Y. Michele Kang, the CEO of Cognosante, has stepped away from her medical technology company and joined the soccer world.
Ms. Kang was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, where education was a privilege. To pursue educational opportunities, she decided to move to the U.S. for college. She studied economics and earned a degree from the University of Chicago. She later earned a master’s degree from the Yale School of Management. With this background, Ms. Kang established a multi-million-dollar business in 2008.
On the other hand, she knew little about the soccer world. Many people are concerned that she doesn’t know enough about soccer to be able to lead a team. Recently, she was even teased by her friends because she didn’t know who Lionel Messi, a soccer superstar, is. To this remark, she would always reply: “Well, I did know who Pelé was.”
For the past two years, she has been involved with the National Women’s Soccer League. Just last year, she became the first woman to own a multi-teamed organization, which includes the Washington Spirit and a French club, Olympique Lyonnais.
“I don’t want to overplay that I’m a woman, or a person of color, therefore I’m the only one who can understand our players,” said Michele. Yet, she emphasized that it is essential to maintain a good relationship with the staff members and players so they can feel safe and supported to reach out to her.
Many players on the Washington Spirit and the fans wanted Ms. Kang to own the League. The owner before Ms. Kang was verbally abusive, made racial jokes, and harassed the players. He was fired two years ago. Ms. Kang decided to step in, and she became the owner of the League last year.
Ms. Kang wants women’s soccer to be heard, and she is putting a lot of effort into it. We’ll see how Michele’s efforts go next month during the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup!
Ms. Kang was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, where education was a privilege. To pursue educational opportunities, she decided to move to the U.S. for college. She studied economics and earned a degree from the University of Chicago. She later earned a master’s degree from the Yale School of Management. With this background, Ms. Kang established a multi-million-dollar business in 2008.
On the other hand, she knew little about the soccer world. Many people are concerned that she doesn’t know enough about soccer to be able to lead a team. Recently, she was even teased by her friends because she didn’t know who Lionel Messi, a soccer superstar, is. To this remark, she would always reply: “Well, I did know who Pelé was.”
For the past two years, she has been involved with the National Women’s Soccer League. Just last year, she became the first woman to own a multi-teamed organization, which includes the Washington Spirit and a French club, Olympique Lyonnais.
“I don’t want to overplay that I’m a woman, or a person of color, therefore I’m the only one who can understand our players,” said Michele. Yet, she emphasized that it is essential to maintain a good relationship with the staff members and players so they can feel safe and supported to reach out to her.
Many players on the Washington Spirit and the fans wanted Ms. Kang to own the League. The owner before Ms. Kang was verbally abusive, made racial jokes, and harassed the players. He was fired two years ago. Ms. Kang decided to step in, and she became the owner of the League last year.
Ms. Kang wants women’s soccer to be heard, and she is putting a lot of effort into it. We’ll see how Michele’s efforts go next month during the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup!