Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who represents Los Angeles’ Koreatown and surrounding communities, hosted a roundtable on January 13 with the Congressional Korean American Staff Association (CKASA) to commemorate Korean American Day—highlighting the growing presence of Korean Americans on Capitol Hill and the continued need to strengthen pipelines into public service.
The roundtable offered an opportunity for candid discussion on Korean American Day, Gomez’s public service journey, and how Korean Americans—along with other minority communities—can pursue meaningful careers in government. A former congressional staffer before being elected to Congress, Gomez also shared personal insight and practical advice aimed at helping Korean American staff navigate long-term career growth and leadership pathways.
CKASA President Kellie Chong said Gomez drew from his experience on Capitol Hill to emphasize that career development in public service depends not only on policy expertise, but also on building genuine relationships through meaningful networking.
“The Congressman was candid with his experience as a former congressional staffer, and drew from his experiences as he relayed the importance of understanding the culture of meaningful networking and genuine relationships with your colleagues,” Chong said.
She added that trust-based workplace relationships can open doors to unexpected opportunities and play a key role in long-term career advancement.
In the context of public service—and for those considering a future run for office—Chong said Gomez also stressed the importance of staying grounded in personal values and motivation.
“He also highlighted the importance of staying true to yourself and always keeping in mind the motivation that leads our career decisions,” she said.
Chong currently serves as a Legislative Director for a Member of Congress from the Texas Delegation, handling policy issues related to homeland security, immigration, law enforcement, and appropriations. Born and raised in Alaska, she began her Capitol Hill career seven and a half years ago as a Staff Assistant representing her home state and has since advanced through multiple policy roles.
CKASA has seen Korean American staff representation grow steadily in recent years. Chong said the organization is currently tracking around 90 congressional staffers of Korean descent working across the U.S. Congress.
“Whether active or inactive with the group, CKASA considers all known Korean American congressional staff as a part of the organization,” she said.
Chong noted that growth has accelerated significantly since CKASA began formally tracking staff figures in 2019.
“When we first started tracking about 10 to 15 staff in 2019, we are now at around 90 staff that work across both chambers of Congress at all different levels,” she said.
Over time, Chong added, CKASA has expanded its platform through partnerships with private-sector and nonprofit organizations supporting professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities for Korean American staff.
Chong said one of the most rewarding parts of serving as a Korean American staffer in Congress has been witnessing CKASA’s growth since its establishment as an official Congressional Staff Organization in 2019.
“I have been fortunate to witness and lead the growth of CKASA since its inception as an official Congressional Staff Organization in 2019,” she said.
She said it has been particularly meaningful to see Korean American staff continue entering Capitol Hill roles at every level—from first-time interns to experienced professionals stepping into senior positions.
“It has truly been a joy to see over the years the growing number of Korean American staff who come through, whether as first-time interns or coming over mid-career as Chief Counsels or other senior positions,” Chong said.
Chong emphasized that representation matters not only symbolically, but also in how Congress functions on a daily basis.
“Each and every Korean American staffer counts toward the growing staff representation we have, who all inevitably play a part in helping the elected officials in Congress govern the country,” she said. “It is a privilege and honor to be a part of that.”
While Korean American staff numbers continue to rise, Chong said the broader challenge remains ensuring that more Korean Americans advance into senior and leadership roles—supported by stronger mentorship and clearer career pathways.
“We need Korean Americans across all of our positions—with that, we will always strive and support efforts to have more Korean Americans in senior and leadership positions,” she said.
“From expanding internship opportunities to providing advice and mentorship for individuals who want to be in senior positions, we still have a lot of progress to make in establishing a pipeline and opening up these pathways for more and more Korean American staff who seek upward mobility in their public service careers,” Chong said.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
