Pushing the Envelope by Following Your Bliss: Debbie Shon

In our fifth episode of season 3 of the Korean American Perspectives Podcast, we speak with Debbie Shon, Chief Strategy Officer of USA Gymnastics, legal and political advisor, NBA registered agent, and Vice Chair of the Smithsonian National Asian Pacific American Center.

 

Debbie Shon is a third-generation Korean American and a woman of many firsts. In this interview, she shares with us her fond memories of growing up on USC’s campus, the towering influence of her mother, and the detours in her career that turned into surprising opportunities in law, politics, sports, and advocacy.

 

As we track through Debbie’s multifaceted career, she encourages young people to follow their bliss and calls upon the Korean American community to push the envelope. Much of this ethos is also reflected in her work with the Smithsonian where she believes that Asian Americans need to have their voices heard for the sake of their past, present, and future.