A visionary leader shaping the global trajectory of Garden Grove, California.
An architect of exchange who organically connects cities with the world.
An innovator who designs the future through inclusion and strategic foresight—Stephanie K.

Stephanie K. | Mayor of Garden Grove, California, USA

Stephanie K. stands as a historic figure who has ushered in transformative change in Garden Grove, California. As the city’s first directly elected female mayor, she symbolizes progress and inclusivity.

With a vision to elevate the city's potential onto the global stage, she is a strategist who forges new alliances within a culturally diverse community. Join us as we explore her journey and the compass she holds toward the future.

Q1. Congratulations on your election as the new Mayor of Garden Grove. Could you share what this victory means to you personally, and what significance it holds for the city of Garden Grove?

A. Thank you. This election represents more than a new role—it is a calling to lead the city I deeply love toward its next chapter of growth and to turn its limitless potential into reality. Garden Grove, located in the heart of Orange County, California, is a city marked by remarkable unity, where people of diverse cultures and backgrounds move forward together with mutual respect. During my tenure, I will dedicate all my efforts to ensuring that Garden Grove shines on the international stage, fulfilling the promise of its potential.

Q2. Garden Grove has established itself as a key city in California, well known for its blend of culture and community. In your view, what is the city's greatest strength or distinguishing characteristic?

A. The true charm of Garden Grove lies in its people. The heartfelt warmth and mutual respect among its citizens form the foundation of this city. It is a dynamic stage where new possibilities are constantly emerging and a rich source of creative inspiration. The festivals that line the streets, the vibrant local events, and the sincere exchanges between neighbors all transform Garden Grove from a mere place of residence into a shared space of dreaming and growing. This communal strength is, without a doubt, the city’s greatest driving force.

Q3. What does the future of Garden Grove look like under your leadership, and what are some of the key plans you have in place to realize that vision?

A. My vision centers on “sustainable growth” and “inclusive innovation.” To transform Garden Grove into a smarter, greener city, I will prioritize strategic investment in infrastructure, strengthening educational systems to nurture the next generation, and expanding our global network. A major initiative will be to broaden our sister-city partnerships and deepen exchanges in economics, culture, and technology—steps that will significantly raise Garden Grove’s international profile. At the same time, I aim to implement thoughtful policies and innovative services that enhance the quality of life for every resident, ensuring the city is not just a good place to live, but a place people truly desire to call home.

Q4. The United States and South Korea have long maintained close economic and cultural ties. What role do you hope to play in strengthening that relationship?

A. The United States and South Korea are strategic and culturally connected partners. Leveraging Garden Grove’s unique characteristics, I hope to serve as a bridge for deeper collaboration between our two nations. Garden Grove is ideally positioned to foster meaningful cooperation across economics, culture, and education—three essential pillars of international partnership. Moving forward, I intend to focus my efforts on linking citizens, businesses, and cultures, reinforcing our role as a conduit for shared values between the two countries.

Q5. What makes this interview with Crown Goose, a premium hotel bedding brand chosen by world-renowned hotels, especially meaningful?

A. Crown Goose is a luxury brand that has garnered global attention for uniting the art of restful sleep, lifestyle, and cultural sophistication. Building on its esteemed reputation, Crown Goose has established an international network in cities such as New York, London, and Tokyo—an effort that aligns with the values of intercity exchange that I personally advocate. In particular, the black-tie brand event PORTAMENTO: Boundless Shifting, held at the six-star Signiel Hotel in Seoul to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korea–U.S. alliance, served as a powerful symbol of such values.

This event, which featured a special rotunda embodying the spirit of unity and progress between the two nations, also served to further solidify the future of cultural exchange connecting Garden Grove with the global community. Today’s conversation, too, is a form of “cultural connection,” and I look forward to the continued growth and expansion of global partnerships like this in the years to come.

Q6. Former Garden Grove Mayor Steve Jones and Anaheim city council members attended the Crown Goose brand event. What do you believe is the significance of such exchanges in the context of bilateral and intercity relations?

A. The event was a symbolic occasion where the shared values and visions of the United States and Korea were felt in a single, unified space. Crown Goose’s exceptional craftsmanship and refined aesthetic showcased the distinct elegance and creativity that define high-end lifestyle brands. The fact that leaders from across various sectors of American society were able to experience this firsthand left a profound impression.

I believe such exchanges extend the bilateral relationship beyond mere policy and economic cooperation to a form of people-centered diplomacy. They also open new possibilities for cultural and economic collaboration between cities. Ultimately, this paves the way for Garden Grove to emerge as a hub for international dialogue and cooperation, unlocking a new era of intercity partnership on the global stage.

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