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ABOUT NAKATOMIPR

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WHO WE ARE

NakatomiPR is deeply rooted in community, supporting community based, philanthropic and corporate organizations to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, health equity, and environmental sustainability through strategic communications and capacity building. As strategists and thought partners, media and PR experts, and active members in our communities, we provide multidisciplinary perspectives to help mission-driven leaders and organizations advance social change. 

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

When Debra Nakatomi realized that her passion for volunteering and serving communities was eclipsing her desire to advance her career in the corporate world, she knew it was time to venture into new territory. Building upon her career in public affairs and public relations at the California Legislature, CBS Television, and the Walt Disney Company, she envisioned a woman of color owned communications firm helping mission-driven organizations activate on their missions. Since founding NakatomiPR in 1989, Debra has been internationally recognized for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, creating opportunities for women, and strengthening U.S.-Japan relations.
 

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NakatomiPR offers a unique approach of integrating history, culture, and lived experience through strategic communications and capacity building to create meaningful impact.

OUR VALUES

Core beliefs and principles that guide us.

Advocacy

Being a catalyst for change and uplifting diverse voices.

Excellence

Creating lasting impact through trust and respect.

Courage 

Speaking truth to power.

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Equity

Championing social justice and healthy, sustainable communities for all.

Inclusion

Honoring lived experiences and cultural diversity.

Curiosity

Embracing an open-heart and open-mind.

Authenticity

Leading with purpose and aligning our values with our actions.

With a mix of strategy, heart, and talent, we amplify your work of improving lives and communities.

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OUR APPROACH

Our client’s success begins with the mantras we live by.

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Good work and relationship building take time. Our longest retained client has been with us for over 26 years and counting. We’ve always worked in close collaboration with our clients. They trust us.

We prepare our clients for transition, opportunity and uncertainty through a strategic approach informed by research and data. Culture change, issues management and reputational challenges are part of growth and success.

Strategic communications is often complex—our audiences are diverse and multilingual, and messaging is often late to reach them. A clear pathway and simple solutions are elusive in this work.  We are committed to forging consensus approaches and delivering equitable approaches.

We provide customized high-touch service to our clients. Our approach has always been tailored to meet their unique needs. In the virtual environment, that hasn’t changed.

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WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

NakatomiPR brings mission & values together with passion, purpose and wisdom. Our work with Debra and her team during a pivotal moment in A Place Called Home's 30-year evolution enabled us map out our vision for our future while remaining true to our legacy and culture.

Jonathan Zeichner

Former CEO, A Place Called Home

NakatomiPR came to our aid at a pivotal moment in the life of our organization. With Debra and her team’s warmth and in depth knowledge regarding communications and fundraising issues, she provided an ideal sounding board as we planned our growth. Despite it being the middle of the pandemic, with NakatomiPR’s support, we have been able to double our budget.

Karen Mack

Executive Director, LA Commons

NakatomiPR has been a sounding board and advisor to me as a CEO for over 6 years. Debra and her team have provided invaluable counsel on building a strong executive team and effective Board of Directors, bringing their expertise as communications professionals. They offer balanced guidance, focused listening and unparalleled coaching that has helped me develop my leadership and management skills.

Wendy Butts

CEO, LA Conservation Corps

OUR PEOPLE

Working together comes naturally.

Get to know our dedicated, passionate, and tight-knit group of talent. We are passionate about what we do.

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PRESIDENT

Debra Nakatomi

Fun fact: Loves daily 4pm ice cream breaks

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MANAGING DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES

Amy Watanabe

Fun fact: Puzzle enthusiast, amateur genealogist

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ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Vanessa Kang

Fun fact: Movie lover, both good and bad

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MEDIA DIRECTOR

Danielle Fairlee

Fun fact: Musical theatre nerd, LGBTQ+ ally

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jung-eun “Julianne” Lee

Fun fact: Sewing Machine Lover

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Christine Rae Reglos

Fun fact:  Retired Disneyland performer

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ASSOCIATE

​Marisa Latham French

Fun fact: Sudoku Enthusiast

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Mark Quon

Fun fact: Musician, songwriter, foodie

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SOCIAL & DIGITAL MANAGER

Monica Olivera

Fun fact: Amateur coffee connoisseur

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See how NakatomiPR transforms with purpose.

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