TreePeople Spotlight: Emi Kusayanagi, Youth Leadership Coordinator

Hi Treeps,

We do a lot of work with schools across LA County to inspire and engage students and teachers to take personal responsibility for the environment and we’d like to introduce you to Emi Kusayanagi, a Youth Leadership Coordinator

Emi was born in the US and grew up in Japan, Turkey, Belgium and went to university in Canada, where she got a bachelor’s in environmental science. Her first job in conservation was in Hawaii, where she did natural resources management for over two years. Emi then worked with an orangutan conservation organization that took her to Borneo. Her rich experiences have shaped who she is and prepared her for her job with TreePeople, where she shares her passion for the environment with youth.

What is your favorite tree? Why?

My favorite tree is the ‘Ohi’a lehua, one of the dominant trees of the native Hawaiian forests. I started my conservation career in the dense rainforests of Kaua’i as a field technician, where I was constantly surrounded by beautiful ‘Ohi’a lehua trees. Spending more than two years there, Kaua’i has a special place in my heart. The ‘Ohi’a lehua is a symbol of my love for the island as well as their truly unique ecosystem. l even have the flowers tattooed on my arm!

Where are you from originally? What makes it special?

I’m originally from Tokyo, Japan. My entire family including my sister, parents, and grandparents live there. What makes Japan special is that it’s an incredibly rich country in terms of culture, history, and nature. Having been raised abroad for many years of my life, I get to appreciate Japan as a native Japanese citizen, as well as learn about my culture from an outside perspective.

What inspired you to join TreePeople?

I think I was destined to join TreePeople because I heard about the organization when I was still living in Hawaii and contemplating moving to Los Angeles. I actually worked for a different organization when I first moved here. Then, when I left that position and was job-searching, I coincidentally met threeTreePeople staff members at a mixer. I instantly knew I wanted to work with TreePeople because I vibed with the people I met that night. I was right — TreePeople has a wonderful working environment and I love everyone who I’ve met there!

What’s your favorite TreePeople memory?

My favorite TreePeople memory is when I went out with a group of youth from South Los Angeles to San Francisquito Canyon in the Angeles National Forest for a mountain restoration day. Most of the youth in the group live in neighborhoods that lack green space and had never been to their local national forest. I’m grateful to have shared the experience of being out in the wilderness with them and witnessed first-hand the connection they made to nature. We had so much fun!

What’s your favorite local outdoor space?

Topanga State Park!

What’s your favorite environmental book? Why?

I love The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins. It’s a book that explores plant intelligence and sentience in response to human nurture and care. It was published in 1973 so it’s a bit out there and I’m not sure how credible the research included in it is today, but it’s a fascinating read that takes your perspective outside of the box (and you’ll start talking to plants after you read it!)

What’s your most-played song?

Too many to pick!

What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?

It changes every week, but right now it’s sweet and sour seitan with veggies. :)

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I’ve lived in 11 cities and 7 countries. :)

Los Angeles-based TreePeople is the region’s largest environmental movement, whose mission is to inspire, engage and support people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment. Visit us at treepeople.org and learn how you can join our cause.