By Eder Guzman
MOI’M was holding its 5th annual Red Carpet Event, on October 20 2018 at Gotham hall in New York City. The motto “Mentoring, education and inspiring the next generation” was on full display that night, with the event attended by students, young professionals and artists and other New York sponsors and politicians.
Cofounders of MOI’M are Yeong Lim and Doyoon Kim are celebrating the 5th year anniversary, celebrating the last 5 years of MOI’M’s existence. The non-profit has held events for the Korean diaspora community with conferences, workshops, Q&A’s and Galas. It has garnered widespread support from the New York, community, as well as the Korean Consulate.
They continue to grow as a nonprofit, and currently have a team based in the United States and in Korea that numbers over 40 volunteers. They help produce workshops, charity events, networking receptions for students and young professionals.
Founded in 2013, MOI’M supports the community by offering career, internship, volunteer and freelance opportunities with various organizations and companies, such as overseas Koreans foundation, consulate general of the republic of Korea in New York, CJ E&M America, CBS television stations, etc. There are currently 45 students and young professionals matched with mentors, as well as 250 volunteers gathered and introduced through MOI’M.
The night started off with a cocktail reception, sponsored by KAAQ (Korean American Association of Queens). Grace Subervi, Gen Parton-Shin, along with the cofounders Yeong Lim, the Co-Ceo and Co-Founder of MOI’M hosted. Grace, completely fluent in Korean, is a VJ and a Host for FuseTV and KCON, while Gen is an actor and model.
There were special remarks by Kyo-Sung Park, the consulate General of Korea, noting his appreciation and continued well-being of the Korean American community. Assemblyman Ron Kim also gave a speech on why MOI’M is essential to cementing Korean cultural heritage in the states.
Afterwards, there was an inspired performance by Late Lee, an American rap and hip-hop artist. With Korean bands being the cultural norm for all over the world, the performance hearkens back to the original inspiration for the K-Pop phenomena.
The night continued with a live charity auction promoted by the hosts James Lee, Michael Lim, Sonny Hong and Deborah Chun. There was an auction on experiences and cool nights one could have that were being offered. One is a private dining experience by Chef Brian Tsar from Beauty and Essex. Another was a cool hangout with Grace Subervi, former MTV Host, hanging out at Jayz’s private lounge at the 40/40 club. Another was a VIP tour at the Grand Reopening of FAO Shwartz, and a Premium lunch with Korean restaurateur and entertainer Hong Seok-Cheon, at one of his restaurant in Seoul.
There were also icebreakers and games hosted by the founders Doyoon and Larry Kim. There were quizzes testing on the audience knowledge on geography, popularity of food in certain places, and how well we know New York (A genuine learning experience) . People were encouraged to network during this time, getting to know their community better. Many attendees lived not only in queens, but also in jersey or some parts of the northeast. Most were in school and are working in the business or legal profession, and some were from other community foundations and organizations .
MOI’M has uses its experience connecting with the younger generation with industry leaders, which has allowed them to go forward with a Global Mentorship and leaders program, with a global conference and red carpet held by 2020. It is an ambitious plan, supported in part by the consulate general, starts in the fall 2020. Meant for college/grad students, artists, and young professionals in New York, subjects covered will be mentorship, leadership, creativity, careers and philanthropy. There is an entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit with MOI’M and community organizations like them. MOI’M is and has continued to provide a space for the future generation to succeed.
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