Tomi Okuno

Tomi Okuno graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Illustration, but was still unsure of what career path to take. Although she grew up in Pasadena, Tomi saw Miss PJCI as a great opportunity to grow deeper roots in her hometown. Living in a neighborhood of apartment buildings, Tomi always noticed how people residing in close proximity can easily grow into separate worlds. During her year on court, she partnered with the Armory Center for the Arts to create and instruct a series of mask-making workshops inspired by Japanese folklore. The workshops were held a few blocks down from the PJCI at The Armory’s La Casita community center, and attracted a variety of participants. Joining the PJCI gave Tomi a deeper appreciation of previous generations’ efforts to establish community gathering opportunities.

Tomi is pursuing a career as an art teacher and currently works as an academic substitute teacher in South Pasadena and San Gabriel. Entering a classroom with a different age group, at a different school, in a different subject each day keeps her on her toes! In her free time, Tomi enjoys painting portraits, eating spicy food, and volunteering in Little Tokyo. She is also involved with her church community at Fellowship Monrovia, where she serves as a volunteer in the Middle School ministry.