Thunderbird at ASU grad transforms global roots into leadership strength
Dayoon Kim was an integral part of planning and executing Thunderbird’s first Case Olympics for over 60 students, becoming the largest event Kim organized at Thunderbird. Photo courtesy of Thunderbird School of Global Management
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
Before she ever called herself a T-bird, Dayoon Kim was already living across cultures.
Born in Japan to South Korean parents, she spent her childhood moving between countries and stepping into new environments long before she understood what “global citizen” meant.
At 13, she became an international student in Washington state, beginning a journey that would later take her to Arizona for her undergraduate studies at Grand Canyon University and eventually to the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University for her Master of Global Management with a concentration in global business.
“I realized that my upbringing shaped me to be deeply curious and enthusiastic about connecting cultures, and I wanted to become a bridge between communities and businesses,” she said.
When she met a Thunderbird alumnus who described the school as a “miniature globe,” her passions found a place. For Kim, it felt like a natural next step in becoming the kind of global leader she hoped to be.
She also found a place to hone her voice.
“I came to Thunderbird as someone who would never raise my hand in class,” she said. “I’d shake during presentations, especially as one of the few students with a Korean accent throughout my earlier education.”
That changed quickly. Kim took on executive roles across the school, becoming president of the Thunderbird Campus Ambassadors, the vice president of the Case Scholars Club, and a Foundations leader for Thunderbird’s new student orientation, twice.
Kim was also sponsored by Thunderbird’s Career Management Center to attend a national career fair and competed in a venture capital investment competition in California, meeting professionals she now considers mentors.
“Thunderbird helped me grow out of my self-doubt by showing me that diverse perspectives are not only valid, but essential,” she said.
“I had a pivotal moment when I realized I was no longer nervous speaking in front of people. It was during my Thunderbird Student Government candidate speech. As I walked up to the microphone, I could feel myself shaking like I usually did.
“But I took a breath and looked out at the crowd, and I saw so many of my friends rooting for me. That moment stayed with me, and now whenever I start to feel nervous, I try to go back to it.”
Post graduation, Kim plans to work in a business strategy role that continues her passion for bridging cultures, particularly between the United States and Korea.
“Thunderbird gave me a community that is genuinely supportive and encouraging, and I hope more T-birds continue to build that kind of support system for one another,” she said.
Here, she shares more about her college journey.
Question: What advice would you give to a student just starting a program at Thunderbird?
Answer: Thunderbird is truly what you make of it. Do what excites you. Gather people, talk about ideas and make them happen.
You only have two years, and it goes by faster than you think. Stress isn’t always a bad thing, but make sure you’re choosing things that energize you.
Get to know people. They are just as ambitious as you, and truly incredible — learn from their experiences. Show up as exactly who you are, while keeping an open mind. Our Thunderbird “miniature globe” needs your perspective, but also your willingness to keep learning from others. And most importantly, have fun.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at Thunderbird?
A: During my first semester, I took a leadership class with Professor Suzanne Peterson. One thing she shared with us has stayed with me throughout my leadership journey: “Find something you can be a fan of in each person, and it will change the way they show up.”
I found myself returning to this idea often, whether I was celebrating others’ wins or navigating challenges within a team. People are often the most unpredictable and uncontrollable part of our lives, but this mindset helped me lead with intention.
Q: For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
A: I always say I’ve been incredibly blessed by the people in my life. Starting with my parents, from whom I get my sense of adventure and courage, I am deeply grateful for the trust and support they gave me from such a young age, allowing me to study in the U.S. and make difficult decisions along the way. They brought the world closer to me, and I hope to bring the world closer to them.
I’m also grateful for the people I’ve met along the way who have become family and for the many individuals who have shaped my journey over the years. To my friends near and far, who have shown me what true reliability and support look like, and to my fellow Thunderbirds, I could not be more thankful.
I left my parents’ nest at a young age, but because of that, I truly believe the world raised me. To everyone who has been part of my journey: thank you for making my world so beautiful through all its ups and downs.
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During Fall 2025 Regional Night, Dayoon Kim participated in the event's fashion show finale wearing Indian jewelry provided by fellow T-birds, with a traditional Korean hairstyle.
Photo courtesy of Thunderbird School of Global Management
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Kim represents South Korea as a flag bearer at this year's annual Ambassadors Ball.
Photo courtesy of Thunderbird School of Global Management
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Kim served as president of the Thunderbird Campus Ambassadors. "This truly made my experience at Thunderbird," she said.
Photo courtesy of Thunderbird School of Global Management
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Kim was a Foundations leader for the fall 2025 cohort. Here she smiles with her team, the Coyotes, after the ThunderOlympics dodgeball game.
Photo courtesy of Thunderbird School of Global Management
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