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In partnership with Greater Seattle Partners, Seattle magazine is honored to recognize our region’s boldest “Uncommon Thinkers” — the inventors, artists, leaders, and entrepreneurs who are transforming communities and driving positive change throughout the world. Along with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, GSP is leading an international leadership mission to Korea in April to affirm our longstanding relationship and to explore new economic, educational, and cultural ties. We are thrilled to highlight five amazing and influential Korean American Uncommon Thinkers from the greater Seattle region. They are: Sam Cho; Cheryl Lee; Che Lee; Jane Park; and Marilyn Strickland. Watch for their profiles in the next 10 days.

We are both proud of our Korean heritage and to be a part of our region’s Korean American community, which has been part of Washington state’s history since 1885. Korean Americans first came to these shores as laborers, then students and professionals, and through the years created thriving communities across the region, including in Federal Way, Seattle’s University District, Shoreline, and Tacoma’s Fern Hill neighborhood.

These are remarkable individuals who are at the forefront of making a difference in art, business, politics, and community. Each makes for a fascinating individual story that parallels the stunning modern history of Korea and the dynamism of Korea Americans across greater Seattle.

Brian Surratt
President and CEO, Greater Seattle Partners

Jonathan Sposato
Owner and publisher, Seattle magazine