I was a part of NCI class 4 in the summer of 2005.  I just finished my freshman year at UCLA when I did the program.

 NCI was a big turning point in my life.  I didn't have a clear vision as to what I wanted to do in my life.  I was a first year.  I knew I was good at planning and coordinating because I was a part of leadership in high school, NSU in college and used to planning so many different programs and events.  What I didn't know was that there was a career for that.  I was introduced to the world of nonprofits, first through the comforts of Little Tokyo and LTSC.  They really helped develop me as a fundraiser/development staff and showed me the career and gave me all the basics that I needed.  After I came back from Japan (I spent 9 months there), I knew that I wanted to stay in nonprofit work and fundraising as a career.  That's where I'm at now! 

 I am currently working as the administrative and special events coordinator at a nonprofit called Westside Children's Center in Culver City.  I am still involved in Little Tokyo by participating in groups such as LT Roots, being on the board for Kizuna and volunteering for JACCC/LTSC.  Right after college, I worked at the Little Tokyo Service Center CDC for 2 years as their Donor Relations Associate.  

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NCI Alumni/Coordinator Reflection: Mickie Okamoto

Photo courtesy of Stacy Toyota