Bold, Beautiful, Powerful, Smart, Creative, and Full of Love --
Meet the members of The Genki Spark
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Karen Young
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Trisha Mah
Day job: Empowering youth to use their voices and minds to change the world
"What are you?": A proud California-bred, English-speaking only third gen Chinese and Yonsei Japanese American human. Why I decided to do this project: I've always loved taiko and becoming roommates with a taiko player was the perfect excuse to start playing. I also cannot resist the opportunity to be LOUDLY visible as an Asian American woman. |
Payal Sharma
Day job: Youth Worker / Dance Instructor
"What are you?": South Asian Indian American -- ASIAN BROWN! Why I decided to do this project: Karen is fierce, the drums are fierce, the ladies are fierce, and my Goddess, do WE SOUND FIERCE! :) |
Mayuko Yamamoto
Day job: I'm a student at school of course :D
"What are you?": I am Japanese Why I decided to do this project: It sounded interesting and a lot of fun, I'm not that great socially so this was a good way for me to meet other people. Also I like being loud. |
Kumiko Yamamoto
Day job: Preschool teacher
"What are you?": Japanese single mother of three Why I decided to do this project: I like to give a challenge to myself. It doesn't matter how old I am, if I have a passion and try hard, I can do it...that is what I thought and I did it!! I was a very shy and quiet Japanese woman. So I wanted to change myself and have my own voice. I love the beauty of community work. We can send a message and also support and help people through taiko. The best part ... we have many, many opportunities to meet wonderful people!! |
Deena Young
Day job: Bean-counter at the most awesome car sharing company ever!
"What are you?": 3rd generation chinese/japanese mix with a slurry of everything in between. Why I decided to do this project: I like things that go BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! After taking one class with Karen I finally understood why she loves taiko so much. Now I am hooked, and I can make some noise! |
Jennifer Moy
Day job: College Student,
Rockstar :) "What are you?": A human being Why I decided to do this project: 2 reasons: taiko and sisterhood. Taiko is a unique, challenging art form that embodies power and strength, which influences you mentally, physically, and verbally. Nothing empowers me more than hitting a big thunderous drum. Sisterhood is community, love, and support, and together, we go beyond the realm of our dojo and into the lives of each other. |
LeeAnn Teylan
Day Job: Clinical Research Coordinator/Statistical Programmer and Freelance Photographer
"What are you?": Queer Filipina-American proudly raised in New York City Why I decided to do this project?: The Genki Spark stole my heart! I joined the Genki family as one of their photographers and fell deeply in love with the pulsing energy of taiko and their passionate commitment to social justice -- so I stepped out from behind the camera and picked up a pair of bachi. |
Monique Morimoto
Day job: I facilitate personal leadership development through conversation, drumming and with horses.
"What are you?": Japanese and French blended with a large dose of spirit. A native Bostonian multicultural pioneer. Why I decided to do this project: At 55 it was time to claim my "Japaneseness" and celebrate my full ethnicity in an empowering and solutions oriented community. The powerful sisterhood, the honor of playing taiko and spreading our energy and message have changed my life! |
Mary Ann Hibino
Day Job: Physical Therapist
"What are you?": A first generation Filipina in her fifties, and to quote Mary Oliver, "still full of life and still full of beans". Why I decided to do this project: Primarily to play Taiko and then I met these incredible, powerful, loving and supportive group of women and I knew I want to be part of this community to serve as a role model in promoting RESPECT for all. |
Sunmin Ahn
Day Job: Biomedical engineer obsessing over detecting DNA and protein
"What are you?:" A lucky woman rich with good food with drinks, great music, and beautiful people in her life. Why I decided to do this project: Cuz drumming kicks ass! |
Lily-Nou Bradtke
Day job: I'm a Waldorf student
"What are you?": I'm a Cambodian American Adoptee Why I decided to do this project: Because I love the energy of taiko and it makes me happy! |
Jenny Robertson
Day Job: Master of Coin, critical thinker
"'What are you?": A 1st generation Taiwanese-Chinese American; inspired by the courage of the women in my life. Why I decided to do this project: From the first time I watched taiko, i was attracted to the physical challenges of the art form; I was in awe of the gracefulness and ferocity coupled with the musical aspect, I knew i had to try it! Best of all, I get to play with The Genki Spark! |
Lisa Philpotts
Day Job: Librarian, health information sleuth
“What are you?”: White English. Malaysian Chinese. Hakka. An immigrant. Southern. American! Why I decided to do this project: When I play taiko with my Genki sisters, I feel powerful and happy. I want to share these positive feelings with others and help build a community where everyone feels heard and respected. |
Eva Loh
Day job: A high school student
"What are you?": I am 100% Second Generation Malaysian Chinese American Why I decided to do this project: I love the art form and energy of taiko. I hope that i could empower myself and gain confidence through learning taiko because the loudness of taiko really made me feel powerful. Also, i want to learn more of how to be genki with all these wonderful women. |
Teresa Reiko Perales
Bio coming!
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Elaine Yoneoka
Day Job: A visual artist and musician
'What are you?': 100% second and a half generation Japanese American Why I decided to do this project: I enjoy playing taiko, to connect with an Asian community, and to support efforts to promote positive affirmative images of Asian women. |
Lynn Niizawa
Day job: After years living abroad working for the UN, I’m now a PhD student in philosophy
"What are you?": 3rd-generation (Sansei) Japanese-American Why I decided to do this project: I love taiko! I love the way it combines a soulful beat, rigorous discipline, joyful energy and dance-like grace. And I deeply respect the mission of this troupe, its amazing members, and our cheerful, intrepid and indomitable Artistic Director, Karen Young! |
The Genki TeensThe Genki Teens class of young Asian women ages 13-19 gathers to build a sisterhood while learning Genki repertoire and developing their own creative pieces. They have the option of performing with The Genki Spark on a part time basis or pursuing full membership.
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Nancy Funn, Mayuko Yamamoto, Susanna Elledge, Jennifer Moy, Lily-Nou Bradtke, and Selina Wan.
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Once a Genki Sister always a Genki Sister: Our former members
Nancy Wong
Day job: Mild Mannered Female Clark Kent
"What are you?": Content, yet open to adventure and enlightenment. Why I decided to do this project: Why watch from the sidelines when you can get in the game and play? Laura Misumi
"What are you?:" 100% 4th generation Yonsei Japanese American, law school student at Northeastern University School of Law, sports superfan (Hail to the Victors!), hungry generally
Why i decided to do this project: I strongly believe in the Genki Spark's mission, and love learning to be a performance artist! (Also, who wouldn't love making loud, soul-shaking music by using large wooden bachi to hit such beautiful(ly cacophonous) drums?!) |
Van Lee
Day job: Working with college students
"What are you?": 1.5 generation Chinese American (Asian American). Why I decided to do this project: I have always loved the high energy of taiko so when I heard about this, I couldn't wait to rock out and be LOUD with these awesome Asian American women! Lianna Kushi
Day job: Empowering entrepreneurs in Lowell and Lawrence
"What are you?": A big sister and daughter Why I decided to do this project: To play taiko and surround myself with bad-ass, strong, powerful women! |
Gertrude Wallis
Day job: Always changing and evolving
"What are you?": Half Japanese (Okinawan), half American renaissance woman. Why I decided to do this project: I love taiko! I am very fortunate to have just spent some time with the Japanese group KODO on Sado Island. Their philosophy is that taiko can help to bring about understanding and world peace through its language. How cool is that?! |
Jenny Tsai
Day job: Educating flocks of adolescent youth and trying to get them to like math
"What are you?": M.I.T. (Made in Taiwan) / 1st generation Chinese Why I decided to do this project: Because taiko ROCKS! It empowers, builds strength, tones arms, tightens abs, sharpens discipline, helps my [lack of] rhythm, and brings amazing people together. Plus, it's super fun and serves as the perfect outlet for a long workday or week! |
Sandra Kim
Day job: Wellesley College Admin and Kickboxer
"What are you?": A big Twinkie Why I decided to do this project: Karen Young is amazing, and I loooooove any combination of rhythm/a movin' beat, and pounding on things. Yatta!!!! |
Reetu Sharma
Day job: Program Coordinator and Event Planner
"What are you?": 1st generation Indian Why I decided to do this project: It provides me with a channel through which I can transfer my fierce emotions and end up with an awesome form of art. |
Gloria Yong
Day Job: IT Cheerleader + Change Agent
"What are you?": They say you are what you eat....so a cupcake! Why I decided to do this project: Taiko is strong yet graceful and beautiful. I get to make bad ass music with other women who embody the same attributes as the art of taiko. Plus...more taiko means more cupcakes :) |
Delia Cheung Hom
Day job: Striving not to be mistaken for an Asian American college student
"What are you?": 3rd generation Chinese American kick-ass mama Why I decided to do this project: I was inspired to be part of this project because it gives me an opportunity to be loud. And because it gives me a legitimate excuse to hit things! |