Meet Elisa Kim

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elisa Kim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Elisa, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Growing up Asian American in a predominantly white community, I often found myself as the only one in the room who looked like me. At first, that felt isolating—often times I had to prove my abilities twice over. But over time, I learned to see it not as a weakness, but as a strength. It gave me a perspective that others didn’t have, and it pushed me to develop grit and resilience early on.

I’ve learned to succeed in those spaces by grounding myself in who I am and the values my family instilled in me—hard work, humility, and the belief that my voice matters even if it sounds different. I’ve also made it a point to seek out mentors who have walked a similar path and who are now sitting in the seats I hope to occupy in 10 years, like Alyssa Kim, which I met through my Independent Study & Mentorship course at school. Their stories remind me that what feels impossible now is simply a step in the journey.

That experience inspired me to start Books and Bears, my nonprofit dedicated to encouraging creativity and literacy in children. I wanted students who, like me, sometimes feel out of place or underestimated to know that they are seen, supported, and capable of achieving more than they imagine. Being ‘the only one’ taught me to turn doubt into drive—and with Books and Bears, I hope to give other students the tools and confidence to do the same.

I’m thankful I get to be that person I once needed, and my goal is to keep becoming a stronger mentor as I go.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder and CEO of Books and Bears, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit I started to encourage creativity and literacy in children, and initially focused on serving the children of Dallas Fort Worth. Our mission has always been to make learning feel joyful and accessible — whether that’s through reading, play, or community connection. What began as a small project focused on local book drives has grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined.

Recently, we’ve expanded our book donations to reach 58 countries across America, Africa, and Asia, which is an incredibly humbling milestone for us. Knowing that a child halfway across the world might be holding a book we helped deliver — that’s what keeps us motivated every day.

We also just hosted our second annual free sports camps, which combine physical activity and teamwork with lessons about goal setting and confidence. On top of that, we introduced tutoring sessions to help kids strengthen their reading and writing skills in a fun, encouraging way. It’s been amazing to see how these different programs — books, sports, and tutoring — all come together to build both minds and hearts.

At its core, Books and Bears is about kindness, curiosity, and the belief that small acts can create big change. Every program we launch, every book we send, and every smile we see reminds us that empowering kids today helps shape a brighter tomorrow.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are patience, empathy, and grit — and I’m incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to grow each of these through Books and Bears.

There were countless moments when I felt unsuccessful or doubted whether Books and Bears was truly helping as many children as I hoped it would. I remember times when I’d email fifty donation centers or community organizations and not get a single reply. Those moments were discouraging, but they taught me patience — the understanding that meaningful progress takes time and persistence. Every small step, even the unseen ones, contributes to something greater.

Empathy has been the heart of this entire journey. Through working directly with children and communities around the world, I’ve learned to listen before acting — to truly understand their needs, challenges, and stories. That perspective has shaped every program we’ve created and every decision we’ve made.

And of course, grit has carried me through the toughest parts. There were obstacles, slow seasons, and moments of doubt, but staying grounded in our mission kept me going. For anyone just starting their journey, I’d say this: growth doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from perseverance, compassion, and the willingness to keep showing up.

I’m grateful that Books and Bears has not only allowed me to make an impact but has also shaped me into a more patient, empathetic, and resilient person. It’s been a journey of learning, giving, and growing — all at once.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

My all-time favorite book — and probably the one I’ve read the most — is A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. I honestly know it front to back at this point. It’s one of those books that’s stuck with me since I was little, and every time I reread it, it means something new depending on where I am in life.

What’s always stayed with me are the quotes from Mrs. Who — she speaks mostly through the words of famous writers and thinkers, and even as a kid, I loved that about her. Her words made me realize how wisdom can be shared and reshaped across time. One quote that’s always stood out to me is when she says, “Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: you’re given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.” That line completely changed the way I see life. It reminded me that even though there are limits or expectations, we all have the freedom to create something meaningful within them — our own story, our own version of impact.

What I also love is how the book shows that love and empathy are real strengths. Meg, the main character, doesn’t win by being perfect — she wins by being herself, even with all her insecurities and emotions. That really stuck with me, especially while leading Books and Bears. It’s taught me that kindness, vulnerability, and persistence matter just as much as strategy or success.

A Wrinkle in Time isn’t just a story to me — it’s like a reminder to stay curious, to keep believing in light, and to know that who you are, as you are, is enough to make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://booksandbears.org
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-kim-399603210/