Hideko Akashi

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1970’s I knew that I was different.

 I was not part of the mainstream. My parents were Japanese immigrants, and I was born and raised in the United States. For the majority of my childhood I did not have a place to talk about these differences. Not only that, I learned how to shift, contort and adapt to a dominant culture that I wanted to fit into so badly. I internalized negative messages about myself and socialized to believe that there was one one right way of doing and of being.  

 Looking back on my life, I realized that what I had needed was a space where it was safe to talk about and celebrate differences. That is why this work has always been intensely personal to me. I am able to see many facet’s of the experiences of others because I have lived experience in experiencing discrimination, oppression, bias, prejudice while also inhabiting areas of privilege and advantage. 

 I embarked on my journey with the guidance of many mentors and teachers. I attended workshops and conferences and engaged in my own therapy and counseling. I have gathered a team of close colleagues; each of them with a unique perspective and background. Together we share a deep practice and understanding of  facilitating spaces which help individuals and organizations do the transformational work of liberation.