Management and Spanish major, Class of 2015

Pomona, California

Serving as a Programming Assistant for Chicano Latino Student Services for the past two years. She advocates strongly for viewing immigration as a social justice issue versus a matter of criminal law and border violation. Liliana hopes to someday pursue a career in Human Resources and understands the value of appreciating and working with people of different cultures. On this trip, Liliana looks forward to visiting Japanese industries and broadening her horizon as a student outside the classroom. She also hopes to build her leadership skills and better understand her leadership styles in different situations.

Dance major, Business minor, Class of 2015

Inglewood, California

On campus, Dominique part of The Learning Community and a member of the Kumba Beats Dance Team, Black Student Union, and Brothers of Consciousness. In addition, he received the Sister Peg Dolan, R.S.H.M. Award for Service and Leadership.  As a first generation student, he is very interested in travelling to get out of his comfort zone to meet new people and gain a better understanding of their experiences.  He is looking forward to building connections between the U.S. and Japan, and bringing that knowledge back to LMU. 

Recording Arts, Class of 2015

San Jose, California

A member of Na Kolea (LMU’s Hawaii Club) executive board for the past three years, Nick served as the club’s president during this academic year. In this role, Nick led the planning for the 2014 LMU’s Annual Lu’au, a cultural festival and fundraiser for the Na Kolea, which was attended by over 700 people. Additionally, he is also a part of the leadership team for LMU’s Christian Bible Study, The Well, and an intern at Upper Room Recording Studios in Hollywood, California. Nick is deeply passionate about food and music, aspiring an occupation in the culinary industry. He is looking forward to experiencing Japanese cuisine, as well as the sights and sounds of Japan cities, music, and language. 

Marketing major, Class of 2015

Los Angeles, California

On campus, Tamura is a member of Delta Sigma Pi professional fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she is highly involved in community service and LMU’s First To Go Program for first generation college students, which assist these students in their transition to college academics and social life. During this past academic year, Tamura has been the office assistant manager at LMU’s Ethnic and Intercultural Services, training the department’s new student employees. This will be Tamura’s first time travelling outside of the U.S. She views this opportunity to travel to Japan as a way to receive hands on experience of the different cultures, daily structures, and business life within Japan. 

Political Science major, Class of 2015

Class of 2015

Giovanni is a district office intern for U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass, assisting in organizing monthly town halls and handling casework assignments.   Additionally, he is an award-winning debater and aspires to work in the U.S. government, motivated by his desire to serve others. Giovanni is looking forward to exploring Japanese culture, especially Japanese food, and building connections to people of this innovative country. 

Communication Studies major, Theater minor, Class of 2017

Rosemead, California

During this past academic year, Seanna served as a Programming Assistant in Asian Pacific Student Services for LMU’s Ethnic and Intercultural Services. She is also a member of the Creare Service Organization and has been a camp counselor at Camp Kindle, a nonprofit camp for children affected by HIV/AIDS. After reading Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes as a child, Seanna has always been interested in the stories of the people of Japan. She is looking forward to gaining greater insight about life in Japan in order to help create programs at LMU that reflect Japanese culture. 

Liberal Studies major, Class of 2016

Carson , California

For the past three semesters, Cristina has been as Programming Assistant in Chicano Latino Student Services for LMU’s Ethnic and Intercultural Services. As the Latino Roundtable liaison for the Student for Labor and Economic Justice group on campus, Cristina spearheaded the efforts to create more inclusive events to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Cesar Chavez, a seminal leader in the labor movement for California’s migrant agricultural workers. Aspiring to be a future teacher or a professional in education, Cristina is deeply interested in the Japanese education system and better understanding the relationships between the Japanese population and developments in technology and transportation. 

Fine Arts and Communication Studies major, Class of 2015

Granada Hills, California

Christian is an intern for the Los Angeles Clippers professional basketball franchise, he helps conduct and facilitate Community Relations events such as Read to Achieve and NBA Fit Camps programs. As a Programming Assistant for Black Student Services for LMU’s Ethnic and Intercultural Services, Christian serves as the Editor for the Black Student Services Newsletter. He looks forward to this opportunity to engage with Japanese culture, developing his leadership and communication skills while learning to adapt in a new environment. 

Film Production major, Environmental Studies minor, Class of 2017

Temecula, California

Eddy is an Intercultural Facilitator and is looking forward to his first trip outside the U.S. Eddie has always admired many aspects of Japanese culture, such as Japanese artwork, architecture, music, and cuisine. In high school, Eddie even studied Japanese theatre and hopes to further his knowledge of Noh, Kabuki, Bunraku traditions. In the future, Eddie aspires to be a filmmaker who authentically represents people of different backgrounds. Through his films, Eddie hopes to promote global consciousness of the varied issues facing people of different nationalities and ethnic groups.   

Political Science and Philosophy major, Class of 2017

Huntington Park, California

Brenda is a Programming Assistant for Chicano Latino Student Services in LMU’s Ethnic and Intercultural Services, she is an active member in the Latino Leaders Roundtable. Brenda also interns at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League Summer Institute, as well as serving as a tutor at Westchester High School. Brenda aspires to go to law school, and she values learning about other cultures beyond textbooks. Brenda is looking forward to engaging with Japanese culture on this trip and sharing her experiences to inspire others to educate themselves on being more culturally aware. 

Health and Human Sciences major, Class of 2017

Alhambra, California

On campus Marina serves as supervisor at the Lion’s Den (an on-campus coffee house) and LMU’s student center. Active off campus, Marina has also worked for Los Angeles City College as a secretary for the CalWorks, a department that allocates financial aid to single parent students struggling on welfare. Additionally, she interns at Santa Monica Hospital. She desires to learn more about the healthcare system in Japan in comparison to Obamacare and other healthcare systems worldwide. She looks forward to observing the similarities and differences between Japan and the U.S. as a means to better educate LMU about the stereotypes and misconceptions students may have about Japanese culture. 

Marketing major, Class of 2016

Long Beach, California

Josh serves as Vice President of Publicity and Service for the Brothers of Consciousness, a cultural organization at LMU. Josh is also the Undergraduate Marketing/Employer Services Associate at LMU’s Career Development Services, where he is responsible for marketing the department’s events and programs. Josh has taken Japanese language courses since his freshman year in high school, and his family has hosted two Japanese students as part of a foreign exchange student program. He looks forward to putting his years of language study into practice, as well as learning more about business marketing in Japan. 

Health and Human Sciences major, Class of 2017

Oakland, California

Makda is involved on campus in the Marians Service Organization and serves as a Programming Assistant for the Intercultural Facilitator program in LMU’s Ethnic and Intercultural Services. Makda is deeply passionate about health education and population science, the study of how different diseases and epidemics affect people of varying cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. She aspires to someday become an obstetrician and gynecologist serving women in underdeveloped parts of the world. Makda looks forward to learning more about Japanese culture and how traditional customs are preserved in this modern era. 

Film Production and Recording Arts major, Class of 2015

Honolulu, Hawaii

Trent Nakamura is a junior from Honolulu, Hawaii, double majoring in Film Production and Recording Arts. As Vice President of the Asia Pacific Student Association, he was instrumental in developing “The Studio” program with the Center for Asian Business, which highlights cinematography by Asian Pacific Islanders. A fourth generation Asian American, Trent took Japanese language courses for four years, and hopes to learn more about the food, people, and lifestyle of the country where his great grandparents were born. He is looking forward to gaining new perspectives on interculturalism to encourage collaboration between cultural clubs at LMU. In the future, Trent aspires to create films and looks forward to being inspired by Japanese cinematic artists and genres. 

Undeclared major, Asian Pacific Studies minor, Class of 2017

Kailua, Hawaii

Shai is originally from New Zealand, but was raised in Kailua, Hawaii. Growning up in Hawaii, Shai learned many stories about Senator Inouye’s life from her grandfather and met Senator Inouye in high school. During high school, Shai’s family hosted Japanese exchange students, and hopes to someday bring more exchange programs to Hawaii. On this trip, Shai looks forward to practicing her Japanese as well as learning more about the dynamics between the U.S. and Japan in order to share her new found knowledge and experiences with her LMU and home communities. 

Management major, Sociology minor, Class of 2016

Baldwin Park, California

As a Chicano Latino Student Services Programming Assistant in LMU’s Ethnic and Intercultural Services, she creates programs to help LMU students find a sense of belonging and connect to campus resources. Mayra is a part of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, and was recognized for her involvement and leadership as a new member. She is a proud first generation college student motivated to succeed to serve as an example to future first generation students showing them that they, too, can be successful in the business world. Mayra deeply resonates with Senator Inouye’s journey from military volunteer to senator with a legacy of strong leadership and commitment to diversity, and she aspires to someday become a CEO with strong leadership and communication skills. 

Biochemistry major, Class of 2015

Corona, California

A Dean’s List honoree, Cris serves as an after-school tutor for high school students, and works for the Venice Family Clinic, taking patients’ vital signs and checking glucose levels. Cris aspires to be a physician, and by taking part in the Intercultural Facilitator program, has also become a major supporter and activist in addressing social injustices affecting access to education and medical resources. Inspired by Senator Inouye’s life and reputation for his dedication to justice. Cris hopes to be a part of improving America’s relationship with other countries for the sake of peace. He is looking forward to making connections with both the Japanese and American participants of the program as well as experiencing differences between Japanese and American pop culture. 

Political Science major, Class of 2017

Denver, Colorado

Actively involved in LMU’s student government, as a member of the Associated Students of Loyola Marymount University Election Committee, Ramona worked with the committee to increase student electoral participation successfully engaging 51.1% of the undergraduate student body to vote in the most recent election. Additionally, Ramona is active in the LMU Student Worker Program, and she recently joined Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.  She aspires to become an immigration lawyer, and hopes to learn more about the Japanese legal system. Through this trip, Ramona hopes to gain firsthand insight on international relations between the U.S. and Japan as well as experience the juxtaposition of the unique traditional culture and modernity. 

English major, Film Studies minor, Class of 2015

Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Stacie is the Jewish World Watch Campus Representative, creating events to educate and fundraise for rape victims of the Congo. She also serves as a Student Ambassador/Intern for Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA) encouraging students to study abroad, and studied abroad herself in Wales and France last year. Deeply passionate about worldwide issues, she aspires to someday be a U.S. ambassador for another country. She is looking forward to learning more about the uniqueness and richness of Japanese culture, art, and history, and seeks to inspire others to get involved with international trips. 

Health and Human Sciences major, Class of 2017

Glendora, California

An ACCESS Scholar, Priscilla serves the Service Chair for the LMU chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in STEM fields (SACNAS). In that role, she plans chapter service opportunities assisting underrepresented community throughout the city. Priscilla aspires to become a attorney focusing on healthcare policy, and looks forward to learning more about the Japanese healthcare system and the opportunity to network with experienced political and healthcare leaders, as well as the fellow participants, or emerging leaders.

Communications Studies major, Class of 2017

Granada Hills, California

Ian Trinidad is a first year student from Granada Hills, California, majoring in Communication Studies. For the past academic year, he has been a Radio Host for the KLMU radio station and a tutor at Westchester High School. Ian also serves as the Assistant Director of the Intercultural Facilitator Program in LMU’s Ethnic and Intercultural Services, and hopes to learn more about U.S.-Japan relations on this trip. As a Communications major, Ian has a passion for learning about how people interact with one another and how those interactions could be improved. Ian is looking forward to learning more about Japan’s history, cultural practices, and how they have developed due to Japan being an island nation. In addition, Ian hopes to better understand differences in Japanese and American food culture.

Finance major, Class of 2017

Lancaster, California

A Programming Assistant for Black Student Services in LMU’s Ethnic and Intercultural Services, and Darren also participates in the Praxis Academy. He hopes to pursue a career in investment banking, open his own business, and is also interested in the international business market.  He lover of Japanese anime, such as Naruto, and he looks forward to trying Japanese ramen. Darren admires the Japanese cultural practice of people encouraging one another and going out of their way to support one another.  He looks forward building relationships with people in Japan and bringing this experience back to his community. 

Screenwriting major, Class of 2017

Thousand Oaks, California

Serving as an Intercultural Facilitator in LMU’s Ethnic and Intercultural Services, he views this trip as an opportunity to gain new insights on the impacts and nuance of differing cultural perspectives. Joseph is really interested in Japanese history, specifically the Sengoku Era and Meiji Reforms, and in his free time enjoys watching Anime and Reading Manga. Aspiring to be a screenwriter in the future, Joseph looks forward to being inspired by stories he learns overseas, and hopes to improve his ability to reach out and share these experiences with others. 

Program Instructor

Dr. Rooks’ career in higher education spans 34 years serving in a variety of capacities including associate dean of liberal arts, program director, tenured faculty, dean of residential life, associate dean of students, dean of residential life, program, football & track coach (division I and III).  He has worked in private and public institutions, as well as small, medium and large colleges and universities, across several regions of the United States.  This breadth of experience has provided Dr. Rooks with a keen sense of observation and understanding of trends within the America educational systems.

As a tenured faculty member and scholar Dr. Rooks teaches courses on Asian Pacific American ethnic community, mixed race and ethnic identity, qualitative research methods and systems thinking.  His scholarship encompasses two trajectories one in engaged community based research and one in multiracial & ethnic identity.  Dr. Rooks has served as a consultant or fellow to numerous foundations, philanthropy organizations and community-based organizations (NGOs) including, program committee chair of the Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund National Higher Education Summit (2014, 2013) and committee member (2012, 2011, 2010), the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program Advisory Council (2011-current), United Methodist Japanese American Ministers’ National Caucus advisor (2013, 2012, 2011), research fellow to the Asian Pacific American Legal Center and Asian American Justice Center on the 2010 Census and the 2002 National Research Advisory Committee on Asian Pacific Health and Mental Health for the White House Commission on Asian Pacific Americans. Additionally, he has spoken widely on Asian American multiracial identity and U.S. Diversity issues.

From 2006-2013 Dr. Rooks served as an Associate Dean of the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts at Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA). During this tenure responsibilities included: curriculum and assessment; new program development and academic review; interdisciplinary curriculum and scholarship development; academic technology; graduate studies; strategic planning; diversity and hiring initiatives; annual budget planning; budget operations; community outreach; conferences and events; and Dean’s Office operations (facilities management, technology resources and space allocation). In Fall 2013, he chaired the American Jesuit Colleges and University Deans of Arts and Science Annual Conference.

Dr. Rooks’ experience in education and community service led to his selection as member of the 2004 Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnerships.  Dr. Rooks continues his engagement in US – Japan relations as a member of the US-Japan Council where he serves on the higher education work group, strategic plan programs working group, JALD alumni, an advisor to the Los Angeles Japanese Consulate currently working to improve Japanese – African American relations, the Japan America Society of Southern California, Board of Governors and JET Program interviewer for Los Angeles.

Dr. Rooks holds a doctorate in Comparative Culture with an emphasis in cultural anthropology from the University of California (1996), Irvine, a master’s degree in Public Policy from Trinity College (Hartford, CT, 1982) and an A.B. in Economics and A.B. in Asian Studies (double major) from Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH, 1979).  In 1978 Dr. Rooks attended the International division (Ichigaya campus) of Sophia University as a study abroad student.

Born at Camp Zama, Japan to an African American father and native Japanese mother, Dr. Rooks now lives in Culver City, CA with his wife Miki Fujimoto and fifteen year old daughter Mariko. As a family they are active in the Los Angeles area Japanese American community.

Program Instructor

Dr. Maria Elisa Grandoné is the Director for Ethnic and Intercultural Services at Loyola Marymount University. She has provided leadership for the department’s six areas: Asian Pacific Student Services (APSS), Chicano Latino Student Services (CLSS), Intercultural Affairs (ICA), Jewish Student Life (JSL), Black Student Services (BSS), and the Intercultural Facilitator Program (IF). Dr. Grandoné is primarily responsible for implementing, assessing and monitoring the efforts and progress of the EIS strategic plan and planning and implementing programs to ensure the development of students.

Prior to joining Loyola Marymount University, Dr. Grandoné was the Executive Director of the Institute of Multicultural Research and Campus Diversity at the University of La Verne, CA. During her tenure, she provided expertise on access retention for students and faculty of color, campus climate, coordinated the first generation student program, multicultural research, among other campus diversity initiatives.  Committed to increasing access and equity in post-secondary education, she helped manage and implement grants from the James Irvine Foundation ($500,000) and Department of Education Cooperative Title V Partnership Federal (5 million) grant at the University of La Verne. In addition, she has served as a mentor for scholars in the Ronald McNair Program and the LMU Academic Community of Excellence (graduate school preparation seminar).

Additionally, Dr. Grandoné served as Associate Dean of Students at Concordia University in Irvine, California where she was responsible for freshmen and parent programs, discipline matters, student leadership and development, clubs and organizations student advisement and intercultural development. Additionally, she has served as a diversity and research consultant for the Department for Water and Power in Los Angeles, CA.

Dr. Grandoné has earned both her Masters of Science in Adult and Continuing Education and her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Adult Learners from Kansas State University. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Her research interests include barriers to participation of adult learners, workforce education, financial literacy and college students, student access and retention in higher education, women in student affairs, as well as program evaluation for intercultural and leadership development. She is a member of National Association for Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).