Serica Storytellers: The Memoirists Joanna Choi Kalbus & Glen Loveland

In Kalbus’s moving account, a daughter and her mother flee a divided Korea and forge a new life in America, uncovering hidden truths and the enduring ties of family across continents. In Loveland’s vivid recollection of expatriate life in the heart of modern China, we encounter the exhilarating and disorienting collision of tradition and rapid change as seen through the eyes of an outsider immersed in another world. Together, their stories explore what it means to cross borders—literal, cultural, and emotional—and to rebuild identity in unfamiliar lands, inviting participants to reflect on migration, global citizenship, and the stories we carry with us. 

6:30 - Welcome by Daniel

6:35 - Excerpt from Joanna Choi (~3-minutes)

6:40 - Excerpt from Gen Loveland (~3-5 minutes)

6:45 - Moderated conversation with Joanna and Glen led by Daniel (35 minutes)

7:20 - Audience Q&A (10 minutes)

7:30 - Wrap

About Joanna Choi Kalbus

Joanna Choi Kalbus was born in North Korea. She made two critical migrations—first from North Korea to South Korea after the Communist takeover, and then to the United States as a ten-year-old immigrant during the Korean War before settling and coming of age in Los Angeles, California.

She earned her earned her B.A. in Elementary Education at UCLA and received her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of California, Riverside. She served as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent/regional superintendent for 35 years. She was also involved in community efforts to address the pressing issues of abused and neglected children, homelessness, and gangs.

Now retired, she lives in the Bay Area where she can view her favorite bridge, the Golden Gate, that she and her mother sailed under in 1951. Find her online at joannachoikalbus.com and @joannakalbus on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.

About Glen Loveland

Glen Loveland is a seasoned global human resources executive and author with a deep, firsthand understanding of China forged over thirteen years on the ground in Beijing. His professional tenure in China includes key HR leadership roles with major institutions such as The Walt Disney Company and China Global Television Network (CGTN), where he managed complex, large-scale expatriate integration and talent strategies. During this time, he successfully recruited, onboarded, and supported hundreds of international employees, navigating the intricate cross-cultural and operational landscapes of the Chinese market.

Now applying his expertise at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Mr. Loveland dedicates himself to mentoring the next generation of global leaders. His acclaimed memoir, Beijing Bound: A Foreigner Discovers China, encapsulates his unique perspective on the nuances of life and professional engagement there. His career embodies a practical, people-centered approach to building bridges and fostering mutual understanding, making his insights highly relevant for anyone engaged in the U.S.-China relationship.