Council of Korean Americans

The Council of Korean Americans (CKA) is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, dedicated to advancing the voice and influence of the Korean American community across the United States. Since 2011, CKA has evolved from an all-volunteer initiative into a vibrant national membership organization connecting influential leaders and executives across diverse sectors including law, finance, medicine, academia, arts, and media.

CKA operates through a comprehensive leadership development and advocacy framework designed to empower Korean American professionals at all career stages. The organization hosts over 15 affinity groups organized by industry sectors such as health and life sciences, law, and business, creating platforms for Korean American leaders to address critical issues and mobilize for action. CKA facilitates thought leadership opportunities, with members regularly speaking at national conferences and webinar programs on topics including the model minority myth, U.S.-Korea relations, mental health in the Asian American community, and inter-community allyship.

The organization's core priorities include amplifying the voice of Korean American leaders in media and public policy, strengthening communication and collaboration across sectors and regions, celebrating Korean American identity and cultural contributions, and developing emerging and executive-level leaders through mentorship and training programs. CKA also spearheads initiatives highlighting Korean American contributions in arts, culture, entertainment, and sports, while building strategic coalitions with African American and Jewish American communities to promote inter-community dialogue and advance shared goals. Through evidence-based research, community engagement, and leadership development, CKA works to ensure Korean Americans are represented at the highest levels of American society and contribute meaningfully to shaping national discourse.