Meet the Okaeri Team!

Marsha Aizumi (she/her):

Founder & Co-Chair

I am the mother of a transgender son who started me on the path to advocate for the Nikkei LGBTQ+ communities and helped me find a voice I didn't know I had. Aiden and I have written a book, Two Spirits, One Heart: A Mother, Her Transgender Son, Their Journey to Acceptance and Love, which is in its second edition. We have travelled all over the United States to speak and I have been privileged to speak in Asia. I am co-founder of PFLAG SGV API, a former PFLAG National Board of Director and still serve on PFLAG National's President's Council. My greatest joy is to see LGBTQ+ individuals living as their true selves and their families embracing and proudly celebrating all of who they are.

Cody Uyeda (he/him):

Programs & Admin Coordinator

I am Okaeri’s programs and admin coordinator, and prior to this role, have worked in the education and legal fields. I have a BA and JD from USC and an Ed.M. from the Harvard graduate school of education, and in my free time enjoy cooking, painting, writing, and being outdoors. I am passionate about supporting the Japanese American community, and look forward to building even stronger connections and community through Okaeri.

Rino Kodama (they/them):

Tech & Media Marketing Coordinator

I am a nonbinary Shin-Nisei artist and organizer based in Los Angeles, originally from the Bay Area. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art at University of California in Los Angeles, and minored in Asian American studies. When I am not working as Okaeri’s Tech & Media Marketing Coordinator and Okaeri Connects! Co-facilitator, you can find me in my backyard ceramic studio hand building sculptures and vases. I am passionate in helping shape a compassionate Japanese American community that is able to hold our queer and trans multiplicities and expansiveness. 

Keith Nishida (he/him)

is a queer bilingual Japanese American community leader. With 20 years of professional experience, he now works as an intercultural management consultant, supporting HR teams better recruit, engage & retain their diverse workforce. Keith served as a national Pride program director for the North American Association of Asian Professionals, invited to speak at Bain & Co., Movember Foundation, and Chambers of Commerce, and consulted for global brands like Toyota & Disney. Keith wishes there was an organization like Okaeri growing up. He is honored to be included in the inaugural Okaeri book alongside kindred LGBTQ+ siblings, parents & allies.

Kai Mita (he/him)

Okaeri Intern

I am currently pursuing a Master's in Management with a specialization in Business Data Management at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. My hobbies are traveling, photography, and attending concerts/festivals. I look forward to helping and learning more from the Japanese and LGBTQ+ communities.

Deena Umeda (she/they)

Okaeri Intern

Hello! My name Deena Umeda, I am a writer and UCSB graduate with a degree in Asian American studies. In my free time I enjoy gardening, throwing dinner parties with my friends and contemplating how my horoscope is affecting my life. It's a delight to be joining the Okaeri community and I look forward to meeting every single person and getting to know your story!