Episode 22: Diversity in social work practices

Ayaka Nakaji, MSW, LCSW

Oncology Social Work Care Coordinator

Born and raised in Japan, Ayaka moved to Hawai'i to pursue MSW at University of Hawai'i at Manoa in 2009. Since graduating in 2011, Ayaka has worked in diverse practice settings in Hawai'i and Los Angeles, including domestic violence survivor outreach, intervention and advocacy in the family court, HIV/AIDS prevention education and linkage to care, and intensive case management for LGBTQ identified individuals living with chronic physical and mental illnesses. Ayaka currently works as the Oncology Care Coordinator as part of the interdisciplinary team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Ayaka has been a co-chair the API Social Work Council of Southern California, NASW (National Association of Social Workers) since 2020 and is an active member of the Anti-Racism committee in the city of South Pasadena where she lives.