CommUNITY Citizen

In 1993, a young woman left her home in Izumo, Japan in pursuit of higher education in the US—and ended up in Ellensburg, Washington at Central Washington University. Manami Imaoka headed to America unsure what kind of welcome she would find, and ended up with more friends than she can count. And as of January 24, Manami is now a citizen of the United States! Here is her story: 

Manami has worn many hats since coming to the US three decades ago. Manami earned a master’s degree in educational leadership at the University of Oregon and taught Japanese at four schools in Oregon. During her years in Oregon, Manami became a certified master recycler, helping Jesuit High of Portland to earn several state and federal awards as a “Green School.” Prior to coming to CRJS, Manami was a procurement administrator at Northwest Harvest, a local non-profit that believes that “nutritious food is a human right.” 

A resident of Renton and now Cristo Rey Jesuit’s hardworking Executive Assistant, Manami keeps a permaculture garden at home, filled with fruit trees and native plants, as well as free-range chickens, “the natural tillers” of her soil.

Manami frequently shares with all of us at school the eggs, jams, jellies, and other treats she bakes with berries and rhubarb from her garden. 

During the past few years, Manami has been both an active member and employee of the Renton Chamber of Commerce, where she has made many connections that have helped CRJS tell its story. As a sign of both her values and the respect she has earned in the community, Manami was appointed an Equity Commissioner for the City of Renton. 

On January 24, Manami became a US citizen after taking the Oath of Citizenship in Tukwila. Why did she decide to become a citizen so long after coming to the US? For Manami, as for millions of folks, the answer is complicated.

“I wanted to keep my Japanese citizenship while my dad is living, but with all of my community involvement, I finally realized that it would help me in my work if I could also vote and exercise the rights and responsibilities of a US citizen.” 

Manami is a terrific role model for the students in our inaugural Class of 2028. Like many of our students (and several Board members!), Manami was born in another country and came to the US speaking little English. Manami not only has mastered the English language, but she is also an active, involved community member, a master gardener and origami artist, and all-around fantastic human being. 

When I meet the parents of our incoming students, most of them bilingual and bicultural, I am humbled by the sacrifices they have made to provide their children access to the excellent education at CRJS. And whenever I am with Manami, I realize what a gift to this nation are hardworking new citizens like her.

I also remember the words of President John F. Kennedy: “Everywhere immigrants have strengthened and enriched the fabric of American life.” 

For me, witnessing Manami take the Oath of Citizenship was a powerful and profound experience. We are so fortunate to have Manami as part of our team, as a key member of our community, and now, as a fellow citizen! 

Paul Hogan,
CRJS President