At Larkin Street, we take pride in showing up as our full, dynamic selves from all experiences and backgrounds. We are proud to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander culture, leadership, and excellence within our diverse team every day.
Here are some previews of just a few incredible changemakers who identify as Asian American Pacific Islander throughout history and within Larkin Street.
SHE CHARTED HER OWN PATH
Kalpana Chawla, Astronaut & Engineer
“The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”
Kalpana Chawla (b. 1962-2003) was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997 as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator.
In 2003, Chawla was one of the seven crew members who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster when the spacecraft disintegrated during its re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. She is regarded as a national hero and was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal.
SPOTLIGHTING AAPI CHANGE-MAKERS
AT LARKIN STREET
Nathalie Qin, Behavioral Health Tech
Nathalie joined Larkin Street in February of 2019 and has an educational background of Psychology and Social Work. Nathalie is a natural leader, gently commanding the space she occupies. She is also an active member of one of our DEI groups and supports staff and clients across the agency. In addition to all the love she pours out, she is an impeccable therapist and coworker.
Andrew Gutierrez, Program Manager
Andrew joined Larkin Street in January 2021 and earned his master’s in Ethnic Studies and Educational Leadership at UCLA. Andrew brings with him years of experience in youth development, youth homelessness, education and research. Andrew joined Larkin Street full of vigor, tenacity, passion, and enthusiasm. He quickly got to work meeting and exceeding expectations. He is a thoughtful leader, encouraging young people to speak their truth and advocate for what they believe in. Andrew has a go with the flow, get the job done attitude, which is greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing Andrew’s continued leadership, excellence, growth and development at Larkin Street.
Claire Hatamiya, Director of Training and Development
Claire joined Larkin Street in March of 2018 and brings with her over ten years of experience in training, youth, and research development. With an educational background in Health Policy Management and a PhD in education and human development, Claire fearlessly leads our staff training development department! Claire can be described as someone who’s dedicated, youth centered and kind. Claire is an amazing kindhearted and compassionate person. She is always there to listen to staff who need someone to talk to.
Michelle Atencion, Lead Employment Counselor
Michelle joined Larkin Street in July 2018 and brings with her years of experience in drug and alcohol use training, case management and counseling. With a background in Alcohol & Drug Studies, Michelle leads with a restorative approach that has an everlasting impact on youth at Larkin Street!
Michelle has played an integral role on the Workforce Development team and within Larkin Street Academy. Her bright personality and Friday dance stretches build community between staff and clients. Michelle leads by example by putting youth first, always offering a hand to support staff projects and brings an irreplaceable energetic pow!
Holly Hsu, Programs Director
Holly joined Larkin Street in February of 2016 as an Intern and shortly after was promoted into management due to her fierce leadership! Holly provides program leadership to her team with a strong compassion and dedication to the youth that we serve. Prior to Larkin Street, Holly has worked in a other social service organizations and finds passion in helping others.
Holly is an incredible, caring leader who has been instrumental in developing and facilitating the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training. Her experience working with staff and clients provided a richness and depth to the CPI Training. She is incredibly supportive, super insightful, a problem-solver, and all around wonderful person!!!
