A Japanese American Woman on How Her Heritage Shaped Her Path in Retirement

Published: May 24, 2021, 4:06 p.m.

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, we talk to Pat Matsumoto, who shares the story of her experience as the daughter of Japanese American immigrants – including her memories of the time her family lived in an internment camp in Arkansas – to her years growing her career in arts & culture in Chicago and to her “second career” in retirement serving as director and secretary of the board of the Japanese American Service Committee Housing Corporation. We also celebrate the life of Bernie Wong, a fearless champion for Asian Americans, and Asian American older adults in Illinois, who passed away earlier this month.