A Few Minutes with Nao Kabashima

Nao Kabashima, Executive Director, Karen Organization of San Diego

When Nao Kabashima first came to the United States from her native Japan as a young graduate student at California State University, Chico, she had no idea where her career might lead her.

Now, some 10 years after relocating here, she serves as executive director of Karen Organization of San Diego (KOSD), directly working with adults, children and families of Karen, one of the many ethnic minority groups that have long been persecuted in the Southeast Asia nation of Burma, now known as Myanmar.

The 9-person social service agency serves hundreds of former refugees at its 2,000 square foot facility in the Colina del Sol neighborhood, providing a gathering place for several generations of Karen and others who are originally from Burma.

While most Karen are from Burma, they prefer not to be called Burmese because of the government’s repressive, brutal reign during their lifetimes and before. The agency’s name reflects the fact that Karen community leaders co-founded the KOSD in 2009.

How did you first get involved with the Karen people?
When my husband and I moved here in 2008, I was a volunteer for Jewish Family Services, working specifically with refugees from Burma. I just fell in love with the people and their culture. I’m Japanese and in many ways, it’s very similar to my own. From the very beginning, when I started volunteering here, I felt very connected to their community. 

What challenges do Karen face here in San Diego?
This is a wonderful country, but it’s so hard for them to be on their own, without knowing how to speak English or how to find a job or ask for help. And just imagine how difficult it would be to say goodbye to your own country. It’s our job to help them feel welcome and appreciated.

How does LISC help your organization?
Three years ago, we started partnering with LISC with funding support and also teaching us how to be financially accountable. With LISC’s support, we are now more organized and better managed, because we’ve been able to successfully apply for the outside funding we need. 

With so many different sects represented here, what brings people together? 
We’ve created a “safe space” where kids come after school, and adults come for job training and dance classes and to keep in contact with their culture. We help with language classes and getting accustomed to living here. 

Do you speak the Karen language?
After being here more than 10 years, I do understand some of the language and I’m learning to speak it better. But only about 60 percent of the people we serve are Karen. The others are from different ethnicities from Burma that speak different languages and have different religious beliefs … Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, Muslim. No matter who you are, where you come from, what you believe in, we respect you.

Since you’re not Karen, how do you relate to those you serve?
Growing up, my dream was to help refugees and immigrants, so I always try to imagine what they’re going through, what kind of pain they might be dealing with, what worries they might have. That’s how I can make sure we are providing what they need. 

Nao Kabashima 
Karen Organization of San Diego
619-582-0783
nao@karensandiego.org