About
I am a junior psychology major at Willamette University. Growing up, I lived in West Linn until I moved down to Salem to attend university. Previously, I worked as a host and busser for almost three years at the Old Spaghetti Factory. I do not come from a religious background, but I see this as a learning opportunity for myself. Outside of a work or school setting, I enjoy soccer, music, being with friends and family, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.
I am drawn to EcoFaith Recovery and its practices for awakening leadership because I believe that educating yourself and others is the best way to build a community that is not just tolerant, but accepting. As a Japanese-American, I am strongly committed to being anti-rasict and promoting the anti-rasict ideology for myself, my family, and other minority communities. Living in Oregon my whole life has allowed me to explore many of the natural wonders that Oregon has to offer. It has also allowed me to see and experience the impact of natural disasters such as wildfires. I am drawn to advocacy for the climate and racial justice movements because of my passion for Oregon’s natural beauty and the anti-racist ideology.
Current Engagement with The Practices
Most of these practices are new to me, but the one that I feel I engage in most is developing relationships at the interpersonal level. I enjoy getting to know others and learning to see things from new points of view. Engaging in these practices will help me grow as an individual and as a part of a community.
Internship Focus
I am excited to engage in research projects from a psychological perspective that helps EcoFaith spread its message to new communities, gain insight on motivational and leadership techniques, and ways in which we can help communities in need recover from traumatic experiences and trans-generational trauma.
Watch Kira’s Internship Presentation – How Storytelling Impacts Transgenerational Trauma HERE
Read Kira’s Research Paper Here