WHO ARE WE--REALLY?

Colleagues often talk about "Imposter-syndrome" and oft-times, I am perplexed. As a single mother raising three sons, professionally always working full time, and a BIPOC (I guess that is the label they affixed to describe us) citizen of an allegedly diverse and democratic society, I am forced to continually "prove" my value. My ancestors taught me that hard work, integrity, and service make you strong and keep you honest.

Fortunately, I was raised by an immigrant mother who inquired during the sixties, "What you mean minority--whats meaning?" she asked in her thick Japanese accent when I came home crying because some boy pulled my long braids while calling me a racist epithet. Okaasan responded defiantly, "No, you are NOT a minority; you are better than others; be better than others; try your best." So--I have been trying my best my entire life, yet I find I am still sized up by my skin color and not the content of my character. I decided long ago that there comes a point in your personal life and professional career when you must let go of the colonial and mainstream mindset's restrictions, fears, biases, and limitations. It has never served me or those I love to embrace those prejudices--so I don't. I know who I am and what is in my heart and spirit.

As Dr. Maya Angelou whispered to me, I keep moving forward, "Do what you can do, and when you know better, do better, but by all means, write." Mrs. Rose Parks shared her wisdom through a private dinner conversation: "Never ever let anyone steal your joy." It's tough, though; sometimes, it is challenging to be joyful when the world seems chaotic and leadership dominating the airwaves reflects the worst of humanity rather than our very best.

Time flies when you are proactively healing, working, and serving.

It is hard to believe it has been a decade since I was awarded my Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Public Management from Senator Mark O Hatfield Center for Public Service at Portland State University. Five years ago, I finished my coursework and Capstone Thesis to earn my Master's in Public Administration, all while working full-time and recovering from a brutal criminal sexual and physical assault from a stranger. Beloved, the truth is that even when you are working hard and minding your own business, life interrupts your best work.

Please understand that for me, it is not so much the "parchment" or the academic accomplishment but instead acquiring a broader depth of knowledge and expertise to serve Nonprofit (501c3), Public, Private, Inclusive Faith-based, and Tribal organizations willing to examine their current services to the community and desire to improve on the best application of organizational management, service practices, and community engagement. I am honored to provide my expertise and decades of practical hands-on experience through Rise to Excellence LLC. Still, I look forward to the opportunity to one day teach at an institution of higher learning.

The truth is that when I attended these and other academic and leadership programs, only a few educators looked like me or had my real-life perspective of how their theories, metrics analysis, and mainstream strategy impact real communities and increasingly diverse communities. I have a great deal to share, so I am not troubled by defining who I am; what worries me is how much time do I have left. I have crammed a lot of living and serving in my life.

I know (in my heart) that I will someday teach as I adore young people and those thirsty for helpful knowledge. Prayerfully, one day, I will also write. I am so blessed to have met so many Civil Rights icons throughout my life and hundreds of courageous social justice change agents who made such a difference in my life and the lives of so many.

The "memories" that pop up through Facebook and other social media are a gracious reminder that WE CAN OVERCOME despite what we go through or are challenged with, but we must keep doing it and keep moving.

Let me encourage you today, especially if you suffer from a wound or injustice. If you feel stuck in despair or pain, please redirect your focus to self-care and healing. If you continue to move forward one day at a time, you will persevere, survive with greater knowledge and understanding about the human condition, have greater empathy for humanity and all sentient beings, and appreciate our beautiful planet. You will one day reflect upon the personal and professional struggles and accomplishments that bring you joy and peace.

Love to all.

Elizabeth

It's so strange that as BIPOC citizens in a global society, we are still analyzed by our accomplishments, and for us, no matter how long our list, it is essential to US, how we serve, and how we love. No matter how many accolades or degrees we are awarded, we still fight for our integrity, dignity, and peace.

Elizabeth Asahi Sato "Rising Sun" CEO Rise to Excellence LLC

Executive Master of Public Administration

Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Public Management

President's Scholarship Office of Global Diversity & Inclusion

WTIA DEI Conference -DEI Panelist on Retention of Professional People of Color

Committee Member- Workforce Diversity Project Steering Committee, with Partners in Diversity

Board Member-National Native American Human Resources Association Board of Directors

Mentioned in Oprah Winfrey's book, O-Living Your Best Life, and featured in O-Magazine-for Rise to Excellence

Featured in Colors of Influence (twice) and in American Diversity Report

Member in Good standing -Society of Human Resource Managers-SHRM

Member in Good Standing-Association of Fundraising Professionals

Senior Fellow-The American Leadership Forum

Alumni, Fellow-Leadership Clark County

Women in Leadership- Murdock Charitable Trust

Southwest Washington- "Women of Achievement"

Special Advisor to the Washington State Secretary of State, Charities Division.

Soroptimist International- "Making a Difference for Women Award."

Oprah Magazine, American Express Corporation, and the White House Project Women Rule! Winner-- national leadership competition

Inclusiveness and Justice Standing Committee National Council of Churches /USA-Board Member

Oregon State Board of Higher Education- Gubernatorial appointee

Official Ambassador- appointed by Governor Victor Atiyeh to represent the State of Oregon at the JFK Memorial Library opening ceremonies in Boston.

The NAACP, Vancouver Chapter—Emcee, annual dinner Fundraiser event

Board Chairperson, Mending Wings Youth Organization on the Yakama Reservation

Mayoral Appointee to the Commission on the Rights of Minorities-Eugene, Oregon

Commencement Speaker (twice) for the University of Oregon Law School shared the platform with Senator Julian Bond and Dr. Derrick Bell (U of O & Harvard Law School)

These are just a few, but MOST IMPORTANTLY (to me), the mother of three now grown amazing-incredible and kind sons, GABRIEL, SAMUEL, AND ELIJAH.

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