Meet Sam(minsung) Kim | High School Senior & Youth Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam(minsung) Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam(Minsung), can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting Equity Minds was one of my goals in my life. As an immigrant from South Korea, I am very well aware of the disparities I feel, particularly in navigating education, healthcare, and social systems. My thought process was deeply rooted in bridging those gaps—not just for myself but for others in similar situations. I wanted to create a space where young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, could access resources and guidance that empower them to succeed despite societal barriers.
The idea began with conversations I had with Afghan and Hispanic students, who shared their struggles adjusting to new environments while balancing their cultural identities. I realized that many of us, regardless of background, face similar challenges, including lack of access to healthcare information, discrimination, or feeling caught between two worlds. Equity Minds emerged as a solution to these shared challenges. It started small, with health workshops, collaborations with families, and distributing healthcare brochures, but quickly evolved into something much larger. A significant part of my thought process was identifying the resources and partnerships that would make a tangible impact. I knew we needed to partner with businesses, health professionals, and local schools to ensure sustainable change. Additionally, I wanted to design programs that addressed real issues—such as mental health awareness for minority youth and job assistance for refugee families—while promoting leadership among the youth themselves. It wasn’t just about providing services but empowering young people to lead and be agents of change in their own communities.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Equity Minds is more than just a nonprofit; it’s a movement focused on advocacy, education, and healthcare equity for underserved communities. What sets us apart is that we don’t just provide resources—we empower youth and marginalized populations to become changemakers in their own lives and communities. We take a grassroots approach, addressing challenges from multiple angles: offering healthcare education workshops, engaging refugee families with practical support, and advocating for policy changes that address systemic disparities.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the curriculum we designed for Hispanic students at Center for Pan Asian Community Services and Afghan refugee students at Georgia State University’s Clarkson Campus. Working with these students and seeing their excitement to learn about health practices and navigate their new environment made me realize the importance of creating inclusive spaces for all individuals. Equity Minds also raised over $2,000 to distribute healthcare kits and brochures, providing direct support to those in need. These significant impacts keep me motivated every day.
The journey to building Equity Minds was FAR from easy. As an immigrant from South Korea, I’ve personally experienced the gaps and challenges in accessing healthcare and adapting to a new culture. I knew from the beginning that creating meaningful change would require persistence, patience, and partnerships. Finding the right collaborators—local businesses, families, and community leaders—took time. There were moments when progress felt slow, and I questioned whether we could achieve the scale of impact I envisioned. However, I’ve learned that every small victory, whether it’s a successful seminar or a policy discussion with a city council, is a step in the right direction.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of balancing ambition with sustainability. It’s easy to want to tackle every issue at once, but real progress comes from prioritizing and building incrementally. I’ve also discovered the value of storytelling—sharing the experiences of the communities we work with has helped raise awareness and foster deeper connections between different groups.
What I want the world to know about Equity Minds is that we are committed to creating a future where healthcare and educational opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Our mission is not just about service but about leadership—empowering young people to step up and take ownership of the change they want to see. Equity Minds reflects my personal journey of navigating identity and belonging, and I hope it inspires others to see the value of diversity and work towards a more equitable world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Downtown Adventure
World of Coca-Cola: Start the trip by exploring the history of Coca-Cola, trying over 100 unique flavors from around the world.
Georgia Aquarium: Dive into one of the largest aquariums in the world and see everything from whale sharks to penguins.
Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe: Enjoy delicious food while surrounded by music memorabilia.
Evening: Catch an Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena and experience the energy of the crowd!

Day 2: Exploring History and Culture
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park: Walk through the legacy of MLK, visiting his childhood home and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Lunch at Paschal’s Restaurant: A soul food gem with historical ties to the Civil Rights Movement.
High Museum of Art: Spend the afternoon admiring contemporary and classical art collections.
Dinner at Ponce City Market: Eat at one of the many diverse food stalls and enjoy the rooftop with mini-golf and great city views.

Day 3: Nature and Outdoors
Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden: Stroll through lush gardens and green spaces, perfect for relaxing and taking photos.
Lunch at The Varsity: Indulge in classic American fast food with an Atlanta twist.
BeltLine Eastside Trail: Rent bikes or walk along the BeltLine, stopping at unique art installations along the way.
Dinner at Krog Street Market: Enjoy eclectic food options at this trendy food hall.

Day 4: Arts and Entertainment
Center for Civil and Human Rights: Engage with exhibits that connect the American Civil Rights Movement with global human rights efforts.
Lunch at Mary Mac’s Tea Room: A classic spot for Southern comfort food.
Fox Theatre Tour and Show: Take a behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic theatre, then catch a musical or concert in the evening.

Day 5: College and Suburban Vibes
Tour of Emory University or Georgia Tech: Explore the beautiful campuses if they are interested in the college scene.
Lunch at Buford Highway: Dive into authentic international cuisine, from Korean BBQ to Mexican street tacos.
Evening in Suwanee: Explore Suwanee Town Center Park, catch live music, and enjoy a peaceful night away from the city.

Day 6: Stone Mountain Adventure
Stone Mountain Park: Hike up Stone Mountain for breathtaking views of the city, or take the cable car if you’re not feeling up to the climb.
Lunch Picnic in the Park: Pack snacks and relax in the park’s open spaces.
Evening Laser Show: Watch the iconic laser show on the mountain to end the day with a bang.

Day 7: Chill and Departure
Brunch at Flying Biscuit Cafe: Enjoy a leisurely brunch with Southern comfort food.
Shopping at Lenox Square or Atlantic Station: Pick up souvenirs or just enjoy some retail therapy.
Relax at SkyView Atlanta: Take a ride on the Ferris wheel and get one last look at the Atlanta skyline before heading home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am very thankful to the Center for Pan Asian Community Services and the Afghan American Alliance of Georgia for our partnership!
Furthermore, I appreciate the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential for providing me with mental health resources for my seminars in my organization!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equity.minds/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/equity-minds/

Other: email: equitymindsforall@gmail.com