Yachi joined the CPS staff in 2010 as a Program Coordinator. She started as the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program coordinator and transitioned into the post of International Program Coordinator. Currently, she manages International Programs and directs First Stop Portland. Prior to joining the CPS team, Yachi earned her Master's in Public Administration from the Hatfield School of Government. Her focus was in Global Leadership and Management, and compared the civic engagement systems and functions of Portland and Japanese local governments. She received her Bachelors in International Affairs from Portland State University, and her Associates in International Affairs from Clark Community College in Washington State.
Yachi has been extensively involved in the Japanese Local Governance and Management Training Program (JaLoGoMa) since 2006. Also, Yachi has been enjoying organizing leadership training programs and study tours from South Korea, Vietnam, China, Thailand, Japan, Canada, and many other countries. Yachi is interested in the leadership training program for government and nonprofit employees who have major impacts on sustaining regional communities in their respective areas.
Yachi moved to Portland from her native city of Kagoshima, Japan, in 2000. Because her parents own a Japanese restaurant, her personal goal is to make sure to inherit her father's cooking secrets. On weekends, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, daughter, and a German Shepherd dog.