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Interview with SD350 Member of the Month: Toshi Ishihara

Toshi is a SD350 board member and co-chair of the Transportation Committee.
SD350: How did you get involved with SD350 and when was that?

Toshi Ishihara: I participated in the climate march that was organized by SD350 in Sept. 2018. Back then, I just stopped working as a manager at a high tech company because I was so concerned with Climate Change that I could not ignore the inner calling deep in my heart. I became a member of the Public Policy Team in Nov 2018 and since then, I have been an active member of PPT and its transportation committee. I just became a board member this month!

SD350: What are three words that your friends would use to describe you?

TI: Caring, Empowering and Empathetic.

SD350: What drives your activism? 

TI: Since I was a little kid, I was against any sort of discrimination based on race, gender, etc. I became interested in technology when I was in high school, and started studying about renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and tidal. I wanted to pursue a PhD in renewable energy because I was concerned with the negative impacts on our environment and future by humans’ unstoppable desire for more  energy and electricity. But, back then, the government did not support research on renewable energy and because I needed financial support to pursue a PhD, I changed my focus from renewable energy to Optics and Lasers. However, I was unable to continue ignoring the desire deep down in my heart and I decided to give up my lucrative high tech manager career and spend the rest of my life to help fight Climate Change.

SD350: What else would you like people to know about you?

TI:  I gave up my own career and financial security to work to help this world remain livable and enjoyable for future generations and all living species. 

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