Journey to “Finding Our Way”
Last July, I was captivated by the first images emerging from Nasa’s James Webb Telescope, the world's most powerful space telescope. I don’t usually consider myself a “space” nerd. I always thought it was interesting yet I wasn’t excited by it. And then I saw the photos from the James Webb Telescope. Now I’m excited.
I know I can never fully understand the years of science and engineering innovation that went into developing the Webb telescope and what makes it work. However, I greatly appreciate the outcome - the amazing, beautiful, and colorful images of the deepest reaches of our universe that is tens of thousands of light years away from us. Below is one of the images from the first set released to the public.
Carina Nebula
Read more about the image here
In a similar way, I appreciate the outcomes of the leaders we honored and recognized last week. From sports, food, education, technology, and advocacy, all are deeply engaged in their respective fields as leaders and role models and prove that blazing new trails can be done regardless of age or generation.
Jeremy Lin captivated the nation and the world with Linsanity. A role model for Asian Americans both on the court and off the court, he smashed through stereotypes and showed that the underdog can come out on top.
Grace Young, an award-winning cookbook author, culinary historian, and filmmaker, the “poet laureate of the wok” became the “accidental voice for Chinatown” during the pandemic as a fierce advocate for America’s Chinatown.
The Pacific American Foundation grew from its origins as a leadership development organization and has evolved to become one of Hawaii’s leading nonprofits in the development and training of rigorous culture-based education programs for both Native Hawaiians and non-Hawaiian students.
Carlo Dela Fuente started as a student activist and later brought his organizing skills to co-found Asian American employee resources groups in 2 leading tech companies and now strategically advocates for Asian and Pacific Islanders inside a Fortune 100 company
Tammie Xiong first started as a student participant in the same organization that she now leads. Through her work she advocates for the end of gender-based violence against women, girls, and LGBTQIA+ folks.
“I will not follow where the path may lead, but I will go where there is no path, and I will leave a trail.” - Muriel Strode.
For the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, we often still have to go where there is no path either by intention or serendipity. It’s for this reason that we honor and recognize our leaders who leave a trail.
The beauty in the journey and the outcome of the James Webb Telescope is the result of diverse talent with knowledge, passion, vision. Star Trek and the Hokule’a, a Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe which revitalized Polynesian voyaging and navigation techniques come to mind as a reflection of the sense of wonder that emerges from exploration and discovery. Whether it’s the universe, the oceans or ourselves, we’re all on a journey to “Finding Our Way” and appreciating the outcomes.
Star cluster NGC 346, spiral galaxies NGC 1672 and Messier 74, and the Pillars of Creation (Eagle Nebula)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Linda Akutagawa (she/hers) is President and CEO of LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics), an organization she has led for the last 10 years. She is committed to developing Asian and Pacific Islanders leaders, and from the classroom to the boardroom, she actively advocates for inclusive pathways for diverse leaders.