Mark Okazaki
The Asian Pacific Islander Community Leadership Foundation (ACLF) announced that Mark Okazaki is the winner of the Kip Tokuda Award. The Kip Tokuda Award recognizes a community member that has demonstrated outstanding contributions to ACLF and the Asian Pacific Islander Community. Past winners of the Kip Tokuda Award include Vera and Joey Ing, Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, Jill Nishi and Ruth Woo. He will be honored May 16 at the 15th Community Leaders Program Dinner..
Okazaki was born, raised and educated in Seattle. He worke for the Seattle-King County Private Industry Council (PIC), the precursor to the Workforce Development Council. At the PIC, Mark helped plan and implement innovative job training programs for low-income youth and adults throughout the county, eventually serving as Assistant Director.
In 2000, Mark assumed the role of Executive Director for Neighborhood House, a 109 year old non-profit anti-poverty agency that provides a wide range of education, employment, health and social services to thousands of low-income children, families and elders throughout Seattle and King County. (end)