한국어
Reflections from the Asian American Chamber of Commerce Kansas City Annual Gala
Every spring, I have made it a tradition to attend the Annual Gala hosted by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City. But unlike the years when I attended simply as a guest, now—serving as Vice President of the Korean American Association—I find myself looking at each event with a much sharper eye. I naturally observe who gathers in the room, which companies show up, and where our community stands within that larger flow.
What struck me most was the sheer number of Kansas City businesses and enterprises that voluntarily participate and continue to offer generous sponsorship. If "Diversity" has been one of the defining keywords of American society over the past decade or so, I can now feel that diversity has truly grown into real influence. Asians remain a minority, yet our role and impact within the local community continue to expand. The expectations and attention directed toward us are also growing—regardless of the size of the city we live in.
The Gala honors individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields through awards such as Entrepreneur of the Year, Professional Leader of the Year, and Outstanding Community Partner of the Year. Listening to the stories and achievements of the recipients goes beyond a simple celebration—it becomes a moment that makes you eagerly anticipate what kind of leaders will emerge next.
The keynote message from Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, left a particularly deep impression. She has devoted her career to advancing equitable economic mobility—working across the public, academic, and nonprofit sectors to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, gender, or geography, has access to economic stability and the opportunity to grow. She also emphasized the Foundation's close partnership with the Kansas City community, strengthening the real foundations of local growth through college access and completion, workforce development, and entrepreneurship support.
At this point, we can no longer afford to simply admire from the sidelines. Our Korean American community must take the next step forward. We need to discover and elevate the diverse talents, businesses, and enterprises already thriving in mainstream Kansas City society—and build a solid foundation that allows them to grow even further. At the same time, we must open doors for those just beginning new challenges.
To do this, what we need most is a shift in mindset. Rather than the old saying, "My stomach aches when my cousin buys land," we must embrace the truth that someone else's success becomes an opportunity for us all. When we genuinely cheer for one another's growth and move forward together, the space our Korean American community occupies will widen, and our collective voice will grow stronger.
Joohyun LeeVice President, KASGKC