Yulim’s Journey from South Korea to Supporting Maine’s Innovation Economy

When Yulim moved to Maine as a high school senior, she could never have imagined how deeply the state would capture her heart. Now, years later, she’s making her mark on Maine’s innovation landscape as a marketing & process improvement intern for MTI’s MERC AI Program.

“I’ve been coming to Maine since I was a high school student, and over the years, it’s really started to feel like a second home to me,” Yulim explained. “That’s part of what drew me to MTI—the opportunity to support innovation and small businesses in a place that means something personally.”

From Data to Dreams

Yulim brings a unique perspective to MTI through her background in business analytics, with a focus on process improvement and data-driven thinking. These analytical skills have proven unexpectedly valuable in her current role.

“Those skills have helped me, especially in mapping workflows and analyzing user engagement,” she noted. But there’s another dimension to her expertise that could prove invaluable for Maine’s growing innovation ecosystem. “Since I’m originally from South Korea, I also hope to use my Korean language skills to support outreach in the future,” she added.

The Human Side of Innovation

What keeps Yulim energized about MTI’s mission goes beyond spreadsheets and process maps. It’s the human impact. As she put it, it’s “knowing that the work I do actually helps people—entrepreneurs, small business owners, and communities across Maine. Seeing how our support helps real businesses move forward makes me feel like I’m part of something that matters.”

Finding Balance Between Work and Wonder

When she needs to step away from supporting Maine’s innovators, Yulim has developed her own recipe for recharging. “When I need to recharge, I love cooking Korean food. It reminds me of home, helps me relax and makes me more creative at the same time.” Her Friday work routine gets an adorable boost from an unofficial “colleague”—her roommate’s dog Sadie, who “turns into my remote work buddy every Friday. She doesn’t help with work, but her cuteness definitely boosts my productivity!”

Maine Through Different Eyes

Yulim has discovered her own perfect Maine experience that beautifully blends the state’s natural beauty with flavors from home. 

“My favorite way to experience Maine is spending a day at Acadia, especially going to Jordan Pond, which I try to visit every year. It’s where I feel most grounded and recharged.” But the day doesn’t end there.” On the way back, I usually stop in Ellsworth for my favorite sushi or Thai food and then grab dessert from a 24-hour cheesecake shop. That whole routine feels like the perfect rest for me.”

Dreams of Expanding Access

When asked about which entrepreneur she’d most like to have dinner with, Yulim’s choice reflects both her heritage and her practical side: Il Yeon Kwon, founder of H Mart, the largest Asian grocery chain in the U.S. 

“He built one of the largest Asian grocery chains in the U.S. and made Korean ingredients accessible nationwide. As someone who loves cooking Korean food, I really admire what he’s accomplished.” Her request for him would be quintessentially Maine-focused: “And I’d definitely ask him to open one in Maine, so I don’t have to drive all the way to Boston for groceries!”

A Global Perspective on Local Innovation

Yulim’s story represents something special about Maine’s innovation ecosystem: its ability to attract talent from around the world who see the state not just as a place to work, but as a place to call home. Her combination of analytical expertise, cultural perspective, and deep appreciation for Maine’s unique qualities, positions her perfectly to help MTI continue building bridges between local innovators and global opportunities.

As MTI continues to evolve its programs and expand its reach, having team members like Yulim, who bring both technical skills and genuine passion for Maine’s success, ensures the organization stays connected to both the data-driven realities of business development and the very human dreams that drive every entrepreneur forward.

Follow Yulim on Instagram @lovelyulim