Yuka Nagashima

Yuka Nagashima is a seasoned executive, policy leader, entrepreneur, and educator who currently serves as the Executive Director of Food Shift, a project of the Earth Island Institute. Here are some key points about her background and work:

Professional Experience

• Nagashima has over 20 years of experience in various roles, including senior executive positions, policy leadership, and entrepreneurship. She has worked in government, non-profits, education, and startups.2
• At Food Shift, she leads an organization focused on addressing the intersection of food and climate justice. The organization aims to reduce food waste, provide job training, and redistribute food to those in need, particularly those facing employment discrimination.14

Previous Roles

• She was the Executive Director of the High Technology Development Corporation in Hawaii from 2006 to 2013, where she managed tech-based economic development and turned the agency into a cash flow positive entity.2
• Nagashima co-founded LavaNet, Inc., an award-winning Internet Service Provider in Hawaii, and held various roles there from 1998 to 2006.2
• She was an Instructor at Stanford Continuing Studies from 2019 to 2021 and has also been the Owner & Chief Strategist of Paideia Enterprises since 2008.2

Education

• Nagashima holds a B.A. in Physics from Reed College, which she completed from 1988 to 1992.2

Leadership and Values

• Her leadership style is characterized by a focus on building capacity in individuals, teams, and organizations, and she has a strong passion for rooting for the underdog.2
• At Food Shift, she emphasizes the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), ensuring that the organization's actions benefit the people they serve, involve the community in the solution, and work collaboratively with others.13

Consulting and Advocacy

• Nagashima offers consulting services through Food Shift, helping organizations develop and implement JEDI practices. These services include workshops, initial consultations, and customized advisory services.3
• She is also involved in advocacy and community education, such as the development of the Seasonal Kitchen Guide to reduce food waste and promote sustainable cooking practices.1

Overall, Yuka Nagashima is a multifaceted leader dedicated to innovative solutions in food justice, climate change, and community development.