ABOUT YUKI
When I'm asked where I'm from, or even where I'm local, I'm never quite sure what to say.
I was born in Osaka, grew up in Nashville, then moved to Medford, MA, where I got my BA in public health and Chinese from Tufts University. I served as a K-12 subject teacher in Shanghai and Costa Rica for three years, and when I returned to the US, I decided I wanted to continue serving students but not at the front of the classroom.
I moved to DC, and was incredibly lucky to land a position with the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, where I served the Asian American and Pacific Islander recipients of the scholarship. These students inspired me in so many ways, but foremost in their commitment to inspiring their younger brothers, sisters, cousins, and neighbors to strive for academic excellence - and eventually, for a place at those tables where they could effect real change for their communities.
My mentors encouraged me to pursue a masters in International Education Management, which would prepare me to continue the work of promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education.
After completing my masters at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in 2017, I joined the team at VIA Programs as a Program Director, where I serve students and young professionals who hope to develop their leadership, creative problem-solving, and cross-cultural skills. I love working with this small but mighty nonprofit team, because I
get to wear so many different hats and dive into every aspect of our work - including curriculum development, risk management, budgeting, program design, partner and alumni relations, and marketing!
For the moment, I live in Sausalito, CA with my husband Schuyler and my cat Jojo.
My journey so far has been a winding one. It has taught me to embrace a mindset of curiosity and humility. My favorite idiom is, "Man plans, God laughs," because I could never have planned the life I've led so far - but I have learned that an open mind, an adventurous spirit, and a healthy dose of faith will make straight the path!