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Svetlana Kim is the author of White Pearl and I: A Memoir of a Political Refugee, which chronicles her journey from Russia to the United States, where she arrived with only one dollar in her pocket and a few words of English at her disposal; today, she is a leader among her peers in the business world, and has been honored with numerous awards citing her commitment, skill, and integrity. Svetlana is an entrepreneur and community leader.
Those who have read Svetlana Kim's first book, White Pearl and I, have been touched by her life story and her ability to tell it with such passion and encouragement. Her book is unique in that it's written by Lana was raised a Soviet-Korean in the former USSR, and paints a vivid picture of what life was like for Koreans living under communist rule in Russia. This book is an important account of Soviet-Korean history, never before told from a first person perspective. Lana has artfully woven this important, but relatively unknown, part of history into her tale of hope and determination for a better life. It appeals to all people: men, women, teens, young adults, people of all races, religions, and backgrounds.
In February 2010, Orphan International Worldwide honored her with its Global Citizenship Award for her work towards saving the lives of children in Haiti.
Kim's stellar leadership, ethical business practices, and community service was recognized when the Euro-American Women's Council bestowed her with the Goddess Artemis Award. The EAWC brings together women of diverse backgrounds and accomplishments to work together toward the advancement of women's access to positions of leadership and to pave the way for the next generation of women business leaders.
In 2009, the International Leadership Foundation paid tribute to Kim with its Leadership Award, selecting her from among a group of potential honorees including congress members, presidential cabinet secretaries, and other high-ranking officials.
In 2008, Kim became an Asian Academy Hall of Fame inductee. She shares this acclaimed honor with Norman Mineta, the former Secretary of Transportation, and with the nation's 24th Secretary of Labor, Elaine L. Chao.
Having left the communist world behind, Kim has fully embraced the freedoms of the American political and social system, and has actively been involved in the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee; the Hillary for President presidential campaign; the Women's Campaign Forum; the Women's National Democratic Club; AARP Women's Leadership Circle; and Calvary Women's Services. She has held committee or officer positions with the Junior League of Washington, D.C. (Chair, Targeted Grants); the Asian Leaders Association of the Asian Academy Hall of Fame; the National Press Club (authors' committee); Capital Speakers Club; and the Asian American Justice Center.
Svetlana Kim shares her business acumen and managerial experience by serving on several boards of directors, including: the Asian Division Friends Society of the Library of Congress (Board Vice President, 2007 – present); the Global Advisory Board of the Euro-American Women's Council; the National Council of Asian American Business Associations (East Coast president, 2009 – 2010); the Asian Leaders Association; the Pacific Coast Immigration Museum; and Korean American Women's Chamber of Commerce. She also serves as a steering committee member of the Global Coalition for Korean reconciliation.
As a former Director for the Business Women's Network (a division of NBC Universal), Kim worked with over one hundred small businesses representing over $1.5 billion in revenues. She also served as a Director for Strategic Partnerships for the National Association for Female Executives.
Svetlana Kim has been featured and profiled in Women's Life magazine in Seoul, Korea; the Asian Fortune; Networking Times; NASDAQ's Closing Bell; and The Gazette, a publication of the Library of Congress. In 2009, she delivered the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Keynote Address at the Library of Congress. She was chosen to attend the Asian American Pacific Islanders Celebration in the White House, among 50 other prominent Asian-American leaders.
Committed to giving back to her local and worldwide community, Kim has donated over 180 hours in eighteen months to the Calvary Women's Services in Chinatown in Washington, D.C.
Additionally, she volunteers at the Office of Presidential Correspondence in the White House. F. Michael Kelleher, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Correspondence wrote about Svetlana Kim: "Your time and conscientious attention to every American who contacts our President is inspiring. Thank you for your hard work and your commitment to our office, to our President, and to our Nation."
The Asian Division of the Library of Congress has selected White Pearl & I: A Memoir of a Political Refugee by Svetlana Kim for the second annual Asian American Heritage month commemoration.
Svetlana Kim's passion for helping young Asians achieve their own American dreams fuels her daily work and volunteerism. Ms. Kim resides in Washington, D.C.
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