
The CKA Donor and Honorees Luncheon brings together our 2026 honorees and CKA’s most generous supporters for an intimate afternoon of connection and celebration ahead of the Envision Gala.

This event is by invitation only, extended to sponsors at the 2026 Platinum Level and above.

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

CKA × KYCC Community Volunteer Event
Koreatown — Location to be announced

Join CKA and KYCC for a community volunteer event supporting the cleanup of Koreatown.

This event is being planned. Participation and registration details will be announced soon.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Gala Registration & Opening Reception
Fairmont Century Plaza — Ballroom Hallway

Check in and connect with fellow guests before the evening’s Gala program.

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

2026 CKA Envision Gala
Fairmont Century Plaza — Gala Ballroom

An evening celebrating Korean American leadership, community, and the stories shaping our collective future.

9:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Gala Reception
Fairmont Century Plaza — Ballroom Hallway

Continue the celebration with fellow guests following the Gala program.

9:45 PM – 1:00 AM

After Party
Location to be announced

Close out the 2026 CKA Envision Gala & Summit with an evening of continued celebration and connection.

Have questions about the 2026 CKA Envision Gala & Summit? Our team is here to help.

2026 CKA SUMMIT SPEAKERS

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Meet the voices joining us this October — new speakers announced weekly

Mina Kimes

2026 CKA Summit Speaker
NFL Analyst, ESPN

Beong-Soo Kim

Beong-Soo Kim

2026 CKA Summit Speaker
President,
University of Southern California

Jaime Lee
Moderator

Jaime Lee

Senior Managing Director,
Capital Markets and Real Estate Investments at Kennedy Wilson Trustee,
University of Southern California

2026 ENVISION GALA STEERING COMMITTEE

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Gala Co-Chairs

Jinhee Ahn Kim
Co-Founder & CEO Kumio

Gloria Lee
Client Relations Partner,
Rutan & Tucker, LLP

Michelle Rhyu
Retired Litigation Partner, Cooley LLP

Lisa J. Yang
Managing Partner, LimNexus LLP,
CKA Board Member

Jinhee Ahn Kim
Co-Founder & CEO Kumio

Gloria Lee
Client Relations Partner,
Rutan & Tucker, LLP

Michelle Rhyu
Senior Counsel, Cooley LLP

Lisa J. Yang
Managing Partner, LimNexus LLP,
CKA Board Member

GALA COMMITTEE

  • ▪ Alex Cha, Attorney, Law Offices of Alex Cha and Associates
  • ▪ Carol Choi, Founder, United Exchange Corp.
  • ▪ Lillian Kim Chun, Interior Designer
  • ▪ Jihee Huh, Vice-Chairman, Pacific American Fish Company
  • ▪ Monica Kang, Managing Director of Programs and Strategy, CKA
  • ▪ Angela Killoren, President, CKA
  • ▪ Alexander Kim, Principal, CEO, Three Kings Public Affairs
  • ▪ Susan Kim, Advisor, Baobab Studios
  • ▪ Tina Kim, CEO, Tina Kim Gallery
  • ▪ Jean Shim, Film Director
  • ▪ Randy Sim, President & Founder, Satsun Corporation
  • ▪ Esther Song, Founder & CEO, Song Group

GALA COMMITTEE

  • ▪ Alex Cha, Attorney, Law Offices of Alex Cha and Associates
  • ▪ Carol Choi, Founder, United Exchange Corp.
  • ▪ Lillian Kim Chun, Interior Designer
  • ▪ Monica Kang, Managing Director of Programs and Strategy, CKA
  • ▪ Jihee Huh, Vice-Chairman, Pacific American FISH Company
  • ▪ Angela Killoren, President, CKA
  • ▪ Alexander Kim, Principal, CEO, Three Kings Public Affairs
  • ▪ Susan Kim, Advisor, Baobab Studios
  • ▪ Tina Kim, CEO, Tina Kim Gallery
  • ▪ Randy Sim, President & Founder, Satsun Corporation
  • ▪ Esther Song, Founder & CEO, Song Group

2026 CKA Envision Gala Sponsors

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Lead
Diamond

Karen and Samuel Choi + Sandra and Peter Schubert + Jean Shim and David Lee

Kenneth Kim

Premier Summit
Platinum

Angela Killoren

Bill & Mary Kim’s Charitable Fund
and Shirley & Aaron Kim

Cartier

Catharina Min & John Fish

Jeannie Park

Jinhee Ahn Kim

Lillian & David Chun
Equilar, Inc.

Paul and Ellen Chae Family Fund

Randy & Sue Sim

Robert and Christina Cho

Toni Ko

Gold

Alex Cha

June Lee and David Kim

Leezie Kim

Matthew and Doe Kim

William Um

2026 CKA Gala & Summit Supporters

Charles & Melita Jung Charitable Fund

Eddie Ahn

Helie Lee

VISION FUND COMMUNITY

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Eugene & Carol Choi
Gideon & Susie Yu
Michelle Rhyu & Stephen Neal
Michael & Sunny Yang
Peter Yun Huh & Jihee Kim Huh – Embrace Unity Foundation
Sunny K. Park Family Foundation
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Bill & Mary Kim’s Charitable Fund
CS & Jin Park
Catharina Min
Joseph Bae & Janice Lee
Julie Kim
Kee & Susan Park
Lorence Kim & Sherry Hsiung
Marie Oh Huber
Randy & Sue Sim
Robin-Hwajin Yoon Kim Foundation
Salle Yoo & Jeffrey Gray
Yul Kwon
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The Council of Korean Americans (CKA) extends heartfelt gratitude to our Vision Fund Donors, whose multi-year investment, long-term partnership, and deep commitment fuel our mission to strengthen the national voice and influence of the Korean American community. This core community’s belief in CKA’s future empowers the next generation of Korean American leaders and ensures our collective story continues to rise.

VISION FUND COMMUNITY

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Eugene & Carol Choi
Gideon & Susie Yu
Michelle Rhyu & Stephen Neal
Michael & Sunny Yang
Peter Yun Huh & Jihee Kim Huh – Embrace Unity Foundation
Sunny K. Park Family Foundation
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Bill & Mary Kim’s Charitable Fund
CS & Jin Park
Catharina Min
Joseph Bae & Janice Lee
Julie Kim
Kee & Susan Park
Lorence Kim & Sherry Hsiung
Marie Oh Huber
Randy & Sue Sim
Robin-Hwajin Yoon Kim Foundation
Salle Yoo & Jeffrey Gray
Yul Kwon
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The Council of Korean Americans (CKA) extends heartfelt gratitude to our Vision Fund Donors, whose multi-year investment, long-term partnership, and deep commitment fuel our mission to strengthen the national voice and influence of the Korean American community. This core community’s belief in CKA’s future empowers the next generation of Korean American leaders and ensures our collective story continues to rise.