Cheryl Ikemiya

I support WorldOregon because I grew up in a small rural community in California, the grandchild of Japanese immigrants. Public media and some exceptional educators sparked my interest in languages and cultures. I'm delighted to support international connections and understanding between our part of the Pacific Northwest and the world.

I am excited about WorldOregon’s future because inspiring curiosity about the world and the connection between regional dilemmas and global solutions, and inviting better understanding of our diversity and shared interests is essential. 

Why Oregon means the world to me:  My career has focused on serving community-based organizations in the arts, humanities and public service media. My work is in philanthropy, connecting people and resources with mission and service to create opportunity and changes lives. The people I'm privileged to work with inspire me every day. I'm also inspired by journalists, filmmakers and historians--storytellers who record truth, help us interpret events with context, enable us to look back and see connections between our lives now and how we are shaped by the past. Oregon is my chosen home. Family drew me here. Beauty, community, and distinct regional identity keep me rooted here.