Opening Doors: Building Pathways of Hope for Underserved Students

This episode of the Korean American Perspectives podcast features Raymond John, CEO and founder of 12+, a nonprofit organization committed to increasing educational equity by transforming school culture and supporting students beyond high school. In this inspiring conversation with Abraham Kim, President and CEO of the Council of Korean Americans, Raymond shares his journey to change the lives of thousands of Pennsylvania students. A child of Korean immigrants, Raymond John was raised in Northern Virginia and initially pursued medicine before discovering his passion for community service. His transformative experience volunteering with youth led him to create 12 Plus, which provides daily, in-school support to help students succeed beyond high school. In 2018, Raymond and partner Thu Pham founded Càphê Roasters, the first and only Vietnamese specialty coffee roaster in Philadelphia. A portion of the profits is donated to 12 Plus, and regularly employs students from partner schools – offering them a positive workspace that fosters a learning culture that focuses on personal and professional development.