2008 Department of Communication Alumni Hall of Fame

By Chanel Merritt

“Being able to use writing skills to help people is always a good thing,” says Mayumi Tsutakawa (’72, ’76), manager for grants to organizations at the Washington State Arts Commission (WSAC).

“At a basic level, the study of media, journalism and communication is so important in our civilization,” according to Tsutakawa. “In a competitive world, turning towards information technology, communication students have a good advantage to get ahead.”

A UW alumna with an undergraduate degree in East Asian Studies and a Masters in Communication, her thesis dealt with James Sakamoto and the Japanese American Courier. She credits Communication Professor Roger Simpson, her thesis advisor, for not only helping her find her topic, but for understanding and being supportive of her interest in that topic.

Simpson returned the compliment, “Mayumi is a treasure,” says Simpson.

When asked what advice she would give Communication students now, Tsutakawa advises them to focus on writing. “Writing skills are so important,” says Tsutakawa. “Being able to write and edit quickly is important.” And she encourages students to write on deadline but always take the time to have their writing edited.

Internships are also a great way to gain experience and often times turn into good jobs, says Tsutakawa. “Social service organizations, such as United Way, are great places to intern and many arts organizations need good interns.”

“In my experience, you have to be interested in listening, even if you don’t always have time to,” she said. “Break through prejudice to get the job done.”

Volunteering for community organizations and events is another great idea, according to Tsutakawa. “Students may meet board members and other community leaders who can help them in the beginning of their career.”

Tsutakawa became active in community activism while still in college and has continued her community work throughout her career. She started her professional career at the the International Examiner, the newspaper for the International District — working there after earning her BA.

“I believe the International Examiner is one of the best Asian papers in America,” says Tsutakawa. “It has a politically progressive viewpoint, it is inclusive of a wide range of people and ethnicities and it has the best art section.”

Knowing she wanted a Masters degree, Tsutakawa chose Communication after talking with a friend she knew from her volunteer efforts, another UW Communication alumna, Rita Brogan (’72, ’75).

After earning her graduate degree, Tsutakawa work as a reporter and later an art critic and copy and layout editor for The Seattle Times, where she was the first Asian American female reporter at a any major paper in the region. “Cliff Rowe, the editorial writer at the Times, told me about the position opening,” said Tsutakawa. “Keep your mind open to meeting new people,” she advises students.

Tsutakawa worked with the Seattle Times for 6 years and is grateful for the excellent experience and the paper’s high standard for writers.

After leaving the Times, she became an instructor at Seattle Central Community College, teaching East Asian/Asian American history and journalism. “I wanted to be more independent, influence people from the community level,” said Tsutakawa.

In 1984 she went to work for the King County Arts Commission as an Arts Coordinator and later, she became manager for the Cultural Resources Division and was promoted again to assistant director.

Tsutakawa also worked as a freelance editor/writer and independent project consultant on exhibitions, community project and cultural programs. She co-edited the first national Asian American women’s literature and art anthology, “The Forbidden Stitch: Asian American Women’s Literary Anthology.” The anthology was awarded the Before Columbus Foundations “American Book Award in 1990.

Tsutakawa worked as director of external relations for the Wing Luke Asian Museum before going to work at the WSAC, where she is today.

Along with her work at WSAC, Tsutakawa has been involved in a number of cultural projects, community committees, and grant-award panels. She’s a member of the organizing committee for the Northwest Asian American Film Festival, art committee for new facility at the Asian Counseling and Referral services, national board member of the Association of American Cultures. She researched and wrote the public art section for the International District Urban Streetscape Plan.

She is also the recipient of the International Examiner’s “Community Voices Award” and the Seattle’s “Mayor’s Arts Award.”

Tsutakawa believes that if students can use their skills as a writer for a purpose, to help others, it’s a great thing. She encourages students to volunteer, and to get involved in community activism.