Experience

KOHO SF

• Community Development and Urban Planning
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director

  • Mar 2023 - Present

  KOHO is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary, cultural, non-profit arts organization, in development for and by artists & creators, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown. Welcoming visitors near and far, KOHO creates immersive cultural experiences, partners with AAPI arts and economic organizations, and serves as a beacon for native Japanese and Japanese-Americans to return to Japantown to reconnect with authentic culture and community and preserve San Francisco Japantown for generations far into the future. To advance strategy efforts in the area of arts, culture, and economic development and revitalization, KOHO strives to continue the long standing traditions of Japantown while designing authentic experiences that reflect our cultural narratives past and present, and attract new audiences to fuel economic recovery. KOHO will host curated programs that showcase and develop the talent and skills of Japanese-American creatives and AAPI allies, and will activate pop-ups, art exhibits, panel discussions, and professional development and creative workshops that amplify Japantown’s 117 year old history and narratives of today. As the chief port of entry to America, waves of Japanese arrived into the ports of San Francisco from 1890-1909. San Francisco Japantown was formed in its current location after the 1906 earthquake, and is now the oldest and one of only three Japantowns left in the nation. Due to two waves of displacement - first the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII, followed by evictions in the Redevelopment era in the 1960s-70s - many of the Japanese-American community no longer live in Japantown. Celebrating the ever evolving creative spirit of our Japanese and Japanese-American community, KOHO gives voice to our immigrant ancestors, the strength and resilience and the narratives of our multi-ethnic, inter-generational community of today. Show less



Japantown Task Force, Inc.

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Japantown Cultural District Manager / Strategic Partnership Coordinator

  • Mar 2021 - Present

  Building upon her passion for the preservation of Japantown, Susie continues to strengthen the Japantown Task Force staff and operations through establishing a strong Japantown presence with San Francisco Cultural District leaders. She is a strong connector, building alliances between Japantown communities. Additionally she possesses subject matter expertise in addressing and managing resources in the areas of fundraising, marketing, arts and culture, and land use. Leading the San Francisco Board of Supervisor adoption process for the Japantown Cultural, History, Housing & Economic Sustainability Strategy (CHHESS) report with the Mayor’s Office of Housing Community Development (MOHCD) to include edits from City agencies and a final review from the Japantown community. Advocating with the San Francisco Planning Department for affordable and accessible housing for a return of Japanese-Americans to Japantown. Educating them on the generational effects of government displacement and need for reparations. Participated in SF Planning focus groups with leaders of communities of color to guide future policy. Moderated a nine-person focus group on racial and social equity with the Housing Element 2022 team. Pursuing grant opportunities with public and private funding sources to meet short and long-term program, operations and staffing needs. Nurturing relationships with private philanthropists and partnerships with organizations whose missions align with Japantown’s revitalization and preservation efforts. Directing the creation and implementation of the first multi-generational Japantown arts hub devised to generate a thriving arts community and serve as a beacon to attract Japanese and Japanese-American artists to Japantown. Guiding a team of ten integrating Japanese, Japanese-American traditional and current cultural competencies and narratives to influence the hub’s values, core purpose, brand promise and messaging. Show less



Susie Kagami Auctioneer and Fundraising Specialist

• United States
• Fundraising

• Cultural Fundraising Specialist, Event Producer and Benefit Auctioneer

  • Apr 2018 - Present

  Susie Kagami is a fundraising specialist and auctioneer with over eleven years of experience working for various Asian-American non-profit organizations in the Bay Area. Her passion lies in helping cultural and arts organizations strategically raise money through mission based messaging and creating donor relevant philanthropic fundraising opportunities to maximize proceeds and strengthen connections to their cause. Susie has experience with Online, Silent and Live Auctions, emceeing and auctioneer bid calling with a Fund-A-Need (paddle raise) from the stage, Gala and 5k Run/Walk planning and execution, Annual Donor Support Drives, community marketing and promotion, and volunteer and committee management. Susie Kagami is one of few women, and women of color auctioneers in the Bay Area. She is currently in the process of obtaining her Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation through the National Auctioneers Association. Utilizing the training, mentorship and years of experience of her NAA professional auctioneer constituents, she is able to maximize revenue and create memorable donor experiences for her clients. BAS auctioneers can significantly raise more money for organizations providing valuable resources and saving time over those who use staff, volunteers or auctioneers who do have the BAS professional certification. Show less



HawaiiMusicLive

• Musicians

• Hawaiian Music and Cultural Arts Ambassador

  • Jan 2006 - Mar 2021

  Founded HML to share the indigenous history, fashion and music through various art forms of Hawaiian music and cultural arts worldwide. Created and fostered press and radio media relations in many states. Ran social media and email campaigns for Hawaii related content monthly. Designed brand and maintained website and email newsletter mailing list of over 2000 direct fans. Managed and booked concert tours and workshops throughout the US and Japan with Hawaii's Top musical entertainment. Assisted with managed the 10-day Kahumoku Ohana Hawaiian Music and Lifestyles Workshop in Ka'u for 12 years. Curated, planned and managed week-long 'Footsteps of Kamehameha' historic cultural tour for mainland travelers. Currently curates programs rooted in Hawaiian culture and ancient knowledge upon grant-funded opportunities in the arts of indigenous cultures. www.HawaiiMusicLive.com Show less



Nihonmachi Little Friends

• United States
• Education Management
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Office Associate

  • Sep 2018 - Sep 2020

  Planned and managed fundraising campaigns, assisted with annual fundraising event ticketing, auction item solicitation, procurement, auction online platform. Assisted with enrollment, general operations. Planned and managed fundraising campaigns, assisted with annual fundraising event ticketing, auction item solicitation, procurement, auction online platform. Assisted with enrollment, general operations.



Asian American Women Artists Association

• United States
• Artists and Writers

• Executive Director

  • Jun 2017 - Jun 2019

  Directed the overall management of the organization in accordance with the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors with a focus on community outreach, development, operations and the passion and vision to partner with artist and philanthropy organizations to grow AAWAA globally. Increased annual revenue and qualifications for secure additional funding opportunities to grow staff capacity. Developed a three-year strategic planning process with Board of Directors Led staff, interns and volunteers to grow membership by 30%, acquire new exhibition sponsors and donors Increased grant awards & implemented new fundraising opportunities Expanded programming and partnerships regionally beyond San Francisco Advanced national press visibility through informed targeted outreach and improving communication Directed operational efficiencies and led the creation of a robust donor management database Founded in 1989 and a nonprofit since 2007, AAWAA is the leading organization of Asian American women in the arts for social change. AAWAA's mission is to ensure the visibility, documentation, and well­ being of Asian American women artists. Through art, empowerment, and social justice, AAWAA supports Asian American women’s voices in arts institutions, media, and narratives in American and Art History. AAWAA's programs offer thought ­provoking perspectives that challenge societal assumptions and promote inter-generational and cross-­cultural dialogue. Show less



Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Development Coordinator

  • Jul 2015 - Dec 2017

  As Development Coordinator, managed all incoming donations from database entry and financial designation to acknowledgment. Coordinated fundraising programs such as annual support drives, sweepstakes, raffles and auctions generating and meeting goals of $10,000 – $65,000 per project. As Development Coordinator, managed all incoming donations from database entry and financial designation to acknowledgment. Coordinated fundraising programs such as annual support drives, sweepstakes, raffles and auctions generating and meeting goals of $10,000 – $65,000 per project.



Oakland Asian Cultural Center

• United States
• Performing Arts
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Interim Director of Operations - Asian Heritage Street Celebration 2015

  • Feb 2015 - Jul 2015

  An integral part of the 2015 production team for the 11th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration, May 16, 2015. Leading sponsorship fulfillment, assisting with art direction, program supplement direction, site logistics and media. Over 150 vendor booths, two music stages and an expected audience of over 20,000 people, this street event celebrates the wonderful ethnic diversities that reside and thrive in the bay area. An integral part of the 2015 production team for the 11th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration, May 16, 2015. Leading sponsorship fulfillment, assisting with art direction, program supplement direction, site logistics and media. Over 150 vendor booths, two music stages and an expected audience of over 20,000 people, this street event celebrates the wonderful ethnic diversities that reside and thrive in the bay area.



HA – Music and Culture of Hawaii

• Entertainment Management

  • Aug 2009 - Jan 2015

  Created and founded HA to manage and book tours for Hawaii’s top entertainers into Performing Arts Centers, music clubs and educational centers around the nation and Japan. Booked over 25 concerts and workshops a year. Attended booking conferences, negotiates and executes contracts, plans and executes strategies for tours, manages budgets and schedules all travel logistics. Organized a 2-day cultural learning retreat ‘Spirit Hawaii 2012’ in Lafayette, California. Co-produced a three-part music video shoot at Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Arts. Designed brand and maintains website: www.HAtalent.com Through the years, our entertainers have grace the stages of some amazing venues: Anthology Jazz Club, San Diego, CA Blue Note Tokyo and Cotton Club, Tokyo & Nagoya, Japan Kuumbwa Jazz, Santa Cruz, CA Yoshi's Jazz, Oakland & San Francisco, CA Edmonds Performing Arts Center, Edmonds, WA Ford Amphitheater, Hollywood, CA Irvine Barclay Theater, Irvine, CA Kent Performing Arts Center, Kent, WA Napa Valley Opera House, Napa, CA Napa Valley Center for the Arts at Lincoln Center, Yountville, CA Ruth B. Shannon Performing Arts Center, Whittier, CA SOKA University Performing Arts Center, Aliso Viejo, CA Smithsonian Museum of Native American Indians, Washington D.C. Wildish Theater, Eugene, OR Cache Creek Casino and Resort, Brooks, CA Pacanga Casino and Resort, Temecula, CA Thunder Valley Casino and Resort, Lincoln, CA Hawaii Presidential Center Inaugural Gala, Washington D.C. 2013 Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball, Washington D.C. Kenmore Summer Concert Series, Kenmore, WA Japan: Nakano Sunplaza - Tokyo Yokosuka Arts Theater - Kanagawa Tokorozawa Muze, Saitama Aichi Prefectureal Art Theater, Aichi Sankei Hall Breeze, Osaka Sun Palace Hall, Fukuoka Meguro Persimmon Hall, Tokyo Houzan Hall, Kagoshima Shinjuku Bunka, Tokyo Chiba Shimin Kaikan, Chiba Meitetsu Hall, Nagoya Kokusai Koryu Center, Osaka Sunport Takamatsu, Takamatsu Kamakura Geijutukan, Kamakura Show less



CENTER FOR HAWAIIAN MUSIC STUDIES INC

• United States
• Musicians

• Program Coordinator

  • Mar 2007 - Nov 2014

  As a part of a 5 person team, assist with promotion, coordination and budgeting for seven consecutive years. This workshop has brought Hawaiian music, traditional arts, crafts, food, language, and dance to over 800 students from around the world over its nine year existence. Hawaii’s top notable artists are flown-in to teach both foreigners, locals and youth in a week of Hawaiian cultural immersion. Scholarships are provided to many youth, ages 7-16. Sponsors such as Queen Lilluokalani Children’s Center, Friends of Hawaii Charities, Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and many local merchants and business provide in-kind and monetary donations. Show less


Guest Blogger for Mana Magazine
• Writer

  • Aug 2014 - Sep 2014


Parent Teacher Community Council of the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program (PTCC_JBBP)

• Board of Directors Co-Chair

  • Aug 2012 - Aug 2014

  PTCC-JBBP, the parent organization of the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural, is an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit that supports the unique cultural programming and daily language curriculum provided to students in grades Kindergarten through 5 at Rosa Parks Elementary School. The only program of its kind within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), Japanese language has been taught exclusively by native speakers in all grades for 40 years. In addition to fundraising over $40,000 per year to aid in the salaries and cost of supplies, the PTCC-JBBP is also involved in recruiting and welcoming incoming families, supporting organizations and businesses within our Japanese communities, connecting with our alumni, and assisting with development language pathways to the upper grades within the SFUSD. Show less



Colortone, Inc.

• United States
• Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing

• Office Assistant

  • 2007 - 2009

  Managed customer service, work orders and executed minor design corrections for a large format graphic printer. Clients included UC Berkeley, Pump It Up corporate, Method Home, PoP! Gourmet Popcorn, Cliff Bar, BART and many non-profit organizations. Assisted Management with the process and development of the company website: www.colortoneinc.com Managed customer service, work orders and executed minor design corrections for a large format graphic printer. Clients included UC Berkeley, Pump It Up corporate, Method Home, PoP! Gourmet Popcorn, Cliff Bar, BART and many non-profit organizations. Assisted Management with the process and development of the company website: www.colortoneinc.com



Gap Inc./Old Navy

• Senior Fixture Manager - New Store Openings Nation wide - Merchandising/Design

  • 1998 - 2004

  Working with the Corporate Merchandisers and Architects, we created the fixture and space allocation store prototype for all four clothing divisions and once approved, applied these parameters as we planned each new and remodeled Old Navy store. Our team of fourteen were responsible for ordering store fixtures and display items for more than 120 stores per year. We also created a company-wide access database to account for each fixture by division, store size, shape and type. This database is used by the assets management department to account for store inventories, the merchandising department to accurately give monthly direction and all product production departments to more accurately make their seasonal product buys. Show less



Esprit

• Tunisia
• Higher Education
• 500 - 600 Employee

• National Shop-in-Shop Manager - Merchandising/Design

  • Feb 1996 - Feb 1998

  Our team developed a fixture, signage and branding concept for a new presence in many of flagship department stores such as Macyʻs, Burdineʻs, Bloomingdaleʻs and Dillards across the country. Creating shops within stores, we negotiated the best visible and walking traffic withing the juniors departments and worked with fixture manufactures and installers to create shop environments in over 110 stores a year.

• Trims Merchanidise Coordinator

  • Feb 1994 - Feb 1996

  Color matched, sourced and ordered all buttons, bows, zippers, patches for clothing samples and large seasonal production for all three retail divisions; Juniors, Toddler and Baby. Added responsibilities included color matching and design approval for all screen prints and embroideries.



Gleason Pancoast

• Corporate Relocation Manager

  • 1993 - 1994

  As Corporate Move Manager, successfully planned and executed large corporate moves, of over 2000 employees per project for companies such as PacBell and Borland Software. Assisting the Design Department, planned and managed the delivery, installation and reconfiguration of all phone and computer data cabling, and new or used office systems for all executive offices, open workstations and public areas such as libraries, conference rooms, fitness centers and cafeterias. Over 4 consecutive weekends, 500 employees per weekend, we were typically able to move all personal contents, phone and computers for over 2000 people with little to no business downtime. Show less