We’re continuing our celebration of AANHPI Co-leaders and our next stop is NYC where we find recently retired Co-leader Aki Shimizuishi (he/him) – a leader who knows how to #JustShowUp for everyone in his global community.
Who are some of the Asian and Pacific Islander athletes in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
Ice Hockey players Jim Paek and Paul Kariya. Figure Skater Kristi Yamaguchi. Volleyball player Eric Sato of team USA. Lately, Runners Yuki Kawauchi and Haruki Murakami (also author).
When did you first #JustShowUp to NP? How did you come across NP? What is it that you were looking for in a fitness group? How did NP provide that? What was an “extra” that NP has that you found value in?
First showed up at NP in the summer of 2017. I knew about November Project through former runner friend, Billy Henehan but former co-leader, Mary Arnold convinced me to #justshowup. Having been in team sports all my life, I needed people pushing me physically and mentally but with a social aspect. The extra I found was a community, a second family.
What apprehensions did you have as you considered coming for the first time? What was your first impression? Why did you keep showing up?
There was an apprehension of whether the group would be a good fit, whether they would be accepting. First impression was that the co-leaders were welcoming, there was a wide range of fitness levels and everyone was friendly and encouraging. I kept showing up as I got a workout but I also enjoyed the company of the people that showed up.
What does it mean to you to be an Asian and/or Pacific Islander Co-leader? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community?
It was an added benefit to be a minority co-leader as there have not been many and to be the first minority co-leader (in terms of race) in my city was good since it better reflected the members who show up. For my community and NP Global, I hope it was viewed as a sign of diversifying the co-leadership to better reflect the demographics of the members that show up.
How does being Asian and/or Pacific Islander influence your leadership? What was it like to be Asian and/or Pacific Islander in your community before you stepped into leadership?
Being Asian American, I think I am more welcoming and inclusive. Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood where I was one basically the one minority, I felt left out of many groups/events. It helped having a couple of best friends and playing team sports helped me being included.
Do you remember the first time you saw someone who identified the same as you in leadership (at November Project or anywhere else)? What was that feeling like?
It was always nice to see an Asian leader as I was so used to non-Asian leaders. And it was so much cooler when I ended up as leader of an group or captain of a sports team. With NP, it was a combination of acceptance and the sense of being trusted to lead.
Did you have any apprehensions to lead this group? Did you experience imposter syndrome when you were asked to lead? What advice would you give to another Asian and/or Pacific Islander person who is nervous about leading a group (at November Project or anywhere else) or coming to November Project?
The question of “Am I really the best person for this? Am I ready?” was there. My advice to everyone leading is that you were chosen for a reason. Trust your gut and give everything you have. There will be times where you mess up but learn from them and keep going. Just know that you have many in the community that support you.
How do you celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? How can others celebrate you or celebrate with you this day? How can we celebrate you all year long?
AAPI month was not a thing growing up. The best way to celebrate is maybe read a book by a AAPI author, learn about the history of AAPI in the US, watch a TV Show/movie with AAPI actors/actresses, go eat at a restaurant owned by an AAPI, etc.. I’m still learning much myself.
