Cait Cronin (Chief Coordinator)
Jeollabuk-do Raised in Chicago surrounded by a diversity of languages and cultures, my interest in human rights for minority and immigrant populations grew in college after meeting some of the Brazilian community working in Toyota, Japan. For the last 3 years, I have volunteered teaching English to North Korean resettlers where I live in Jeonju; I have also traveled to the DPRK and met students there, listened to stories of their lives and their goals for the future. As Chief Coordinator, I’m excited to help more North Koreans follow their dreams. |
Joseph Van Dorn (Co-Coordinator; Training Coordinator)
Seoul Once I heard a North Korean resettler’s account of their harrowing journey to freedom at a NKHR Rescue Fund event in 2014, I knew that I wanted to get involved. A few months later, I joined as a Rescue Fund member and also tutored English to several resettlers. After raising money for North Korean refugees for two years, I am hoping to combine my love of running with my desire to contribute to the struggle for human rights in North Korea by serving as R4R Co-Coordinator and guiding others to reach their fitness goals as Training Coordinator. |
Min-woo Ryu (Korean Co-Coordinator; NKHR Liaison)
Seoul I initially became interested in North – South Korean unification because I was born on the divided peninsula. I eventually majored in North Korea studies with an emphasis on unification. I recognized the dire state of the health care system in North Korea when I began working in an NGO that gives North Korean refugees medical aid. I believe a vital solution to issues such as the lack of medical care is improving the basic human rights situation in the D.P.R.K. As a Korean co-coordinator, I will do my best to support R4R. |
Lisa Clark (Social Media & Publicity Coordinator)
Seoul As far back as I can remember, I’ve held on to the value that all people, without exception, have the right to an equal, free, and happy life. In high school I helped promote the understanding of cultural diversity and fundraised for various human rights organizations. In college, I participated in women’s equality marches and campaigns. Now I am a member of the NKHR Rescue Fund. After running in R4R last year, this year as a coordinator I’m excited to not only help spread awareness about the race itself but also about the issues that North Korean refugees face. |
Laura Robertson (Promotion & Design)
Seoul Growing up in Seattle, I was exposed to many different cultures, which lead to a passion for travel. After exploring the United States with my husband, I was ready to go global. My experiences abroad have given me a broader perspective and empathy for the struggles of North Korean refugees. Serving as the Social Media & Publicity Coordinator, I hope to improve the lives of North Korean defectors, and inspire others to do the same. |
Deborah Ok (Regional/ Outreach Coordinator)
Seoul I graduated with a BA in Neuroscience and Education from Smith College, where I worked with Liberty in North Korea. As the Head of Fundraising Committee at LiNK, I worked with other club members to raise funds and awareness for North Korean refugees residing in China. I then pursued a Fulbright grant in South Korea because I wanted to continue helping underserved communities. Here, I not only teach English at an elementary school, but I also tutor North Korean refugees. I have had an amazingly rewarding experience thus far, and hope to help others get more involved as the Seoul Regional Coordinator. |
Esther Kim (Regional Coordinator)
Chungcheongbuk-do, Chungcheongnam-do Last May, I graduated from Tufts University where I conducted independent research on the intersections of Asian American history, social identity development, and making connections between various Korean diasporic experiences through analyzing my own family’s histories of immigrating to the U.S. during the 1980s. I am very excited for this opportunity to help raise funds to support North Korean resettlers, as well as raise awareness of the issues that they face as they navigate their own unique journeys of liberation and self-empowerment! |
Samanta English (Regional Coordinator)
Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do After attending a LiNK (Liberty in North Korea) presentation during my last year of college, I became interested in learning more about the process North Korean re-settlers go through in order to achieve freedom. Hearing stories directly from re-settlers here in South Korea further ignited my interest and desire to help. I'm excited to expose more people to the realities refugees face and raise funds to help as many of them as possible. I hope to reach out to as much of the Gyeongsangnam-do region as I can to participate in the race and donate to this life-changing cause. |
Emily Mann (Regional Coordinator)
Jeollanam-do, Jeju-do Growing up in New Mexico and Florida, I heard the stories of people whose families immigrated to the U.S.A. from Mexico and Cuba. Perhaps this is what sparked my interest in helping people facing the immense hurdle of adjusting to life in a new country. In the fall of 2014 and spring 2015, I volunteered with a Hana Center in Mokpo (Jeollanamdo). This year, I am excited to work as a regional coordinator to help North Korean people in their struggle for resettlement. I look forward, as well, to running in the race, as a broken toe kept me from running last spring. |