What makes Greater Phoenix so great: Kathy Nakagawa
Published: 10/30/2018
Updated: 10/09/2019
What is your first and last name?
Kathy Nakagawa
How old are you?
54
What current city do you reside in?
Phoenix
How long have you lived in Greater Phoenix?
I’m a native Arizonan! I grew up in Tempe, moved away for college and graduate school, and returned in 1997 to take a job at ASU.
Did you grow up in Arizona?
Yes
Why’d you decide to stay?
For job and family and so our daughters would have a connection to their grandparents.
What college/university did you graduate from and what’s your degree?
My undergraduate degree is in Modern Languages from University of Notre Dame and my graduate degrees in Human Development & Social Policy (MA and PhD) are from Northwestern University.
Where do you currently work and what is your title?
Associate Professor, Arizona State University
What do you like to do in Greater Phoenix on the weekends?
I like to attend some of the terrific theatre–for example at Space 55 and Brelby Theatre. And there are always many exciting community events, such as at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix!
What’s your go-to staycation spot and why?
I don’t really have a staycation spot, unless my house counts?
What’s your favorite restaurant and why?
My favorite new place is Cha Cha’s Tea Lounge on Grand & 15th Ave. They have the very best tea I’ve ever had! Plus, delicious scones.
How do you stay “cool” in the Arizona summers?
By convincing myself it’s not that bad–and I prefer the heat to the cold 🙂
What do you like about our winters and why?
I like that the a/c doesn’t have to be on and being able to wear scarves.
What do you love most about living in Greater Phoenix?
The relative small-town feel, despite being a major city.
Please include anything else you’d like to share about what makes Greater Phoenix so great.
The many grass-roots organizations that fight to ensure Phoenix and Arizona can move forward in inclusive, equitable ways.
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