TEEN SUMMIT 2025

Register Here

🌟2025 Teen Summit: Paving Your Own Path

KCI’s Teen Summit returns this year with this year’s theme, “Paving Your Own Path: Non-Traditional Trailblazers,” at the Asian Art Museum. The fourth Teen Summit provides a unique platform for students to engage with a diverse group of speakers, including activists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and artists, who will share their experiences and insights on social justice, mental wellness, and entrepreneurship. Participants will have the opportunity to explore non-traditional career paths and gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture and its global impact.

Throughout the day, students will participate in interactive workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities with their peers. The Teen Summit offers a space for youth to gain a deeper connection to their community, explore how culture and social justice intersect, and develop the leadership skills necessary to make a positive impact.

🔍 No prep needed. Just show up, listen, and ask questions.

📅 Program Details

  • Date: Saturday, June 7 2025

  • When: 10AM-5PM

  • Location: Asian Art Museum (200 Larkin St. San Francisco)

  • Eligible Participants: Students in middle school through college (and the young at heart!)

  • Ticket Price: $50

  • Discounts

    • 2 Tickets with 25% OFF
    • Buy 3 and get 4th for FREE
    • Group Purchase: If you are purchasing 10 or more tickets, please contact us for a special group discount.

*Financial Support: We want to ensure that every teen has the opportunity to attend. If you need financial assistance to attend the Teen Summit, please reach out to make arrangements.

Contact Info: Hyunji Kim (hyunjikim@koreancentersf.org)

🎯 Why Join?

✅ Gain insights from influential professionals who have paved their own paths in non-traditional careers

✅ Engage in interactive workshops and discussions that explore leadership, social justice, and personal growth

✅ Connect with peers who share your interests and passions

✅ Develop valuable skills that will help you make an impact in your community and future career

✅ Explore Korean culture and its global impact through hands-on activities and museum tours

✅ Be inspired by a diverse group of speakers from various fields such as business, arts, journalism, and more

Meet Our Speakers

The 2025 Teen Summit features an incredible lineup of speakers who have forged their own paths in non-traditional professions.

Joanne Lee Molinaro

Influencer “The Korean Vegan
NYT Bestselling Author

  • Joanne Molinaro (The Korean Vegan): A New York Times best-selling author and James Beard Award Winner, Joanne has taken the world by storm with her vegan Korean cooking, blending her love of food with activism. She’s a perfect example of how passion can transform into a thriving career.

  • Yul Kwon: A tech leader at Google, Yul was also a government official, television host and the winner of “Survivor: Cook Islands.” His diverse career spans law, business, and public service, showing how one can shape a path that bridges multiple industries.

  • Sue-in Hwang: A veteran journalist who spent over 30 years with The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, Suein has covered everything from real estate to activism and social issues, proving that a career in journalism can be both impactful and dynamic.

  • Dr. Richard Chin: A biotech entrepreneur and former CEO of multiple startups, Richard’s work in creating life-changing medicines showcases how one can combine science, business, and social good in a powerful way.

  • David J. Lee: A finance executive and former CFO of Impossible Foods, David has led companies through significant transformations. His journey in the tech and food industries highlights how entrepreneurship and innovation can lead to major social impact.

Yul Kwon

Winner of “Survivor:Cook Islands”
VP for Paradigms of Intelligence at Google

Suein Hwang

Business, Economics, and Technology Editor
Opinion at The New York Times

Richard Chin

Managing Director of Ascendant Venture

David Lee

CFO & COO at WebToon Entertainment

These incredible speakers will share their personal stories and offer insights into careers that are anything but conventional, inspiring teens to explore opportunities beyond the traditional path and create their own way forward. Click the profile to learn more about our speakers!

Program Schedule:

Time Activities
10:15 AM Greetings from Dr. Soyoung Lee and Consul General Lim Jung-taek
10:30 AM Speaker Session 1: Yul Kwon
11:15 AM Speaker Session 2: Joanne Molinaro, The Korean Vegan
12:00 PM Speaker Session 3: Richard Chin
12:30 PM “This is How We Roll” DIY Korean Lunch
1:30 PM Speaker Session 4: David Lee
2:10 PM Speaker Session 5: Suein Hwang
2:45 PM Korean Snack Time & Scavenger Hunt at the Asian Art Museum
3:15 PM Speaker Session 6: Catharine Paik, New Grad Perspective
4:00 PM Closing & Enjoy the Museum