Youth Organization Sponsored by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
ABOUT US
The Jr. YBA was first established in the state of Hawai'i in 1957. The Jr. YBA was separated from the original Young Buddhists Association (YBA), which had begun in the 1930s, at the 24th Territorial YBA Convention. For the past 63 years, we have focused on not only helping our temples and sanghas but as well as the rest of our communities. We strive to be a place where young Buddhists can embrace themselves, their religion, and create bonds that will last a lifetime.
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"Jr. Young Buddhist Association (Jr. YBA) is a place where everyone is able to be who they are without the worry of judgment from other people. We are able to make the best memories and have the most genuine laughs with each other, feeling a different bond. Through being a minority religion, we are able to connect to others who share many of the same beliefs, morals, and values in a different way. Even through the few days at camps or conventions, we are able to open up and develop a sense of trust with people who become more than lifelong friends, but family."
-Lauren Kana Suzuki [2020 - 2021 Hawaii Federation Jr. YBAs President]
Executive Board and Advisors
Jay Yokoyama
Federation President
・United of Maui・
Makawao Hongwanji
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Hi Hi! My name is Jay or Jaimee (whatever is fine) and I am the current Federation President. I am currently a sophomore at UH Manoa and have been in YBA for a decently long time. I am majoring in Computer Science but I also like to do graphic design as well. One fun fact about me is that I was a chef at a ramen shop called Tanto. Hope to get to know you all soon!
Diandra Thomson
Federation Vice President
・United of 'Oahu・
Mililani Hongwanji
Aloha! I am Diandra, the current Federation Vice President and Editor of this year's collection of Serendipity newsletters. I am a senior at Mililani High School, Class of 2025, and work at the adult day care that takes place at Mililani Hongwanji, Meaning I am at the Hongwanji nearly 6 days out of every week. I have been a member of Jr. YBA since I was 12 and am still enjoying what few years I have left in this wonderful federation.
Taylor Kunimitsu
Federation Secretary
・United of Oahu・
Aiea Hongwanji
​My name is Taylor and I am the current Federation Secretary. I am a freshman at Punahou School and involved their JROTC and Outdoor Education Volunteer Program. Also a girl in Boy Scouts, I have always been camping every month and being part of big service projects. I really enjoy being part of these amazing organizations and Jr. YBA as they always provide opportunities to give back to the community!
Maslyn Kaneshiro Takeuchi
Federation Treasurer
​・United of Honolulu・
Hawaii Betsuin / Pacific Buddhist Academy
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Haitai! I’m Maslyn, the current Federation Treasurer. I graduated from HMS and was the only student to attend Punahou. I am currently a sophomore and work summer jobs at HMS as an afterschool leader working with younger kids. I joined in 2022 but watched my brother grow up in Jr. YBA. I plan to continue until I age out. I am also a 4th gen Uchinanchu and a 3rd gen Japanese immigrant. Nice to meet you!
Emi Hashi
Youth Specialist
Aiea Hongwanji
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​Formerly of United of Maui, I served as Federation President in 2011-12 and 2012-13. I earned a BA in Human Relations in Organizations from UH Manoa and MA in Communicology from Arizona State University (ASU). I am currently in the Communication Communicology doctoral program at ASU and work as an instructor at UH Manoa.​
Joy Wasai Nishida
Federation Advisor
・United of Honolulu・
Windward Buddhist Temple
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In addition to being a co-advisor to the United Jr. YBA of Honolulu since 2004, I have been the Federation (State) Advisor since 2011. I work with Jr. YBA Advisors and members from around the State as well as the Federation officers.
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