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Improving the Lives of Korean Youth Through Outreach and Education

KKOOM Announces Leadership Transition

With great pleasure, KKOOM is excited and honored to announce the appointment of Grace Lee as its first Executive Director. Since 2017, Grace has served as KKOOM’s Chief Administrator under the day-to-day leadership of the President and Board of Directors. Grace brings strong vision, leadership, and organizational continuity to an organization that has experienced steady growth since Grace’s involvement. During her time with  KKOOM, Grace’s efforts have increased volunteer and stakeholder engagement, as she has cultivated KKOOM’s online presence and other channels. KKOOM enthusiastically welcomes the next season of leadership and sustained impact on the lives of Korean children with Grace’s integrity, energy, and contagious optimism.

More than sixteen years after first visiting a Korean children’s home while she was a Fulbright English teacher in Gumi, South Korea, Aimee Jachym will be retiring, effective September 30, as President of KKOOM. Aimee is KKOOM’s Co-founder and has served as its President since its inception in 2007. The organization has come a long way from its humble roots of volunteer English classes and holiday gifts. Under Aimee’s leadership, KKOOM has impacted thousands of children’s lives in South Korea, working with more than twenty Korean children’s homes and developing deep connections with select homes and volunteer organizations, where KKOOM’s work is ongoing. While Aimee is retiring from her presidential role, she will remain on the Board of Directors and serve the organization in an advisory capacity.

KKOOM’s Board of Directors is also pleased to announce the appointment of Helen Shin as Board Chair. Helen joined KKOOM on its mission in January 2012 as a board member and has ever since lent her business and legal acumen and passion for social justice to KKOOM’s endeavors. Helen is a labor and employment attorney with a background in international human rights matters. Her strong communication and organization skills are great assets to the board, and KKOOM looks forward to utilizing her talents and resources to benefit KKOOM and the children in Korea.

Korean Kids and Orphanage Outreach Mission (KKOOM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that enriches the lives of youth living in or aged out of Korean children’s homes. These include funding for immediate needs, preschool and college scholarships, sponsoring and hosting holiday celebrations, seasonal activities, and other events that foster joy and essential life skills in the children.

As KKOOM (pronounced “koom”) means “dream” in Korean, KKOOM is committed to creating a beautiful future for the children we serve– one where they can make their own dreams a reality. We are thankful for every volunteer, supporter, and friend who works with us to make this all possible.

With gratitude,
Korean Kids and Orphanage Outreach Mission Board of Directors

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