LOKA, CKA hold first joint mentoring day in Virginia

December 8, 2014
A mentor speaks to students at a joint event held by LOKA and CKA in Washington, D.C., Saturday.

A mentor speaks to students at a joint event held by LOKA and CKA in Washington, D.C., Saturday.

By Lee Byung-han / The Korea Times Washington, D.C.

The League of Korean Americans of Maryland (LOKA) and the Council of Korean Americans (CKA) held their first joint mentoring day inside Tysons Corner Marriott Saturday, drawing out about 150 students and parents.

Fifteen Korean American mentors met with students ranging in age from middle schoolers to college students with advice on life and direction.

Each student met with five to six mentors and had an opportunity to ask questions.

The day came to an end with mentees announcing their collective conclusion: “Be daring in trying to achieve your dreams and goals.”

LOKA is comprised mostly of first-generation Korean American leaders, while CKA gathers second-generationers.

CKA President Sam Yoon said the fact that it was possible to bring first- and second-generation Korean American leaders together to advance young peoples’ education is meaningful.

Consul General Kang Do-ho, who supported the event, said he hopes programs like this one continue for young Korean Americans in the region.

The day’s mentors included leaders from the agriculture, defense, homeland security and justice departments, a White House liaison, the director of the US-Korea Institute at SAIS and a Federal Trade Commission employee.