Name/Korean name  Melissa Zimmermann (Mee Ae Kim) She/Her

First KAtCH event: 2023 Chuseok 

Where did you grow up/Where do you live now? Mount Prospect, IL to Galesburg, IL to now as an adult Washington, IL 

Tell us about yourself: Came to the States when I was 3. Adopted to a family based out of Norriage, IL. Went to pre-school and kindergarten at John V. Leigh, School. Eventually, we moved to Mt. Prospect where I attended Robert Frost Elementary, then we moved to Galesburg, IL after high school, and I ended up joining the IL Army National Guard on the notion that my friend was going into the army as well. She never made it past the MEPS testing. Raised 3 amazingly awesome young adults.  

You’ll likely KAtCH me doing the following: If I'm not at work, I'm either out eating delicious food with friends or family or by myself. I like watching K-dramas on my phone, trying to learn either Spanish or Korean or whatever else hits my fancy. At the local library reading, making plans to see various stand-up comedians or on the road driving to visit with a friend or doing random volunteer activities depending on my mood and availability. And of course, drinking coffee and having friends over for Sunday breakfast.

Why do you enjoy being involved with the KAtCH community? I enjoy the amount of support and understanding that comes from not having to explain yourself and the friendships that have been made and the connections.

Favorite restaurant(s) in Chicagoland: Demera Restaurant: Ethiopian restaurant on Broadway. This restaurant is SOO good that when my car got towed because I parked in the wrong area I wasn't even mad.

Find me/Social Media: Facebook (Melissa Zimmermann), Instagram (chologsaeg_nabi)