Somang Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and health of underprivileged and underserved Asian American/Korean American older adults and their families since 2007. By offering a range of culturally and linguistically tailored services and programs on aging, dementia caregiving, and advance care planning, Somang Society provides comprehensive support to its target demographic. The organization is committed to addressing the unique challenges and needs of this community, helping them age gracefully, live fulfilling lives, and prepare for the end of life with dignity.

As UCI MIND’s Korean community partner, Somang Society has been actively involved in community-based research to facilitate diversity and Asian American/Korean American inclusion in medical research to accelerate discovery in an inclusive, representative, and equitable way. To support these efforts, Mrs. Boon Ja Yoo, President of the Somang Society, has become the first Korean American member of the UCI MIND Leadership Council. Additionally, Dr. Hye-Won (Grace) Shin, PhD, Director of Asian American Community Outreach at UCI MIND, also serves as the Executive Director of the Somang Society. Both organizations are committed to leveraging this partnership to advance diversity and inclusion in medical research and to deepen the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias within the Asian American community.