2024 Events
KPWA Clothing Drive for IWD 2024
Date: Friday, March 8, 2024
Time: 6pm-7pm
Join us at our Clothing Drive in celebration of International Women's Day! We are collecting gently used clothing for all ages including accessories.
Collected items will be donated to Native Women's Housing/Shelters and Dress for Success Toronto.
Following the Clothing Drive, join us for a social dinner at Yamato Japanese Restaurant. The dinner social will be for members only.
RSVP is only required for the social dinner. Please feel free to drop by 30 College St. on March 8 between 6pm-7pm to donate your items.
**NEW DATE AND TIME**
Date & Time: January 20, 2024 at 11:30 am
Join us as we discuss all that's in store for 2024!
Meet fellow members over lunch and hear about our events, networking opportunities and more!
This is a member-only event.
Not a member?
Please inquire at events@kpwa.ca.
2023 Events
KPWA 2023 Annual General Meeting
Date: December 1, 2023
Join us for our 2023 Annual General Meeting, as we celebrate our achievements and present all that's in store for 2024!
This year's AGM is open to members only. If you are not a member, please inquire at events@kpwa.ca.
Navigating the Future of Work: From AI to EI, and Everything in Between
Date: September 14, 2023
KPWA and LYP Program are excited to announce our first partnered event: “Navigating the Future of Work: From AI to EI, and Everything in Between."
This panel discussion & networking event also marks KPWA’s 9th Annual Mentorship Program Launch as well as LYP’s 2023 LYP Scholarship announcement.
Join us for a lively discussion on the dynamic topics shaping the future of our workplaces, including AI, Diversity, Equity Inclusion, and leadership traits that matter.
This event will happen both in-person and virtually via Zoom (Zoom links will be shared with virtual attendees).
Event Speakers
2022 Events
KPWA 2022 Annual General Meeting
Date: December 2, 2022
We're back in-person! Join us for our 2022 Annual General Meeting, as we celebrate our achievements and present all that's in store for 2023!
This year's AGM is open to members only. If you are not a member, please inquire at events@kpwa.ca.
8th Annual Mentorship Launch Event
Date: October 13, 2022
Now in our 8th year, KPWA’s Annual Mentorship Launch Event kicks off with a panel discussion on “Know Your Value - Ask for What You Deserve”, where panelists share their personal experiences on asking for what they deserve and discuss the importance of personal branding, pay negotiations, and creating your own position.
Moderated by:
Sohee Pyo, Business Intelligence Engineer at Amazon
Event Speakers
Angie Minah Park, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Toronto
Angie is currently a Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto investigating how to improve the measurability and effectiveness of diversity and inclusion training programs in the corporate setting. As a part of her fellowship, she works closely with her sponsor firm, The Humphrey Group (a boutique consulting firm specializing in leadership communication and diversity and inclusion training), as an in-house Program Designer and Researcher.
While completing her Ph.D. in English at York University, Angie began working as a freelance consultant, turning her specialized knowledge in writing, effective communication, and the history of race relations and racialization against people of colour in North America into engaging program experiences for adult learners.
She is currently a sought-after consultant, working with clients across various industries through her affiliations with The Humphrey Group, Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), and LYP Program.
Despina Zanganas, Founder at Despina and Co.
If Despina had to define her life’s work in as few words as possible, these two would make the cut: Female Empowerment. Why? Because Despina is passionate about providing women with the opportunity to make life-changing connections, building communities, and empowering her fellow females to be financially independent through real estate. In 2013, Despina read Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead, and was inspired to co-found the Lean In Canada organization.
She is also the founder of Connect and Bloom a networking coaching consultancy and has a podcast of the same name. Additionally she is the founder of Her Home in TO where she helps women navigate the real estate landscape.
Despina has been featured on CBC Radio, the Globe and Mail and many other news outlets discussing issues that are pertinent to women.
Rick Byun, Principal, RB Communicates
Rick is a business and community leader with 20+ years of experience in corporate and crisis communications. A seasoned PR consultant and strategist, he has advised elected officials, CEOs and C-Suite executives in public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
Inspired by words, ideas and collaboration, Rick brings energy, perspective and humour to cross-disciplinary collaborations. He has managed crises from hostile stakeholders or media, including political scandals and rapid response in war rooms during election campaigns.
Rick is a former political advisor at Queen’s Park to three Cabinet Ministers and a Deputy Premier. A current media commentator and former journalist, he has served as a PR agency executive and in civil service. Rick leads a vibrant volunteer and active community life.
Light Up Your Path – 3rd Annual Event
Find A Connection, Find Your Way.
Date: May 26, 2022
Light Up Your Path is a series of career advising sessions, jointly held by Korean Professional Women’s Association (KPWA) and Korean Students Association of Canada (KSAC) with an objective to provide a platform for current University students and recent graduates to hear from professionals working in different industries/fields. This year's theme is "Embracing for Change”, featuring a panel of speakers who have made a pivot in their careers.
Event Speakers
Jeff Lui, CPA, MBA
Ex-Google People Designer, Ex-Deloitte. Recovering Entrepreneur.
Dr. Tony Yang
Medical and Scientific Liaison (MSL), Oncology at Merck
Ed Ra
Managing Director, Scotiabank
EVENTS 2021
Light Up Your Path - 2nd Annual Event
Find A Connection, Find Your Way.
Date: October 16, 2021
Light Up Your Path - “Find a Connection, Find Your Way” is a series of career advising sessions, jointly held by Korean Professional Women’s Association (KPWA) and Korean Students Association of Canada (KSAC) with an objective to provide a platform for current University students and recent graduates to hear from professionals working in different industries/fields.
Event Speakers
Eugene Kim is an Associate Partner at Bain & Company where he’s spent over 6 years working as a management consultant. Previous to this, he worked in investment banking for almost 6 years. Eugene has a BA in Finance from Richard Ivey and an MBA from Kellogg.
Gloria Kim is an Assistant Professor in the Health Sciences program at Redeemer University. Prior to joining the University, she worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a Medical Regulatory Editor and as a lecturer at University of Toronto, Pharmacy program. She is also presently serving as a member of the Center for Innovations and Entrepreneurship Working Group at Redeemer University. Gloria earned her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Studies from University of Toronto.
Ed Ra is a Managing Director at Scotiabank in their capital markets division. Prior to his current role, Ed practised law at McCarthy Tetrault and McMillan, specializing in banking and derivatives. Ed has an MBA degree from the University of Toronto and a law degree from Queen’s University.
Justin Kim is a Director at TELUS Global Innovation in Health and oversees the delivery and operations of a digital health platform for international clients. Justin is also a Venture Partner with the Archangel Network's Axion Fund, which focuses on commercializing ideas and research-based companies that are generated within universities and innovation centers in Canada. Justin spent the majority of his career in various management consulting roles in the US and Canadian healthcare markets. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and from the Schulich School of Business at York University.
Soo Jin Kang is a Financial Governance Senior Manager at BMO Controllers Group. Previous to her current position, Soo Jin also worked in Internal Audit, and Operations Governance and Oversight group at the Bank, and previous to BMO, Soo Jin worked at KPMG and GSP as an external auditor. In total, Soo Jin has over 20 years of experience in audit, controls and governance. Soo Jin graduated from University of Toronto with the Bachelor of Commerce degree and is a CPA CA, FRM.
Christine Kim is a Korean-Canadian visual artist born in Seoul, South Korea. Kim is an artist who works primarily in cut paper art, carving away the boundaries between illustration, sculpture, and installation. She holds a BFA from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, a BEd from York University, and a Master of Art Education from the University of Victoria in British Columbia.
7th Annual KPWA Mentorship Program Launch Event
Date: September 18, 2021
To kick off KPWA’s 7th Annual Mentorship Program, we invite you to join us at our launch event to learn more about our mentorship program and for an intimate conversation on Finding Your Path.
During the event, our three panelists will share their honest insights on navigating ones career journey, from what it takes to make a successful career pivot to the insecurities and imposter syndrome they’ve experienced along the way. Join us on September 16th to reevaluate your own position, passion, and goals, as you create your path to chase your dreams.
Event Speakers
Shannon Jackson, HR Generalist
After spending four years as Regional Director for a not for profit organization, Shannon took a leap of faith in early 2020 to depart her position and uproot her life from the city to the more peaceful countryside. After much reflection on her professional strengths and aspirations, Shannon is now pursuing her CHRP designation while working as an HR Generalist at Earthscape. Driven by coaching and developing successful teams, she focuses on building operational systems that support all levels of staff in communicating effectively, overcoming conflict in the workplace, and supporting employees in reaching their goals. In her spare time you can find her practicing yoga, in the garden with her chickens, or on a patio with friends.
Amy Yu, Product Manager & Standup Comedian
Amy is a former IT Auditor / Consultant turned Product Manager & Standup Comedian. She graduated from the Rotman School of Commerce at the University of Toronto with a Specialist in accounting. After working at Deloitte Risk Advisory for 3 years and obtaining her CPA designation, she went through a "quarterlife crisis", which led to her picking up standup comedy as a coping mechanism for depression, and a career pivot into product management in the tech industry in pursuit of her passion. Now working in a full time job she loves, she is passionate about empowering more young women to design authentic careers and lifestyles for themselves.
Sujung Lee, SMB Marketing Manager
Sujung is a SMB Marketing Manager at Lenovo, a multinational technology company specialized in PC computers and solutions. She graduated from the University of Toronto Mississauga with a Biology specialist degree, and she started her career at a Psychiatric Clinic as a Medical Assistant. Then, she decided to pursue her career in marketing. After working at the Consulate General of Republic of Korea for 2 years, she joined Microsoft Canada as Marketing Manager, working with OEM partners and managing marketing programs in the tech industry. When she isn’t working, she loves to travel around the world. Next on her list is to spend a night in the Sahara Desert and stargaze.
Microagressions: What Are They and How Can We Address Them?
Date: July 15, 2021
An in-depth discussion on microaggressions, exploring critical questions such as: What are microaggressions? What are some examples are microaggressions? What are some ways to respond to microaggressions in real time? How do you respond to a microaggression when it appears unintentional, or even as though it was intended to be a compliment?
Featuring a panel discussion with Monica Hahm, Vincent Lee, and Lilit Simonyan (bios below). Moderated by Leticia Vega and Yoo Jin Park.
Featuring our Panelists
Monica Hahm, Director of Development, University of Toronto
Monica is a senior executive with more than 25 years of expertise in post-secondary advancement and is a member of the University of Toronto’s senior advancement leadership. Monica serves as the Executive Director of KPWA, a non-profit organization which aims to “fill the gap” by fostering a positive influence through mentorship and leadership programs, as well as civic and community engagement, for young professionals in their career development.
Vincent Lee, Managing Director, CIBC
Vincent is the Managing Director and Head of North American Institutional FX Sales at CIBC World Markets. With over two decades of experience, he leads teams in Toronto and New York servicing CIBC’s largest foreign exchange clients. Vincent is a Board Member of Ascend Canada and a Board Member of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council. He is an active participant in visible minority, mentoring and charitable initiatives.
Lilit Simonyan, Co-Founder, LYP Program
Lilit is an award-winning not-for-profit founder, social entrepreneur and certified adult educator. She founded a youth not-for-profit organization, Stepanavan Youth Center, in her native country Armenia. In Canada, together with her partner Dr. Jean Kim, Lilit launched LYP Women's Leadership and Career Development Program to empower, education and enable women to reach their full potential. During the last 18 years, Lilit has worked with professionals from over 40 countries, at organizations such as the European Commission, United Nations Development Program, Ontario Public Service, and American University of Armenia.
Date: February 13, 2021
Find a Connection, Find Your Way
A Career Talk event hosted by KPWA and KSAC!
Featuring some of our very own KPWA members as well as our friends sharing their personal stories on their career journeys!
Q&A plus a more personalized and interactive experience with the speakers.
EVENTS 2020
This year marked KPWA's 5th Anniversary – re-live the moments shared through our video!
And despite the pandemic, we held over 10 events within our organization and our community partners this year. Take a peek at all that transpired in 2020 and we'll see you in 2021!
KPWA Annual General Meeting 2020
Date: December 11, 2020
Celebrating 5 yeas of KPWA! This year's Annual General Meeting also includes the Election of the Board of Directors.
Speaker Address, Janet Oh
As a senior executive with expertise in establishing and directing strategy, Janet combines her vision and range of experience to ensure current corporate objectives and performance goals are met. Her people-first principle has empowered Janet’s teams to navigate and develop results-driven solutions across the ever-changing landscape of the industry. Whether it be within the product, sales & marketing, or organization realms, she faces all undertakings head-on with the focus to lead change and flourish.
As President of Gerber Plumbing Fixtures, Retail & Private Brand, Janet is accountable for delivering the commercial success of the North American Group's division of Globe Union Industrial Corp., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of plumbing fixtures. By articulating a clear vision for growth and leading highly engaged team members, Janet oversees the strategic market planning, business development, and customer relations to deliver the right product and service value proposition for a wide portfolio of strategic partners in the retail and wholesale home improvement landscape.
Amongst her accomplishments, she is particularly proud to serve as President of the KPWA (Korean Professional Women’s Association), a federally incorporated, non-profit organization of which she is a founding member. KPWA’s aim is to 'fill the gap' – to inspire, mentor, and lead young professionals in their career development, while fostering a positive influence through mentorship and leadership programs, as well as civic and community engagement.
How to Talk to Our Asian Families about
Black Lives Matter
Date: December 3, 2020
How can we talk to our Asian parents, siblings, friends, and families about anti-Black racism? How can we work to dismantle the stereotypes, tropes, and divisive narratives that strain the relationship between Asian and Black communities? How can we hold space for the lived experiences of intergenerational anti-Asian racism and trauma while also fighting anti-Black systems within our communities? And how can we do this with consideration to the specific contexts, nuances, and cultural barriers involved with being members of racialized communities?
Featuring a panel discussion with Jenna Tenn-Yuk, Pamela Uppal, and Emily Jung. Moderated by Erin Kang.
2020 KPWA Mentorship Program
Wrap Up Social
Date: July 23, 2020
Participants of the 2020 Mentorship Program gather for a wrap up social event.
Hear from fellow mentors and collaborate with each other. Includes breakout and improv sessions hosted by Jeff & James.
Jeff & James are founding members of Asiansploitation, an award-winning Sketch-Comedy troupe based in Toronto. For the last 8 years, they have been leading career development and team-building workshops in the Corporate and Community settings. (Procter & Gamble, BIC, T&T Night Market, Nuit Blanche, and AWB).
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Beyond the Cover
Start Date: July 3, 2020
Open to KPWA members and hosted by the Leadership Committee, our book club series is dedicated to exploring literature writty by Korean authors.
KPWA Wellness Series – Stay Strong, Stay Connected
Part 3 – Boxing HIIT
Date: July 11, 2020
In support of our community through COVID-19, KPWA is hosting a series of events focused on mental & physical wellness. This final session in our series featured Sylvia Kim, Boxing Instructor.
All events within this wellness series hosted via Zoom.
KPWA Wellness Series – Stay Strong, Stay Connected
Part 2 – Be Kind to Your Mind
Date: June 20, 2020
In support of our community through COVID-19, KPWA is hosting a series of events focused on mental & physical wellness. This series featured Jaeyell (Jae) Kim, MSW, RSW, Social Worker and Psychotherapist.
All events within this wellness series hosted via Zoom.
KPWA Wellness Series – Stay Strong, Stay Connected
Part 1 – Pilates by Stav
Date: June 20, 2020
In support of our community through COVID-19, KPWA is hosting a series of events focused on mental & physical wellness, starting with Pilates by Stav!
All events within this wellness series hosted via Zoom.
Our Stories: A KPWA International Women's Day Event
Date: March 7, 2020
In celebration of this year's International Women's Day theme of #EachForEqual, KPWA presents "Our Stories" where we'll hear stories of Korean womxn in our community who have championed for and/or have created spaces for womxn to build, foster, and nurture equity and enablement within our community.
Jane Hur was born in South Korea, raised in Canada, and studied History and Literature at the University of Toronto. She began writing her YA historical mystery, The Silence of Bones, after obsessing over books about Joseon-dynasty Korea. Set to be released in April by Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, it was recently selected by the American Booksellers Association as one of the top debuts of Winter/Spring 2020. She lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter.
Young Park is a corporate board member, strategic advisor, mentor, and lecturer with more than 35 years of experience in FinTech, Insurance, Telecommunications, and public sectors. She is also an accomplished
C-level executive with a unique combination of business and technology transformations, corporate governance, and risk management experience.
Currently, Young is serving on 4 corporate boards: Calian Group Ltd., President's Choice Financial, RSA Canada, and Fundserv Inc. She is also a long-time member of not-for-profit boards that include a focus on skilled immigrant employment, healthcare, and community well-being. Young holds a ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Mina Yun is a personal trainer by day, and financial advisor by night. She has dedicated her life to helping women build healthy lives and healthy wallets. In 2017, she was given a devastating breast cancer diagnosis, despite having nearly 15 years experience in the holistic health space. More recently, she has had to face her biggest challenge yet, when only three months ago, it was discovered that her breast cancer has returned. Mina will be sharing her breast cancer journey, the experience of going through a bilateral mastectomy, and the life-altering lessons that have been a springboard to learning about what it means to be a woman living a blessed life.
A Reading and Discussion with Author
ANN Y.K. Choi
Date: January 8, 2020
In an exclusive KPWA members-only event, members joined
author Ann Y.K. Choi for a reading and discussion of her book, Kay's Lucky Coin Variety.
The event provided an opportunity delve into meaningful themes and questions with the author in an intimate setting.
Read more about
Ann Y.K. Choi here.