For the second summer in a row, LMU welcomed 20 high school students from Seoul, South Korea to participate in the D. K. Kim Foundation Global Leadership Program. A joint partnership between the LMU College of Business Administration, the D. K. Kim Foundation, and the D. K. Kim Korea Foundation, this 10-day program introduces Korean students to a real-world college experience. Students receive instruction in global competencies and leadership, cross-cultural communication, entrepreneurship, marketing, social responsibility, and an exploration of international markets and career pathways. They also visit local businesses and famous L.A. landmarks such as the Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, Dodger Stadium, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“My goal for the Korean students attending the Global Leadership Program at Loyola Marymount University is to introduce them to different cultural, academic, entrepreneurial, and global experiences,” said Mr. Kim. “My hope is that these experiences are life-changing and empower them to be courageous global leaders.”
The program kicked off with a keynote address by Congresswoman Michelle Steel of California’s 45th District, who shared her experience immigrating to the U.S. from Korea and what inspired her to run for public office, ultimately becoming the first Korean-American member of Congress. Students were motivated and inspired by her talk, with one noting, “The speech by the House of Representative [sic] was encouraging…I also want to be a person who contributes to society in the future.”
Students enjoyed an action-packed schedule, including campus and library tours and visits with student organizations like the Center for Service and Action and the Office for International Students and Scholars. The Korean students had numerous opportunities to engage with American students through a career and professional development workshop, meals, karaoke, and a movie night. They attended lectures by LMU business faculty David Choi, Yongsun Paik, and Mitch Hamilton, gaining valuable insights into international business, entrepreneurship, and marketing. Students who had never considered entrepreneurship were suddenly very interested in the subject. They were especially impressed by Professor Hamilton’s lecture on “How Brands Use Storytelling to Build Loyal Brand Communities.” “It seemed like a movie,” one student said, while another expressed, “The life story of the professor was really interesting.”
Los Angeles business leaders also gave their time and talents to the program. Ivy Arias, founder and CEO of Brand LA, left a lasting impression on the students with her dynamic lecture. Students visited Homeboy Industries and King’s Hawaiian Bakery, where they learned about manufacturing processes, leadership, and how business can be a force for good, enhancing their understanding of non-profit and corporate management.
At the end of the program, students had an opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge in leadership, cross-cultural communication, entrepreneurship, and branding to address real-world, global issues. They worked in teams to create and pitch a start-up business that could solve one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. One student said, “It was a good opportunity to learn about diversity, creativity, and business skills that cannot be provided in an ordinary high school in Korea.”
Marki Jones, program management director of LMU’s Center for International Business Education, led the program with support from several faculty, staff, and community partners. Reflecting on the program’s success, she said, “Each year, witnessing the tangible impact of this program on students has been a source of immense satisfaction.”
LMU extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Kim for his invaluable support of this initiative.
