JACL Youth Student Council
Profiles of the JACL National Youth/Student Council (NY/SC)
Kimberly Shintaku, NY/SC Chairperson
Kimberly was elected to chair the NY/SC at JACL’s 2006 National Convention. In her capacity as chair, she calls and presides over meetings of the council and is responsible for youth and student-related activities. She is a member of the San Diego JACL, and holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of California, San Diego.
She began her involvement with the JACL while in high school, and was instrumental in forming the Fresno JAYs for those in her peer group. Since then, she has expanded her work on the chapter, district and national levels.
In Her Words: “I have gained much from being involved in the JACL, such as friendships and communication skills. However, what stands out the most is the leadership skills that I have attained.” A memorable and valuable experience for her was organizing a Day of Remembrance program. “Not only was this an opportunity I had to gain networks within the JACL, but it was an opportunity for me to find out more about my family during World War II. I have found other JACL activities to have a similar impact, but this is what started my becoming more involved.”
Leilani Savitt, NY/SC Representative
Leilani was elected to serve as NY/SC Representative at JACL’s 2006 National Convention. As Representative, she works hand-in-hand with the chair to oversee the council and to ensure youth and student programs are carried out. Leilani, a member of the Twin Cities JACL, holds a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology and psychology from the UW-Madison.
She was introduced to the JACL as a child, when her family participated in events, gatherings and trips sponsored by the Twin Cities Chapter. After attending a chapter board meeting, she wanted to know more about what the JACL did and wanted be a contributing member.
In Her Words: “I found that being a part of the JACL was a great way to explore my multiracial identity, as well as socialize with other youth. I’ve gained leadership tools, life-long friendships, and effective ways to work with a diverse group of ages. Being a part of the JACL made me realize that injustice occurs, and also that there are certain skills and training an individual must acquire to fight injustice. Most importantly, I have gained a sense of community and the notion that my involvement in this community is helping to make our nation a better place to live.”
NY/SC District Youth Representatives: The role of the district youth representatives is to organize youth members in their respective areas, and to plan activities that meet their interests and increase their involvement in the organization, on campus and in the community.
Megumi Kaminaga, Northern Calif-Western Nevada-PacificYouth Representative
Megumi was selected by the JACL NCWNP District’s 32 chapters as its youth representative.
A member of the Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL, she holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She came to the JACL via her activism in various student organizations.
In Her Words: “When I was offered the position as NCWNP Youth Representative, I saw it as an opportunity to meet and network with people across the nation, a way of continuing my love of organizing and a way to give back to my community. I have definitely made strong friendships in the JACL. And, as a young professional, the skills I have learned as youth representative – learning how to organize conferences, creating effective agendas, and working with various committees – have given me the experience to excel in all aspects of life.”
Blake Honda, Central California Youth Representative
Blake was selected by the JACL Central California District’s 10 chapters as its youth representative.
A member of the Fresno/Fowler JACL, he currently attends Reedley College majoring in college teaching/communications. Blake is active in a wide variety of community, cultural and student groups.
In His Words: “JACL, without a doubt, has helped me build leadership skills, character, memories and everlasting friendships. These are all traits that are essential to me. One of the greatest things I’ve learned from the JACL is that leadership comes in all different forms, and there isn’t just one way to lead. Once you find the leadership style that suits you, lead by it. This is how people will remember you, by being one of a kind.”
Christopher Batalon, Pacific Northwest Youth Representative
Chris was selected by the JACL Pacific Northwest District’s 10 chapters as its youth representative, and serves the district with co-rep Peter Yamamura.
A member of the Seattle JACL, he is currently enrolled at the University of Washington, where he is still exploring possible fields for his major.
In His Words: “I was encouraged to join the JACL by some acquaintances of mine, and thought it might provide me with leadership and networking opportunities. Through my involvement with the JACL, I’ve developed great friendships and countless leadership opportunities which help to shape my character. I enjoy attending Youth Council meetings, tabling for the JACL and volunteering at JACL-related events. I also had a great time being a JACL intern at its biennial convention.”
Peter Yamamura, Pacific Northwest Youth Representative
Peter was selected by the JACL Pacific Northwest District’s 10 chapters as its youth representative, and serves the district with co-rep Christopher Batalon.
A member of the Lake Washington JACL, he is attending the University of Washington, majoring in business administration. He first joined the organization when he applied for and received a JACL scholarship in high school.
In His Words: “I have gained many great friendships from my involvement with the JACL. I have also gained a greater sense of my community and how I can take on an active role. I’ve enjoyed working on this past summer’s 2007 National Youth/Student Conference held at Santa Clara University and being an intern at the JACL National Convention in 2006. Both were a great experience.”
Stephanie Nitahara, Midwest Youth Representative
Stephanie was selected by the JACL Midwest District’s 15 chapters as its youth representative, and serves the district with co-rep Amy Munemoto.
A member of the Chicago JACL, she is enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in community health. She is actively involved in a number of community, church, athletic and cultural activities and organizations.
In Her Words: “I’ve only been involved with the JACL for a short amount of time, but I already feel that I’ve gained a lot. I’ve learned about leadership and am constantly learning more. I also feel that I’m going to gain friendships and connections that will last for years to come. By attending the JACL Youth Conference, I learned from the workshops that were held, and I met a lot of amazing people who are doing great things at a young age.”
Amy Munemoto, Midwest Youth Representative
Amy was selected by the JACL Midwest District’s 15 chapters as its youth representative, and serves the district with co-rep Stephanie Nitahara.
A member of the Chicago JACL, she is attending Drake University, with a major in pharmacy. She is involved in a variety of campus activities and groups, and in the Japanese American community in Chicago.
In Her Words: “I joined the JACL to feel more a part of the Japanese American community. The youth program had great leadership that pushed me to get even more involved. I have definitely gained leadership skills, a sense of identity and great friendships. I also feel much more well-informed on issues of civil rights and Japanese American history. Learning JA history allowed me to appreciate and understand my own family’s history too. By being in the JACL and the NY/SC, I get to meet amazing people from all around the country!”
Brandon Mita, Eastern Youth Chair
Brandon was selected by the JACL Eastern District’s six chapters as its youth chair, and serves the district with youth rep Brigham Walker.
A member of both the Chicago JACL and Washington, DC JACL, he is attending Howard University Law School. He was heavily involved in efforts to create an Asian American Studies Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago, which led to his increased participation with the Japanese American community in Chicago.
In His Words: “I knew I wanted to do something related to politics and community. JACL made the best sense since it catered to my needs and helped me find my niche.
I ended up joining the Chicago JACL Chapter Board, a great group of people to work with. I have gained a wealth of experience in grassroots organizing and social networking. I was also a fellow in the JACL Midwest office. There, I had the opportunity to see the intricate workings of the staff-side of the organization. It was an awesome experience and one that I would recommend to anyone looking to get more involved with a national non-profit organization.”
Brigham Walker, Eastern Youth Representative
Brig was selected by the JACL Eastern District’s six chapters as its youth representative, and serves the district with youth chair Brandon Mita.
A member of the New England JACL, he is graduating from Princeton University in molecular biology. He came to the organization by way of applying for and receiving a National JACL Scholarship.
In His Words: “I stayed involved with the JACL to continue to feel connected to the Japanese American community, to show appreciation for past Japanese American efforts to break down barriers standing in the way of opportunity, and to continue education about the internment. Being involved with the NY/SC has given me a sense of inclusion in the Japanese American community, a respect for previous struggles for progress and an admiration for current civil rights efforts.”