Tamiko is the Associate Communications Director at Corporate Accountability International, a Boston-based corporate watchdog group.
You’re a Bostonian, but you’re still committed to giving in New York City?
I’ve lived in many places actually. I’m not really sure what my home town is. I lived in Brooklyn for 9 years, but I was raised in Tokyo, Japan and lived in Seattle as a teenager.
What else inspired you to become an MRNY donor? To give monthly?
There are not a lot of organizations that work within the intersection of queer people, immigrants and people of color. It’s something that needs to be paid attention to more. I give monthly because I know how important it is for nonprofits to have a predictable source of income, and a robust monthly giving program can help do that.
What is your connection to immigration?
I’m half Japanese-American, fourth generation. The immigrant experience is definitely a part of my family history. Most of my close networks are either first- or second-generation immigrants.
What’s something you’ve done to improve your community?
I was a volunteer facilitator with the New York Writers coalition for 5 or 6 years. We led workshops in places like jails, halfway houses and hospitals, to bring out the stories and voices of those whom society has silenced. My favorite places to facilitate were a drop-in center for queer youth and an LGBTQ homeless shelter. Rallying them to tell their own stories was really inspiring.
What do you miss about living in Brooklyn?
Fort Greene Park! It was just down the street from me, they had a farmers’ market a couple times a week. I miss New York so much.
Thank you so much, Tamiko, for being a monthly sustainer of Make the Road New York!
Please join Tamiko in making an impact all year long. Click here to donate one time or become a monthly sustainer!
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