Meet the Team: Grace Jo
Background and Inspiration
Immigrating from Korea to the United States at the age of ten, Grace’s family worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices to provide her with a foundation for success. She earned her undergraduate degree from UCLA and later graduated from Loyola Law School, embarking on a career in civil litigation. Her practice focused primarily on intellectual property, banking, and real estate investment matters. A path that she pursued until her retirement. But Grace’s story doesn’t end there.
Driven by her own experiences and the sacrifices her parents made, she felt a profound desire to give back to a cause that struck close to home. “I know how these students feel because I was one of them,” she says, reflecting on her journey as a first-generation immigrant navigating the uncharted waters of a foreign education system. This connection to ABFK and founder Mike Nance inspired her to dedicate her post-retirement years to creating opportunities for teens facing similar struggles.
Path to Philanthropy
After retiring, Grace commenced a year-long search for a nonprofit whose mission resonated deeply with her values. Spoiler alert: She discovered A Bridge for Kids, and immediately knew she had found the right fit. Drawn to ABFK’s commitment to supporting high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds, Grace recognized that we both share the same values - The opportunity to contribute to a program that champions driven and hardworking youth was exactly what she had been seeking.
Supporting Students
Today, Grace plays a pivotal role within ABFK as the coordinator of the sponsorship program. She personally reviews every student application and personal statement, matching potential sponsors and mentors with students whose aspirations align with their own. Grace also mentors several students herself, providing guidance and encouragement as they navigate their educational journeys.
By fostering meaningful sponsor to student relationships, Grace makes sure that each of her students receives the personalized support they need to thrive. “Every time I read a student’s personal statement, I’m humbled by their optimism and determination,” says Grace. If she had the time, we’re fairly certain she’d personally sponsor & mentor every single student we’ve ever served, and will ever serve.
Experiences at ABFK
While Grace hesitates to single out any one experience, she finds great inspiration in the resilience and gratitude of the students she works with. Many of these teens overcome immense challenges, and their success stories - including those of former ABFK students coming full circle and returning as mentors - are a source of pride and joy for Grace.
Grace’s admiration extends to her fellow ABFK volunteers, whom she describes as dedicated, kind, and genuinely fun to collaborate with. The shared passion within the organization creates an environment where both students and supporters flourish.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Grace aspires to expand ABFK’s programs by introducing students to the arts. Inspired by her own transformative experience attending a play at the Old Globe Theatre during high school, she envisions organizing outings to local theatre productions and concerts. “It ignited my love for literature and left a lasting impression on me,” she recalls, hopeful that similar experiences could broaden horizons and inspire new passions among ABFK teens.
Her vision reflects a broader goal: to continue breaking down barriers for first-generation students, helping them see prestigious universities and fulfilling careers as attainable. Grace’s work is integral to ABFK’s mission of empowering students to dream big and achieve their full potential.
A Call to Action
Grace’s journey shows the impact of giving back. Her advice to others interested in philanthropy is simple yet powerful: “Just give in any way you can. There are so many needs out there, and even small contributions can make a big difference.”
Through her dedication and hard work, Grace embodies the core values of A Bridge for Kids, helping to create opportunities and inspire hope for the next generation.