Volunteer Spotlight
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, GKF relies solely on volunteers and their valuable contributions to fulfill our mission. This page is dedicated to shining a light on our wonderful volunteers each month.
Thank you to this month’s spotlight sponsor:
COCO NAILS!!!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Heejin Im, I'm from South Korea and I graduated from Washington University School of law in St.Louis in May 2022.
I was a government officer in South Korea for over 10 years, but I have a dream to be a U.S lawyer, so I am here now, and I'm challenging my second life. I always think that if I do not give up on my dream, it can come true.
I have a 4th-level Taekwondo, and I like singing a song and writing.
If any field wants my abilities, I am glad to do something that I can help.
2. How do you volunteer for GKF?
I create the Korean translation for each of GKF's events to distribute to the Korean American Association community. I also help to promote GKF events to fellow students at Washington University.
3. How long have you been volunteering for GKF?
I have been a volunteer for about one year. I joined in July 2021.
4. What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering for GKF?
I would tell them just join us!! If you do not do anything, nothing happens!
Actually, I wanted to donate my abilities where they want. Also, I want more people to know about Korean history and culture. When I went to school in MO, some friends still asked me, are you from South or North Korea? Are there any subways? Is there any freedom? Even though they are familiar with K-pop, K-drama and K-food, they didn't know about Korean history or culture. This is a really a good opportunity, if you are Korean, you can inform them about Korea, if you are not Korean, you can get information about Korea.
Congratulations Heejin and thank you for your volunteer service to GKF.
Interested in getting involved in GKF? Visit our website! Or email kathy@gateway-korea.org
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, GKF relies solely on volunteers and their valuable contributions to fulfill our mission.
Thank you to this month’s spotlight sponsor:
Honey Bee Tea!!!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is David Stevenson, 44 years old. My mother was born in Seoul Korea and my father was born in St. Louis, MO. I am a professional Artist and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, MO. I work as a local promotional and advertising artist for the Trader Joe’s company, specifically the Brentwood, MO location. I specialize in comic book, design, and graphic art. I also play music and am in the local band and media group Elektrodinosaur. (But that’s a different story).
2. How do you volunteer for GKF?
I provide artwork for Gateway Korea Foundation’s annual festivals, Chuseok and DanO including posters, signage, directional signs, and promotional signage. I also illustrated a series animated Korean folktale videos during the 2020-2021 online only festivals for DanO and Chuseok.
3. How long have you been volunteering for GKF?
I have been volunteering since I believe 2015, (or the first year the GKF was active) after my father, who was on the board, informed me about the Foundation and their mission!
4. What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering for GKF?
I would tell them it’s a fun, laid back yet super professional group of people (of all ages). You will also learn a lot about Korean culture from Korean History to K-pop, fashion, music, lifestyles, movies and more! It’s a great time with great people! And you get to have a whole lot of great homemade Korean food!
Here’s a photo of one of David’s recent artworks for DanO Festival 2022.
Here is one of David’s animated Korean folktales
Congratulations David and thank you for all you do for our community!
Interested in getting involved in GKF?
Visit our website! Or email kathy@gateway-korea.org
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, GKF relies solely on volunteers and their valuable contributions to
fulfill our mission.
Thank you to this month’s spotlight sponsor: Gangnam Medical Spa!!!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in South Korea and came to US for study in my 20s. I graduated WashU Master of Architecture. Since then, I have been living in St. Louis.
2. How do you volunteer for GKF?
I got to know Young Hie Kromm and learned about GKF thru her old friend at my work. As an advisory board member, I am helping with Graphic work of brochure, invitation, and event posters.
3. How long have you been volunteering for GKF?
I have been volunteering since 2016, I think.
4. What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering for GKF?
It is very grateful that I have opportunities to contribute to the effort of what GKF doing. There is an old Korean proverb that I like “You can see as much you know.” Because I am a Korean, I often tend to take for granted both Korean traditional art and culture and pop culture and I sometimes do not see the values and appreciation. The most exciting experience in GKF is that I can understand and love Korean culture more in depth also with broaden spectrum through lectures and various events in GKF. It is always interesting and fun to learn one thing with new perspective eyes and thinking.
Thank you to this month’s spotlight sponsor: Kimchi Guys
We are so happy to introduce our May volunteer, Lauren Janoski!!
Get to know Lauren:
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm the owner of Lauren Michelle Photography (@lauren_michelle_photography) and I specialize in Weddings and engagements. Before owning my own business, I was a teacher and lived in South Korea for over 5 years where I met my husband. When we decided to move back to my hometown of St. Louis, I wanted to find a way for my husband to make friends and connections in the St. Louis Korean community. That's how I stumbled upon the wonderful volunteers at GKF. Through their generosity in assisting my husband in his transition to life in STL, I connected strongly with their mission and began volunteering with them first through their Chuseok Festival event and later by serving on the PR Committee.
How do you volunteer for GKF?
I am part of the Public Relations Committee and have served as the social media manager for the last 4 years.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering at GKF?
Volunteering with GKF is a great way to make connections and give back. It's exciting to be part of a growing organization and use your talents to help them in its mission of providing cross-cultural education. Allyship is important to me and GKF has provided a way to help lift up more diverse voices and stories in our community. GKF is a great place to volunteer for all people no matter your background or interests, there will always be a place for you here.
Thank you to this month’s spotlight sponsor: Drunken Fish
Meet TORIN HOVANDER
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I became interested in learning about Korea because of the stories my mother told me about the small village she grew up in. I recently moved to St Louis from New Mexico. I decided to become involved with the GKF to meet people who are also interested in Korea.
How do you volunteer for GKF?
I serve on the Public Relations committee as the website development and email manager for GKF. I also started assisting with the Instagram social media posts.
How long have you been a volunteer for GKF?
I have been with the GKF for 6 months.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering at GKF?
Volunteering at the GKF provides great opportunities to meet people and make friends who have a common interest in Korea.
Congratulation Torin and Thank you!
Please visit https://www.gateway-korea.org/volunteer or email kathy@gateway-korea.org to learn how to become a volunteer at GKF.