Director Jay Kim is a former journalist who represents Chicago and is an active mentor for the Korean immigrant community. He read the phrase “I wanted to feel alive every day” in a novel, and was touched by it when he was young. He thought that journalism was the field for him to feel alive every day. He entered the field in 1970 as a reporter for MBC Cultural Broadcasting in Korea. He felt alive, reporting the daily events in real time. After immigrating to the United States in 1976, he continued his journalism career. Director Kim served as general affairs director of the Chicago Korea Times and vice president of Chicago Korean Broadcasting (Radio). Then he served as a broadcasting committee member at Chicago Christian Broadcasting for 20 years.

As a journalist for over 50 years, Director Kim delivered many issues, such as American politics, economy, societal issues, and cultural events, to Koreans in South Korea and the United States. Director Kim raises awareness that immigrants remain silent on social matters in the United States due to cultural isolation. He emphasized that Korean immigrants need to become leaders and strive thru action to contribute to American society beyond the Korean- immigrant community. Director Kim's insight into culture helped immigrants claim a true identity and expand their understanding of American society.

Through his seasoned experience with immigrant communities, Director Kim believes that Korean immigrants are exceptional optimists. It takes tremendous courage to leave their own country and adapt to a new one. He believes immigration is only possible because 'everything will work out.' Director Kim observed immigrants' psychological struggles due to a new environment, heterogeneity, and loneliness despite their firm courage and faith. Because of his love for the community, Director Kim helps the WCC's mission to help eliminate prejudice about mental illness, improve the mental health of underprivileged people, and expand the service beyond the Korean community into the entire American society.