The Chair’s Message
The Foundation was established with a vision for the next generation of Koreans and Korean heritage youth in the world by Chang H. Son, Ph.D. Currently, we promote and support the Youth Dream Presentation Festival over five continents, which unearths the precious dreams of Korean-heritage youth over five continents, and we select the next generation with potential and support their dreams through the Global Scholarship Program. We support MYNK, the next generation networking organization for alumni of the Foundation scholarship program, and its members to enhance leadership and a vision of a better future for a brighter society.
All MDIF family members are working together passionately to make our society, our world, and further, the entire universe better. We are confident that the Foundation will be instrumental in connecting the world closer, while cultivating global talents to lead a better future.
About Us
Founded on November 10, 2012, the My Dream International Foundation (MDIF) is a non-profit, non- governmental, and tax-exempt organization registered in the State of Texas and the U.S. Federal Department of Treasury. We are committed to providing scholarships and leadership projects inclusive of all Korean heritage of the younger generation, as well as programs to cultivate these purposes.
– My Dream International Foundation, a not-for-profit, under Section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), EIN: 80-1757054, registered in the State of Texas in 2013 and registered in the U.S. Federal Department of Treasury in 2023.
Our Mission
To foster the dreams of all Korean heritage in the young generation and to enhance their leadership potential.
Our Vision
A set of philosophical principles drives our commitment to; Motivate leadership, Develop character, Inspire heritage, and Fulfill dream. Our underwriting of scholarships, youth dream presentation festivals, leadership projects, and recognition of outstanding achievement enhances our younger generation’s potential and advances their positive contribution toward a better society, furthering our mission.
Foundation’s Projects and Activities
[1] Organize and provide financial support for ‘Youth Dream Presentation Festival’ for all regions in the world
The Foundation organizes ‘Youth Dream Presentation Festival’ for all regions in the world every year. This well-respected and high-visibility competition gives not only to the Korean heritage youths, but also to all Korean multicultural youths, a chance to present their dreams and vision to the world. Currently, this festival is held on five continents of the world.
[2] Global Scholarship for Leadership and Service
This Global Scholarship for Leadership and Services is established to recognize unique contributions and accomplishments by individuals promoting their vision for a better world. The scholarship award is presented at the My Dream Gala in general. Helping college students as they work to earn their degrees is one of the cornerstones of the Foundation. There are numerous other scholarships, such as General Scholarships, Endowed Scholarships, and Foundation Scholarships. Each scholarship ranges from $500 to $3000 per year for up to 4 years of college study.
Global Scholars by Year – Click this link
[3] MYNK – Youth Leadership Program & Networking
Every year, the Foundation organizes a program to be held in Korea and the United States for youth leaders to develop leadership, advance volunteer spirit, experience Korean heritage, and develop networking skills. This group is known as MYNK – MDIF Young Network Korean and currently has four chapters throughout the world. Currently, the MYNK chapters are in France, United Kingdom, and Korea Republic, and soon to be formed in Japan and the United States.
[4] Korean language and culture Promotion Projects
The Foundation organizes Korean cultural and language promotional events so that Korean heritage youths and college students can have a chance to acquire and be exposed to Korean culture and language. A promotional project is in the works for the right use of Korean words and phrases.
[5] The Annual MY DREAM GALA
The annual MY DREAM GALA is the culmination of the Foundation, and the Foundation recognizes the selected youth and college students by funding numerous prestigious awards annually for their outstanding individual achievements. The Foundation also recognizes our distinguished benefactors and board members by presenting prestigious awards for their outstanding individual contributions. The Foundation confirms the excellence and generosity of their contributions to society. Eminent scholars and famous achievers will give speeches at the Gala, and college scholarships will be awarded at the Gala. Click this link
Contact us
MDIF
1162 Rustling Wind Lane, Houston, Texas 77573 United States of America
Tel : +1 (281) 773-9516
E-mail : sonch1@hotmail.com
Board of Directors
Chair: Chang Hyun Son (USA)
Advisors: Kwon, Oh-Sik (USA), Lee, Ki-Hyun (USA), Lee, Jong-Ae (USA), Cho, Kyu-Sik (USA)
Vice Chairs: Nam Il (USA), Myung Ho Nam (USA), Yohan Park (USA), Kyuja Cho (USA)
Executive Secretary: Eunryung Park (KOR)
Finance Director: Park Eunju (USA)
Planning Team: Team Leader: Dongwon Chae (DEU). Jaeyoon Um (USA)
IT Team: Team Leader: Jung Soo-seok (KOR)
Public Relations Team: Team Leader: Jung-mi Koh(NZL)
Special Council: Seokjin Oh (KOR), Jeon Hoon (FRA), Minah Cha (KOR)
Standing Committees:
Scholarship Committee: Chair: Myung Ho Nam (USA), Vice Chair: Chunsook Kye (NZL), Members: Jae Yoon Uhm (USA), Eunmi Son (GBR), Inseo Kim (FRA)
Education Committee: Chair: Tae-Jin Kim (KOR), Members: Dongsoo Kim (USA), Mi-Ok Kim (USA), Inis Park (USA)
Social Affairs Committee: Chair: Helen Chang (USA), members: Aekyung Park (USA), Jane Lee (USA)
MDIF Chapters in the World: Chair for Joint Chapter Council – Yoonjung Choi
NORTH AMERICA
Canada Chapter: President – Okyeon Shin
US South Chapter: President – Mi-Soon Song, Vice President – Eunjoo Park
US West Chapter: President – Jane Yoon
Mexico Chapter Leader – Chung Ah Jin
Cuban Chapter: President – Ho Hyun Jung
SOUTH AMERICA
Brazil Chapter President – Kim Sungmin
Argentina Chapter: President – Younghee Park
EUROPE
United Kingdom Chapter: President – Kyungsun Jung
France Chapter: President – Sunyoung Park
Germany Chapter President – Dongwon Chae, Vice President – Hae Young Lee
Netherlands Chapter: President – Yoonjung Choi
ASIA
Korea Chapter: President – Prof. Taejin Kim
Japan Chapter President – Hoonwoo Lee, Vice President – Jaegeum Jung
China Chapter: President- Chuncheol Kwon
Sakhalin-Russia Chapter: President – Prof. Im Elvira
Southeast Asia Chapter: President – Undecided
OCEANIA
New Zealand Chapter: President – Jumgmi Koh
Chronological Activities of the Foundation
<2012>
November 10 2012, Foundation had its inaugural meeting and established in San Francisco on November 10, 2012
<2013>
April 20, 2013 Signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Shenyang Korean Literature Society April 20, 2013 Held the 1st China Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Shenyang Korean Language and Literature Society,
May 11, 2013 Sponsored the 7th New Zealand Competition organized by the New Zealand Korean School Council
July 19, 2013 Supported the 9th My Dream Speech Contest organized by the Korea Association of Korean Schools in US.
September 28, Signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Tokyo Korean School on September 28, 2013
September 28, 2013 Held the 1st Japan Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Tokyo Korean School
September 30, 2013 Announced 13 Global Scholars for 2013
November 1-2, 2013 Held My Dream Gala 2013 in Houston to commemorate the foundation’s 1st
anniversary
December 11, 2013 Signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Paper Culture Foundation
December 13, 2013 Signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Korean Educational Center of Sakhalin, Russia.
December 13, 2013 Held the 1st Sakhalin Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Sakhalin Korean Education Center
<2014>
March 26, 2014 Signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Kyung Hee University International Education Center
March 29, 2014 Held the 2nd China Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Shenyang Korean Literature Society
April 25, 2014 Signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Council of Principals of German Korean Language Schools
April 25, 2014 Held the 1st German Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Association of Korean Language School Principals in Germany
May 3, Held the 1st Canadian Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Ontario Korean Language School Association on May 3, 2014
May 3, 2014 Sponsored the 8th New Zealand Competition hosted by the New Zealand Korean School Council
May 31, 2014 Held the 1st Brazilian Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korean Education Center of São Paulo, Brazil
June 28, 2014 Held the 1st French Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korean Association in France
September 6, 2014 Held the 2nd Japan Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Tokyo Korean School
September 30, 2014 Announced 12 Global Scholars for 2014
October 10, 2014 2nd Sakhalin Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Sakhalin Korean Education Center
October 16, 2014 Held the 1st Southeast Asian Youth Dream Presentation Festival in Thailand with the Southeast Asian Council of Korean Language Schools. Signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Southeast Asian Association of Korean Language Schools on October 16, 2014
November 7-8, 2014 Held My Dream Gala 2014 in Houston to celebrate the foundation’s 2nd anniversary
<2015>
March 21, 2015 Held the 3rd China Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Shenyang Korean Literature Society
April 11, 2015 Held the 2nd German Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Association of Korean Language School Principals in Germany
May 2, 2015 Full support for the 9th New Zealand Competition hosted by the New Zealand Korean School Council
May 28, 2015 Signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Korean Education Center of São Paulo
May 28, 2015 Held the 2nd Brazilian Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korean Education Center of São Paulo
June 27, 2015 Held the 2nd French Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the French Council of Korean Language Schools
July 4, 2015 Held the 1st UK Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Association of Korean Language Schools in Japan
September 5, 2015 Held the 3rd Japan Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Tokyo Korean School
September 26, 2015 Held the 1st Mexican Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Mexican Association of Korean Language Schools
September 30, 2015 Selected 17 Global Scholars for 2015
October 15, 2015 Held the 2nd Southeast Asian Youth Dream Presentation Festival in Kuala Lumpur with the Southeast Asian Association of Korean Language Schools
October 16, 2015 Held the 3rd Sakhalin Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Sakhalin Korean Educational Institute/Sakhalin State University
November 6-7, 2015 Held My Dream Gala 2015 in Houston to celebrate the foundation’s 3rd anniversary
November 14, 2015 Held the 1st Australian Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Australian Council of Korean Language Schools
November 16, 2015 FACEBOOK launch of the Foundation’s global youth leader networking site “Wings of Dreams”
<2016>
April 2, 2016 Held the 3rd German Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Council of Korean Language School Principals in Germany
April 23, 2016 Held the 4th Chinese Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Shenyang Korean Literature Society
April 23, 2016 Sponsored the 10th New Zealand Convention hosted by the New Zealand Korean School Council
May 19, 2016 Held the 3rd Brazilian Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korean Education Center of São Paulo
June 8, 2016 Established Germany Chapter
June 8, 2016 New Zealand Chapter established
June 25, 2016 Held the 3rd French Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the French Council of Korean Language Schools and Korean Education Center
July 9, 2016 Held the 2nd UK Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Association of Korean Language Schools in Japan
July 10, 2016 Established Southeast Asia Chapter
August 13, 2016 MOU with Asia Development Foundation
September 3, 2016 Held the 4th Japan Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Tokyo Korean School and Japan Korean Language School Council
September 8, 2016 Established Korea Chapter
September 30, 2016 Selected 15 Global Scholars for 2016
October 6, 2016 Held the 3rd Southeast Asian Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Southeast Asian Association of Korean Language Schools in Hanoi
October 28-29, 2016 Foundation’s 4th Anniversary My Dream Gala 2016 in Dallas, Texas
November 5, 2016, Held the 2nd Mexican Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Mexican Association of Korean Language Schools on November 5, 2016
<2017>
April 8, 2017 The 5th Chinese Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Shenyang Korean Literature Society
April 15, 2017 Held the 4th German Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Council of Principals of Korean Language Schools in Germany
May 18, 2017 Held the 4th Brazilian Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korean Educational Institute in São Paulo, Brazil
May 18, 2017 Established Brazil Chapter
June 3, 2017 Held the 4th French Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the French Council of Korean Language Schools
June 10, 2017 Sponsored the 11th New Zealand Competition hosted by the New Zealand Korean School Council
July 1, 2017 Held the 3rd UK Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Association of Korean Language Schools in the UK
August 18, 2017 Hosted the 5th Japan Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Japan Council of Korean Language Schools
September 17, 2017 Selected 20 Global Scholars for 2017
October 12, 2017 Held the 4th Southeast Asian Youth Dream Presentation Festival in Bangkok with the Southeast Asian Council of Korean Language Schools
November 4, 2017 Held the 1st All-European Youth Dream Presentation Festival in Amsterdam with the European Association of Korean Language Schools
November 10-11, 2017 Held My Dream Gala 2017 in L.A. to celebrate the foundation’s 5th anniversary
<2018>
February 24, 2018 Held the 5th French Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the French Council of Korean Language Schools
March 17, 2018 Held the 6th Chinese Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Shenyang Korean Language and Literature Society
April 21, 2018 Sponsored the 12th New Zealand competition organized by the New Zealand Korean School Council
May 17, 2018 Held the 5th Brazilian Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korean Educational Center of São Paulo
June 3, 2018 Held the 3rd Mexico Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Mexican Association of Korean Language Schools
August 18, 2018 Held the 1st Argentina Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Argentine Association of Korean Language Schools
September 8, 2018 Held the 4th UK Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Association of Korean Language Schools in Japan
September 21, 2018 Selected 27 Global Scholars for 2018
September 29, 2018 Signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Korea-U.S. Scholarship Foundation Southwest
October 13, 2018 Held the 6th Japan Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korea-Japan Council of English Schools
October 18, 2018 Held the 5th Asian Youth Dream Presentation Festival in Bali with the Asian Council of Korean Language Schools
November 9-10, 2018 Held My Dream Gala 2018 in Houston to celebrate the foundation’s 6th anniversary
<2019>
January 15, 2019 Established Japan Chapter
April 9, 2019 Established the Foundation’s Global Next Generation Network [MYNK] in Seoul, Korea
April 13, 2019 Held the 7th China Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Liaoning Province Korean Literature Society
April 15, 2019 Established the Netherlands Chapter
April 27, 2019 Sponsored the 13th New Zealand Competition hosted by the New Zealand Korean School Council
May 16, 2019 Held the 6th Brazilian Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korean Educational Center of São Paulo
May 18, 2019 Held the 2nd Argentina Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Argentine Korean School Council
June 1, 2019 Held the 4th Mexico Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Mexican Association of Korean Language Schools
July 6, 2019 Held the 5th UK Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Association of Korean Language Schools in Japan
October 5, 2019 Selected 26 scholarship recipients for 2019
October 10, 2019 Held the 6th Asian Youth Dream Presentation Festival in Vietnam with the Asian Association of Korean Language Schools
October 18, 2019 Held the 1st World Overseas Korean Youth Dream Presentation Festival in Seoul, Korea
October 18, 2019 Held My Dream Gala 2019 in Seoul to commemorate the foundation’s 7th anniversary
November 9, 2019 Held the 7th Japan Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Japan Association of Korean Language Schools
<2020>
February 1, 2020 Held the 1st Guatemalan Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Guatemalan Association of Koreans in Guatemala
February 20, 2020 All the events worldwide are temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
<2021>
April 6, 2021 Boston Area Scholarship Award Ceremony
April 6, 2021 14th Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the New Zealand Korean Language School Council
April 29, 2021 Brazil Chapter Scholarship Award Ceremony
July 17, 2021 Japan Chapter Scholarship Award Ceremony
July 24, 2021 New Zealand Chapter Scholarship Award Ceremony
August 1, 2021 Korea Chapter Scholarship Award Ceremony
August 28, 2021 The 6th Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korean Council of English Schools in Korea
October 24, 2021 Selected 40 of the Foundation’s top global scholars for 2021
December 4, 2021 9th anniversary MY Dream Gala 2021 and regular board meeting to be held -cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
<2022>
February 12, 2022 MDIF Editorial Committee begins work on 10th anniversary book
April 23, 2022 Established Guatemala Chapter
April 23, 2022 Held the 15th Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the New Zealand Korean School Council
April 24, 2022 Held the 6th French Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the French Council of Korean Schools
April 26, 2022 Established the UK Chapter
June 10, 2022 Established Canada Chapter
June 23, 2022 Held the 8th Brazilian Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korean Educational Institute in São Paulo, Brazil
June 23, 2022 Mink meeting with Chairman Son Chang-hyun
July 16, 2022 Seminary student scholarship selection and award ceremony
July 22, 2022 Mexico Chapter and Sakhalin Chapter established
July 31st, 2022 Central American and Caribbean, Cuba, and Midwest chapters established
August 20, 2022 South Africa chapter established
September 1, 2022 Held the 7th UK Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korea Council of English Language Schools
September 1, 2022 MYNK UK Chapter Founding Ceremony (London) – President Asma Khan
September 3, 2022 MYNK France Chapter Founding Ceremony (Paris) – President Jeon Hye-ji
September 10, 2022 Held the 8th Japan Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Japan Council of English Language Schools
September 15, 2022 Application deadline for 2022 scholarships
September 17, 2022 3rd Argentina Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korea Association of Korean Language Schools
October 8, 2022 Selected 24 Global Scholars for 2022
October 8, 2022 Held the 1st Cuban Youth Dream Presentation Festival with Cuba Hangeul School
October 21, 2022 Held the 7th Asian Youth Dream Presentation Festival in Thailand
October 30, 2022 Published the 10th anniversary book of the My Dream International Foundation
November 5, 2022 The 2nd World Overseas Korean Youth Dream Presentation Festival in Seoul, Korea
<2023>
February. 2023 16th MYNK Korea Chapter meeting with Chairman Son Chang-hyun
April 15, 2023 Held the 16th Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the New Zealand Korean School Council
April 22, 2023 Held the 7th French Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the French Council of Korean Schools
April 29, Sponsored the 5th Woori (My Dream) Speech Contest in Houston, USA
May 11, 2023 Held the 9th Brazilian Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Korean Educational Center in São Paulo, Brazil
May 13, 2023 Held the 4th Youth Dream Presentation Festival with the Argentine Association of Korean Language Schools
May 13, 2023 Held the 2nd Youth Dream Presentation Festival in Cuba with the Central American and Caribbean Council of Korean Language Schools
