Friday, November 15, 2024
Registration starts: 11:00 am
Program: 11:30 am – 6:00 pm
CONVENE Hamilton Square
600 14th Street, NW • Washington, D.C.
ENVISION: Owning THE game
Join Us for CKA Summit 2024: Envisioning Our Future!
Friday, November 15, 2024
Registration starts: 11:00 am
Program: 11:30 am – 6:00 pm
CONVENE Hamilton Square
600 14th Street, NW • Washington, D.C.
ENVISION: Owning THE game
Join Us for CKA Summit 2024: Envisioning Our Future!
Each year, the Council of Korean Americans (CKA) Envision Summit brings together influential thought leaders and decision-makers from diverse sectors to engage in IMPACTFUL DISCUSSIONS and to INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION of Korean American leaders.
The 2024 Summit theme “ENVISION: OWNING THE GAME” recognizes the groundbreaking, transformative efforts of individuals in the corporate, media, public, and policy sectors disrupting and revolutionizing the representation and visibility of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Summit engagement will ignite and mobilize our community to fearlessly advance innovative paradigm shifts in the industry, meaningful and unorthodox alliances, and impactful and sustainable ventures that receive the recognition worthy of our collective efforts.
- 11:00 am – Summit Registration
- 11:30 am – 12:20 pm – Lunch Networking | Light Lunch Provided
- 12:20 pm – 12:25 pm – Welcome | Summit Co-Chairs: Soo Kim Venkatesan, Debbie Shon, & Lucy Lee
- 12:25 pm – 6:00 pm – Panel Sessions | Follow by Reception
Each year, the Council of Korean Americans (CKA) Envision Summit brings together influential thought leaders and decision-makers from diverse sectors to engage in IMPACTFUL DISCUSSIONS and to INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION of Korean American leaders.
The 2024 Summit theme “ENVISION: OWNING THE GAME” recognizes the groundbreaking, transformative efforts of individuals in the corporate, media, public, and policy sectors disrupting and revolutionizing the representation and visibility of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Summit engagement will ignite and mobilize our community to fearlessly advance innovative paradigm shifts in the industry, meaningful and unorthodox alliances, and impactful and sustainable ventures that receive the recognition worthy of our collective efforts.
- 11:00 am – Summit Registration
- 11:30 am – 12:20 pm – Lunch Networking | Light Lunch Provided
- 12:20 pm – 12:25 pm – Welcome | Summit Co-Chairs: Soo Kim Venkatesan, Debbie Shon, & Lucy Lee
- 12:25 pm – 6:00 pm – Panel Sessions | Follow by Reception
12:25 pm – 12:50 pm Opening Fireside Luncheon Chat
Shattering Barriers to Serve this Nation
JoAnne “Jo” Bass has shattered glass ceilings as the first woman and Asian American to attain the highest non-commissioned rank of Chief Master Sergeant in any service branch. After over thirty years of stellar service, she recently retired as the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF).
Jo will delve into how her Korean American roots fueled her dedication to service and honed her leadership skills. She candidly discusses overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities as an Asian American woman in a predominantly male military landscape—thriving against all odds. This will be nothing short of being an inspiring conversation on breaking barriers, achieving greatness, and embodying Korean American resilience and determination.
1:00 pm – 1:55 pm Panel 1: Media Panel
Owning the Narrative: AAPI Leadership Changing the Game in Media
This dynamic panel gathers leading media executives to address the ongoing challenge of AAPI underrepresentation—from newsrooms to on-camera talent and on-screen roles. We’ll explore the barriers holding back AAPI talent and discuss pathways to telling our stories.
Expect thoughtful insights on the push for authentic AAPI representation and strategies that are advancing change. Panelists will share real struggles, breakthroughs, and perspectives on how they’re helping shape the narrative—whether behind or in front of the camera and headlines. With a focus on Korean American trailblazers, this conversation encourages forward momentum and expands what’s possible for the future.
2:05 pm – 3:00 pm Panel 2: Corporate Panel
Claiming a Seat: AAPI Leadership without Limits
This forward-thinking panel brings top corporate executives together to examine where AAPI representation in leadership stands—and where it needs to go. From corporate boards to the C-suite, we’ll explore persistent gaps, key wins, and remaining roadblocks on the path to true equity at the highest levels. It’s not just about claiming a seat at the table—it’s about redefining what great leadership looks like.
We’ll break down the trends shaping AAPI inclusion across industries and dive into the bold initiatives driving effective, representative governance. With a special focus on Korean American leaders blazing trails and creating pathways for others, this conversation isn’t merely a reflection on existing challenges—it’s a rallying call for the future and our collective agency. If you’re ready to move beyond lip service to true representation, this is the conversation you can’t miss.
3:10 pm – 4:05 pm Panel 3: Public Service Panel
Call to Lead: AAPI Voices Driving Change and Civic Impact
This panel dives into public service as a bold pursuit rooted in the Korean American tradition of giving back and making a difference. Beyond elected office, it’s about stepping up—whether through community work, the military, advocacy, or civic engagement.
Our panelists will challenge the status quo, bust stereotypes, and highlight how diverse participation drives real change. Get ready for a candid conversation about how impactful service isn’t just a duty—it’s a privilege, a responsibility, and a game-changer for building a more inclusive future.
4:25 pm – 5:20 pm Panel 4: Entrepreneur Panel
America’s Innovators: Korean Americans Redefining Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is deeply woven into the American experience, and for Korean Americans, it has become a powerful path to visibility, influence, and values-driven expression. This panel explores distinct approaches and shared themes among Korean American founders, where cultural resilience, innovation, and global perspectives converge to disrupt industries and open new markets.
From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, panelists will share how their heritage and diverse experiences fuel groundbreaking ventures and how ownership amplifies the impact of their leadership. Gain insights into how the Korean American entrepreneurial spirit is reshaping the American business landscape and driving both economic and social change.
12:25 pm – 12:50 pm Opening Fireside Luncheon Chat
Shattering Barriers to Serve this Nation
JoAnne “Jo” Bass has shattered glass ceilings as the first woman and Asian American to attain the highest non-commissioned rank of Chief Master Sergeant in any service branch. After over thirty years of stellar service, she recently retired as the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF).
Jo will delve into how her Korean American roots fueled her dedication to service and honed her leadership skills. She candidly discusses overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities as an Asian American woman in a predominantly male military landscape—thriving against all odds. This will be nothing short of being an inspiring conversation on breaking barriers, achieving greatness, and embodying Korean American resilience and determination.
1:00 pm – 1:55 pm Panel 1: Media Panel
Owning the Narrative: AAPI Leadership Changing the Game in Media
This dynamic panel gathers leading media executives to address the ongoing challenge of AAPI underrepresentation—from newsrooms to on-camera talent and on-screen roles. We’ll explore the barriers holding back AAPI talent and discuss pathways to telling our stories.
Expect thoughtful insights on the push for authentic AAPI representation and strategies that are advancing change. Panelists will share real struggles, breakthroughs, and perspectives on how they’re helping shape the narrative—whether behind or in front of the camera and headlines. With a focus on Korean American trailblazers, this conversation encourages forward momentum and expands what’s possible for the future.
2:05 pm – 3:00 pm Panel 2: Corporate Panel
Claiming a Seat: AAPI Leadership without Limits
This forward-thinking panel brings top corporate executives together to examine where AAPI representation in leadership stands—and where it needs to go. From corporate boards to the C-suite, we’ll explore persistent gaps, key wins, and remaining roadblocks on the path to true equity at the highest levels. It’s not just about claiming a seat at the table—it’s about redefining what great leadership looks like.
We’ll break down the trends shaping AAPI inclusion across industries and dive into the bold initiatives driving effective, representative governance. With a special focus on Korean American leaders blazing trails and creating pathways for others, this conversation isn’t merely a reflection on existing challenges—it’s a rallying call for the future and our collective agency. If you’re ready to move beyond lip service to true representation, this is the conversation you can’t miss.
3:10 pm – 4:05 pm Panel 3: Public Service Panel
Call to Lead: AAPI Voices Driving Change and Civic Impact
This panel dives into public service as a bold pursuit rooted in the Korean American tradition of giving back and making a difference. Beyond elected office, it’s about stepping up—whether through community work, the military, advocacy, or civic engagement.
Our panelists will challenge the status quo, bust stereotypes, and highlight how diverse participation drives real change. Get ready for a candid conversation about how impactful service isn’t just a duty—it’s a privilege, a responsibility, and a game-changer for building a more inclusive future.
4:25 pm – 5:20 pm Panel 4: Entrepreneur Panel
America’s Innovators: Korean Americans Redefining Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is deeply woven into the American experience, and for Korean Americans, it has become a powerful path to visibility, influence, and values-driven expression. This panel explores distinct approaches and shared themes among Korean American founders, where cultural resilience, innovation, and global perspectives converge to disrupt industries and open new markets.
From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, panelists will share how their heritage and diverse experiences fuel groundbreaking ventures and how ownership amplifies the impact of their leadership. Gain insights into how the Korean American entrepreneurial spirit is reshaping the American business landscape and driving both economic and social change.
| Time | Event | Speakers (Click on the photo for the speaker’s bio) | |
| Envision Summit @CONVENE Hamilton Square | |||
| 11:00 am | Summit Registration | ||
| 11:30 am – 12:20 pm | Networking | Light Lunch Provided | ||
| 12:20 pm – 12:25 pm | Co-Chair Welcome | Executive Director
Summit Co-Chairs
|
|
| 12:25 pm – 12:50 pm | Keynote Fireside Chat
Shattering Barriers to Serve this Nation |
Speaker
|
|
| 12:50 pm 1:00 pm | Coffee Break | Networking | ||
| 1:00 pm – 1:55 pm | Plenary Panel#1: Fireside Chat with Media Leaders
Owning the Narrative: AAPI Leadership Changing the Game in Media |
Moderator
Panelists
|
|
| 1:55 pm – 2:05 pm | Coffee Break | Networking | ||
| 2:05 pm – 3:00 pm | Panel#2: Fireside Chat with Corporate Leaders
Claiming a Seat: AAPI Leadership without Limits |
Moderator
Panelists
|
|
| 3:00 pm – 3:10 pm | Coffee Break | Networking | ||
| 3:10 pm – 4:05 pm | Plenary Panel #3: Fireside Chat with Public Service Leaders
Call to Lead: AAPI Voices Driving Change and Civic Impact |
Moderator
Panelists
|
|
| NetKAL Presentation – Hyodo Challenge | Speakers
|
||
| 4:15 pm – 4:25 pm | Coffee Break | Networking | ||
| 4:25 pm – 5:20 pm | Panel #4: Fireside Chat with Entrepreneurs
America’s Innovators: Korean Americans Redefining Entrepreneurship |
Moderator
Panelists
|
|
| 5:20 pm – 5:25 pm | Closing and Thank You | Co-Chairs
Soo Kim Venkatesan, Debbie Shon, and Lucy Lee |
|
| 5:25 pm – 6:15 pm | Networking Cocktail | ||
| Envision Summit @CONVENE Hamilton Square (Click on the photo for the speaker’s bio) | ||
| 11:00 am | Summit Registration | |
| 11:30 am – 12:20 pm | Networking | Light Lunch Provided | |
| 12:20 pm – 12:25 pm | Co-Chair Welcome | Executive Director
Summit Co-Chairs
|
| 12:25 pm – 12:50 pm | Keynote Fireside Chat
Shattering Barriers to Serve this Nation |
Speaker
|
| 12:50 pm 1:00 pm | Coffee Break | Networking | |
| 1:00 pm – 1:55 pm | Plenary Panel#1: Fireside Chat with Media Leaders
Owning the Narrative: AAPI Leadership Changing the Game in Media |
Moderator
Panelists
|
| 1:55 pm – 2:05 pm | Coffee Break | Networking | |
| 2:05 pm – 3:00 pm | Panel#2: Fireside Chat with Corporate Leaders
Claiming a Seat: AAPI Leadership without Limits |
Moderator
Panelists
|
| 3:00 pm – 3:10 pm | Coffee Break | Networking | |
| 3:10 pm – 4:05 pm | Plenary Panel #3: Fireside Chat with Public Service Leaders
Call to Lead: AAPI Voices Driving Change and Civic Impact |
Moderator
Panelists
|
| NetKAL Presentation – Hyodo Challenge | Speakers
|
|
| 4:15 pm – 4:25 pm | Coffee Break | Networking | |
| 4:25 pm – 5:20 pm | Panel #4: Fireside Chat with Entrepreneurs
America’s Innovators: Korean Americans Redefining Entrepreneurship |
Moderator
Panelists
|
| 5:20 pm – 5:25 pm | Closing and Thank You | Co-Chairs
Soo Kim Venkatesan, Debbie Shon, and Lucy Lee |
| 5:25 pm – 6:15 pm | Networking Cocktail | |