The Network of Korean-American Leaders (NetKAL) Fellowship Program graduated its first class of 24 fellows at a gala event at USC Town and Gown on Sept. 29, with renowned diversity expert Angela Oh delivering the keynote address. The ceremony was the culmination of six weekend workshops focused on leadership training, networking and a community-oriented group project -- all tailored for up-and-coming Korean-American leaders from local civic, political and business organizations.

NetKAL, a fully sponsored program of the Center for Asian-Pacific Leadership at the USC School of Social Work, promotes an understanding of the social, economic and political challenges facing Asian nations. With an emphasis on intercultural exchange and networking, the educational experience gives emerging Korean-American leaders access to the resources they will need to pursue their goals, build coalitions and communicate effectively as empowered leaders at all levels of American society.

"I've been involved with the Korean-American community since high school," says Janny Kim, a regional executive with the Community Impact Team at Southern California Edison, who graduated from the program. "I serve on a lot of committees, but I needed leadership and networking experience. The skills I learned not only affected me on a personal level, but also in every aspect of my life."

Prominent guests of the program have included Mayor Jun Choi, Edison, N.J.; Mayor Pro Tem Sukhee Kang, Irvine, Calif.; National Assemblyman Jong Kul Lee; Judge Tammy Chung Ryu; James Ryu, editor-in-chief of KoreAm Magazine and Peter Kang, vice president, 20th Century Fox. Among the workshops students participated included "Leadership in Communication: Effective Teams and Presentations," "Korean-American Identity and Community Issues" and "Effective Leadership: Measuring Success."

"We wanted to bring together a group of really passionate, ambitious and caring people into a room together and make magic happen," said Associate Director for the Center for Asian Pacific Leadership Angela Killoren.

Twenty-four out of 45 applicants were selected to participate in the second NetKAL fellowship and began their workshops in September. These fellows will participate in a program similar to the inaugural group, with an emphasis on leadership and fostering change in the community. Additionally, fellows from the first two classes have been invited to participate in a 10-day trip to Korea, which will incorporate official visits, culture and tourism, as well as networking opportunities with professional counterparts.

Kim says a lack of understanding persists between first-generation and second-generation Korean-Americans. "here are a lot of cultural differences that the second generation needs to understand in order to help the community. I think the trip to Korea will give us the opportunity to see where they come from."

She added: "I'm proud that an institution such as USC would recognize the need for this program and be so involved with helping us. This program is a win-win, not only for me, but also for the entire community."