We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariko Nakawatase and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariko, what matters most to you?
Growing up, one of the best values I ever heard was “fearless empathy” fearless empathy, is the ability to deeply understand and share the feelings of others, as a strength not a strategy.

In action, it helps build stronger relationships by fostering open communication and trust, while also encouraging inclusivity in diverse environments where everyone feels valued.

This value has become essential for me, by facilitating conflict resolution, and understanding different perspectives as we all find common ground.

Additionally, fearless empathy promotes mental health by reducing feelings of isolation, creating a sense of belonging. It challenges us to confront our biases, driving personal growth and inspiring action for social change.

Ultimately, fearless empathy cultivates meaningful connections and a more compassionate world, To lead a life in heart and spine showcases you as a leader that can express gratitude, inspire loyalty, appreciation, and trust with those around them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an Assistant District Director for a County Supervisor, I play a crucial role in facilitating community engagement through various initiatives, including workshops, town halls, and outreach drills. My responsibilities involve organizing informative sessions that empower residents with knowledge about local issues, services, and resources. Hosting town halls allows me to connect directly with constituents, with their elected officials and resources needed, providing them a platform to voice their concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue. Through outreach drills, I actively collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders to identify needs and implement solutions that enhance the quality of life in our district. This position enables me to bridge the gap between the government and the community, fostering transparency and building trust while striving to create a positive impact in the lives of the residents we serve. I would not be where I am today, without the mentorship and guidance of many alongside the amazing staff I get to work with and the many interns and students that help inspire me to be the best version possible of myself. With their support I am constantly able to achieve and excel in my goals.

Upon graduating from college in 2019, I sought guidance on how to get involved in local government and politics, and the consensus was clear: working on campaigns is a great way to open doors. I took this advice to heart and began my journey as an intern for then-Senator Joel Anderson. Recognizing my passion for community engagement, he welcomed me onto his full-time staff in 2021 and later promoted me to his community outreach team, where I could further pursue my commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact in the community.

The work of empowering our community through outreach and engagement is incredibly fulfilling, as it highlights the diverse voices and experiences that make our district so very unique. This role has illuminated my own biases and gaps in understanding, reinforcing the importance of inclusive dialogue and representation in government. I’ve come to realize that effective engagement is not just about sharing information, but about actively listening and adapting our approaches to meet the needs of all constituents. This journey has deepened my commitment to fostering a more representative and responsive government, where every voice is heard and valued.

I think if I want the world to know something, its more about the importance of work in the public sector and the admiration I have for them. Public sector employees play a crucial role in shaping policies and programs that address the needs of diverse populations, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities and resources. The work not only promotes civic engagement but also enhances transparency and accountability in governance, helping to build trust between the government and the community. The work, is not easy but so very necessary to help achieve and contribute to the greater good.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Diego is Classic and there are some much needed staples to see and do, here is my itinerary to get folks the absolute San Diego experience.

Day 1 – Downtown/Waterfront
USS Midway Museum
Lunch / Walk in Seaport Village
Dinner/Dessert in Little Italy (Highly recommend Barbusa and ask for the Busa Board)

Highlights would be to catch a padres game, and pregame/eat at Bub’s.

Day 2 – Balboa Park & Zoo (this might be a two day split!)
Explore Balboa Park (bonus points for Museum of Us or the Museum of Art)
Walk past the botanical garden, lily pond, Japanese Friendship Garden.
Personally, all though there are a ton of great restaurants, I recommend doing a picnic lunch at the park.
Dinner/Drinks in Hillcrest (Big fan of Baja Betty’s!!)

If we make it to the zoo that day, awesome but it is also worth dedicating a large portion of the day too it.

Day 3 – La Jolla
Mount Soledad Cross – honestly one of my favorite places to take folks.
Visit La Jolla Cove – go kayaking/snorkeling ! (Bird Rock, Sugar and Scribe, or Better Buzz for Coffee)
Feeling Fancy? – George’s at the Cove for dinner/or lunch
Feeling Relaxed? – Rubicon Deli!
Highlights – Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

Day 4 – Beach Day/Coast Day
Hiking Torrey Pines
Beach Day at Mission Beach/Coronado Beach
Surfing in Pacific Beach / Encinitas
Visiting Cabrillo National Monument

Day 5/6/7 – Inland Stops
Old Town Historic Park
Carlsbad Flower Fields
Mission San Diego de Alcala – history stop for those that don’t know the missions of California.
Julian Historic District – apple picking, apple pies, and gold mining.
Temecula Wine Country/East San Diego Wine Country

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have to give a lot of credit to my mother, Shirley Nakawatase. My mother is my inspiring role model for many reasons, she embodies resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication. She has always faced challenges with a positive attitude, teaching me the importance of perseverance and the power of a hopeful outlook. Her ability to connect with others and offer support reflects her deep sense of empathy, encouraging those around her to be their best selves. Whether volunteering in the community or simply being there for friends and family, she exemplifies selflessness and commitment to making a difference. Her strong values and work ethic motivate me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my life, making her not just my mother, but a true inspiration in my journey.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariko-nakawatase-mpa-a32750a6/

Image Credits
Christian Koszka
Paige Bounds
Michael Botello
Leadership Institute

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