Different Paths to Leadership: Japanese American Women at Cal
Join a multigenerational panel of Japanese American alumnae, each of whom attended Cal in different decades and for different reasons, including a mid-career change, a mentor’s influence, and an interest in Cal’s social welfare program. Learn how mentorship, on- and off-campus community organizations, and robust academic programs led them to their community leadership today. JAWA UCB’s vision is to inspire and support Asian American women as learners, leaders, and contributors to local and global communities in the spirit of our founding Japanese American alumnae. Missed it? View the recording.
Hosted by Japanese American Women Alumnae of UC Berkeley
Speakers:
Leslie Tsukamoto ’88 came to Cal after a mid-year career change, leaving the corporate sector to pursue her long-held interest in teaching and follow in the footsteps of her parents who were Cal alums. Tsukamoto taught different elementary school grade levels in the Vallejo Unified School District until retiring in 2009. She has been a longtime leader on the board of directors for Japanese American Women Alumnae.
Dr. Lisa Hirai Tsuchitani is a faculty member in the Asian American & Asian Diaspora Studies Program of the UC Berkeley department of ethnic studies. A recipient of the Chancellor’s Public Service Award for Community Engaged Teaching and the Spirit of 1868 Award by the UC Berkeley Foundation, Dr. Tsuchitani centers her research, teaching, and advocacy efforts around critical pedagogy and educational equity issues.
Tara U. ’15, M.S.W., P.P.S.C. ’19 lives on the unceded native land of the Ohlone people and is a third-generation UC Berkeley alumna. Since 2015, Tara has been involved with the board of the Berkeley Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, leading civil rights events projects and serving as co-chair, secretary, and current co-president. Since 2017, she has served on the board of the Berkeley Buddhist Temple, working with the Community Outreach Committee and the Buddhists Living in Equity and Non-Discrimination Committee.