The NACADA Board of Directors is the official governing body of the Association, and provides direction for the Association by developing and maintaining the Association's strategic plan.
Board of Directors - 3 positions available, three-year term each (October 2018 - October 2021). Nominees must have served a full term as a Chair of a Division level sub-unit (region, committee, commission).
Megumi I Makino-Kanehiro
University of Hawaii-Manoa Honolulu, HI
Platform
Platform Statement: Part I
1. If elected to this position, what will you attempt to accomplish that will help to meet the strategic goals of the Association? (1500 characters or less)
Increasing the inclusivity and diversity of NACADA is one of our most pressing issues today. As a result, I would focus primarily on the strategic goal to create an inclusive environment that promotes diversity. There are various facets to diversity; the one that I would like to focus on is ethnic diversity. The strategic goals are interconnected so I would also plan to develop and sustain effective Association leadership. I have been fortunate to serve on the Core Values committee as well as the CIGD Steering Committee's Diversity Task Force Subcommittee. In both capacities, I have had a chance to speak with many individuals about the importance of creating an inclusive environment. Increased diversity can encourage diverse members to serve as leaders.
There are many exciting ideas already being discussed in various NACADA groups and committees. I would attempt to raise awareness and encourage open dialogue. To start, I would organize focus / discussion groups at regional and national...
Increasing the inclusivity and diversity of NACADA is one of our most pressing issues today. As a result, I would focus primarily on the strategic goal to create an inclusive environment that promotes diversity. There are various facets to diversity; the one that I would like to focus on is ethnic diversity. The strategic goals are interconnected so I would also plan to develop and sustain effective Association leadership. I have been fortunate to serve on the Core Values committee as well as the CIGD Steering Committee's Diversity Task Force Subcommittee. In both capacities, I have had a chance to speak with many individuals about the importance of creating an inclusive environment. Increased diversity can encourage diverse members to serve as leaders.
There are many exciting ideas already being discussed in various NACADA groups and committees. I would attempt to raise awareness and encourage open dialogue. To start, I would organize focus / discussion groups at regional and national conferences. I would also call together a virtual summit with the chairs of various groups (Multicultural Concerns Commission, Committee on Diversity, HBCU Colleges & Schools, etc.) to brainstorm and develop a two-year project to really focus attention on this issue. Communication and messaging is an important part of raising awareness, so I would create a campaign that would be a 2-year reminder of this project across all NACADA platforms (email, webpages, Facebook.)
Platform Statement: Part II
2. Describe an accomplishment on your own campus or within NACADA of which you are proud. What do you believe your accomplishment demonstrates about your abilities as a leader? (1500 characters or less)
I was one of the co-founders of the Mānoa Peer Advisor Program, an elite selection, training and placement program for peer advisors at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM). I also served as the program's co-supervisor or solo supervisor for 7 years. This program proved challenging at times. When it started, three of us were given 3.5 months to create and implement it. At one point, it fell to me to continue the program alone and although it would have been easier to shut down the program, I figured out a way to keep it going while also balancing my other responsibilities. This fall, I have turned the program over to another advisor but I still serve as past supervisor, which means that I am still involved with selection and training of leaders and peer advisors. Since its creation in 2010, the MPA Program has trained over 130 peer advisors who have been placed in over 15 advising offices throughout the UHM campus.
Initially setting up MPA with the other co-founders demonstrates...
I was one of the co-founders of the Mānoa Peer Advisor Program, an elite selection, training and placement program for peer advisors at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM). I also served as the program's co-supervisor or solo supervisor for 7 years. This program proved challenging at times. When it started, three of us were given 3.5 months to create and implement it. At one point, it fell to me to continue the program alone and although it would have been easier to shut down the program, I figured out a way to keep it going while also balancing my other responsibilities. This fall, I have turned the program over to another advisor but I still serve as past supervisor, which means that I am still involved with selection and training of leaders and peer advisors. Since its creation in 2010, the MPA Program has trained over 130 peer advisors who have been placed in over 15 advising offices throughout the UHM campus.
Initially setting up MPA with the other co-founders demonstrates my ability as a leader to envision a goal and make it happen, while working as part of a team. Serving as MPA supervisor highlights my determination and perseverance in making sure that the program continued. I am passionate about peer advising and believe in its ability not only to assist students but also transform the peer advisors and leaders. When I believe in something, I am willing to invest the time and energy necessary to make it successful.
Platform Statement: Part III
3. Why are you interested in serving in this leadership position or what influenced you to run for this leadership position? (1500 characters or less)
It was a great honor (and shock, actually) to be nominated to run for the Board of Directors and, to be honest, this was something that I had never envisioned. However, I recognize the importance of standing up for what you believe in and making your voice heard.
In the CIGD Steering Committee Diversity Task Force Subcommittee, we discussed how important it was for people of color to see leaders who are like them. I have experienced this firsthand. At my first CIGD leader training, I was stunned, at one point, to look around the room and realize that there were very few people of color in the room and I was probably one of the few – or the only – Asian in the room of 50 leaders. On two separate occasions, other advisors approached me specifically because I am Asian. I have had a new advisor run up to me at the awards ceremony, excited that there was another Japanese person in NACADA and I have also had another advisor come up to me to ask how she could be more involved.
At the...
It was a great honor (and shock, actually) to be nominated to run for the Board of Directors and, to be honest, this was something that I had never envisioned. However, I recognize the importance of standing up for what you believe in and making your voice heard.
In the CIGD Steering Committee Diversity Task Force Subcommittee, we discussed how important it was for people of color to see leaders who are like them. I have experienced this firsthand. At my first CIGD leader training, I was stunned, at one point, to look around the room and realize that there were very few people of color in the room and I was probably one of the few – or the only – Asian in the room of 50 leaders. On two separate occasions, other advisors approached me specifically because I am Asian. I have had a new advisor run up to me at the awards ceremony, excited that there was another Japanese person in NACADA and I have also had another advisor come up to me to ask how she could be more involved.
At the St. Louis conference, I had numerous thought-provoking conversations with colleagues on this issue that have made me see that this is an area where we can have a significant impact. An advising friend's recent passing reminded me of the importance of making every hour count. NACADA has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities and I hope to be able to give back, in a small way, by serving as a leader, opening opportunities for others and making a long-term difference.
Platform Statement: Part IV
4. Please describe how you will work to promote the enhancement of inclusivity throughout (or within) the association. (1500 characters or less)
I am fortunate to work at one of the most diverse institutions in the nation, the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I will admit that Hawaii is not the perfect melting pot that is often portrayed by the media. We still have our issues but we share a common understanding of the importance of understanding, appreciating, and celebrating all cultures.
Since taking on leadership positions in NACADA, I have had a chance to speak to friends and colleagues of all ethnic backgrounds about their hopes and dreams to improve NACADA by making it more diverse and more inclusive. I plan to continue to learn from my NACADA family.
As explained in Question 1, some of my goals include the following:
• Call together a virtual summit of the chairs for key groups to brainstorm and develop a 2-year project to focus attention on this issue.
• Create a parallel communication & messaging plan to support and highlight the project.
I still keep in touch with the advisor who asked for guidance in...
I am fortunate to work at one of the most diverse institutions in the nation, the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I will admit that Hawaii is not the perfect melting pot that is often portrayed by the media. We still have our issues but we share a common understanding of the importance of understanding, appreciating, and celebrating all cultures.
Since taking on leadership positions in NACADA, I have had a chance to speak to friends and colleagues of all ethnic backgrounds about their hopes and dreams to improve NACADA by making it more diverse and more inclusive. I plan to continue to learn from my NACADA family.
As explained in Question 1, some of my goals include the following:
• Call together a virtual summit of the chairs for key groups to brainstorm and develop a 2-year project to focus attention on this issue.
• Create a parallel communication & messaging plan to support and highlight the project.
I still keep in touch with the advisor who asked for guidance in how she could be more involved. I value my relationship with her. I feel as though we are both learning in this process – she is becoming more involved and I am learning how to be a better leader. This is truly a win-win situation. As a result, one proposal I have for the project is
• Establish a pilot mentoring program for new NACADA members of color as an orientation and welcome to NACADA.
Past Involvement in NACADA
5. Outline your past involvement in NACADA:
a. Years in NACADA
b. National Offices Help and Accomplishments Achieved
Years in NACADA: 12 years
Panelist, NACADA webinar: “The Peer Advising Advantage: Creating Meaningful Connections" – November 2013
