Name: Melanie Kim
Pronouns: She/her
District: Georgia
Hometown: Suwanee, Georgia, United States
Key Club name: Lambert High School
Year in school: Senior
Clubs or activities outside of Key Club: Technology Student Association and International Genetically Engineered Machine
Why did you join Key Club?
I joined the Kiwanis family in seventh grade through Builders Club, so it was a natural transition that I joined Key Club my first year in high school. In addition, my home club was home to the district governor at the time, so my club had a huge push for member recruitment.
Past Key Club International Leadership Experience:
On the district level, I served as a lieutenant governor and Contests & Policies committee chair. Last year, I served as an international trustee and secretary on the Global Relations Committee.
Why did you decide to run for the international board?
I decided to run for the position of international vice president due to my past experience as a trustee and membership on the Global Relations Committee. I loved the incredible, one-of-a-kind experience working with like-minded student leaders from around the world on projects that make a true impact. Specifically, I wanted to implement projects and ideas from the past board and build off the new strategic plan.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to implementing the specific tactics from the new 2021-26 strategic plan, specifically developing diversity, equity and inclusion.
What do you like most about Key Club International?
Key Club International is unique in the fact that it gives students an opportunity to serve as student leaders at different levels and make a real world impact through community service.
What is your favorite Key Club memory and why?
My favorite Key Club memory was during a zoom meeting with one of my districts during my time as a trustee. I had to give a presentation on president and vice president training. I finished relatively quickly, and it became awkward as I was trying to fill the dead silence. After some time, a few members started to unmute and have a really good conversation. Soon after, other members started to join in, and the silent Zoom became filled with laughter and smiles. Key Club members will always make sure to find a way to converse and make friends, even in the most difficult times where online platforms are the main way to communicate. It was also a nice representation of how Key Club has the perfect balance between teaching professional skills and having fun.
Miscellaneous Information
What is your career ambition? U.S. Ambassador
Hobbies outside of Key Club: Science, painting, baking, crocheting
Favorite movie or TV show: “Criminal Minds”
Favorite book: “One and Only Ivan”
Favorite food or snack: Dried sweet potatoes
Favorite animal: Golden snub nose monkey
Somewhere you would like to visit in the future: Tokyo
Do you collect anything? Buttons and Squishmallows
What is the best advice ever given to you? Do what you want and always have confidence in yourself.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Fashion designer 
