Akemi Akaiwa

Akemi was born in Japan and raised in Los Angeles, which drove her passionate about the importance of cross-cultural learning of others' background, history, and values, and did her study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Upon graduating from Soka University of America with BA in Liberal Arts, Akemi worked at AFS-USA for 7 years on the US Department of State high school exchange program (Kennedy-Lugar YES Program), mentoring and advising high school international students from Southeast Asia, Africa, Southeast Europe and the Middle East. This experience broadened Akemi's knowledge and ability to facilitate a safe and supportive environment for her students to grow, which she hopes will help her be a better Advisor for the Columbia SPS students.

During her off times, Akemi enjoys hula dancing, crocheting & knitting, and playing Nintendo games.