Dear yKAN,

Welcome 2008 members and friends! I am honored to have been chosen as the 16th President of yKAN, and I look forward to doing my best to fill the large shoes of those before me.

As we approach the Lunar New Year, I look back on my time in yKAN with both fondness and surprise. I smile at the rush of excitement I had meeting and making friends with fellow Korean American professionals when I first moved to the city. I smile recollecting how little I really knew about cultural and social issues as I attended guest speaker presentations featuring community leaders. I smile remembering the moment I grasped the concept that making a small difference matters, when it comes to community service. With astonishment, I reflect on how far yKAN has come and how much we've all learned along the way. Just like how it takes a village to raise a child, I've seen how we've all come together and contributed to create a similar village to develop a successful Korean-American citizen. And mind you, this village is not only about physical interaction, but being Korean and tech-savvy in the ways of Xanga, Igoo, and the latest chapter in Facebook. This village also encompasses the yKAN Facebook village.

Community Service. Professional networking. Social networking. Cultural awareness. To me, the beauty of yKAN has always been that there's something for everyone.

This year, we plan to build on the past, and continue to explore new territory. So far, we have already held one of our largest happy hours ever, held for the first time at ME Bar. Our Valentine's Day Soiree, this Friday February 8, is our most ambitious project ever, aiming to be the largest event in yKAN history. Likewise, we will continue to explore new types of events, venues, and formats to best address the needs and interests of our growing membership.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our members and friends, and most importantly the dedication of the yKAN Executive Board.

Without further ado, here is your 2008 Executive Board:

• John Kim - Vice President
• Jin Lim - Social Chair
• Rachel Kim - Social Chair
• Domina Park - Community Service Chair
• Jane Kweon - Community Service Chair
• Dan Jyung - Membership Chair
• Jisung Chun - Membership Chair Designee
• Charles Nam - Social Chair Designee

With a blank slate in 2008 in front of us, I am thrilled to be drawing upon such a strong and energetic team.

Whether it's joining a committee, lending a hand, or just attending an event, we hope you can join us in writing the next chapter.

Sincerely,
Brian Lee
16th yKAN President
brian@ykan.org