November 19, 2019
December 2019 Spotlight
PSD’s December spotlight is Mitzi Nakatsuka, who works as a web developer in the Department of Statistics. She has been at the University for 42 years and hails from the south side of Chicago.
A PSD community member had this to say about her:
“Mitzi promotes education and integrity through website and IT training. She adds to the office culture of respect and inclusion, and has an incredibly positive attitude daily. She is always willing to work with any student, staff, or faculty member to ensure they understand how to use computer databases as well as the new website.”
We interviewed Mitzi about her interests and experiences below:
What do you enjoy about being a part of the PSD community?
Throughout the years, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the staff, faculty, and students, sharing common interests, and helping out as needed. I love challenging projects and problem-solving.
Tell us a bit about you.
I love gardening; listening to music from the 60s as well as folk, classical, Italian, and jazz; cooking and baking; spending time with my family; and watching Masterpiece and espionage movies with my husband, Dan.
Who inspires you?
My family inspires me in a variety of ways, but my dad—who passed some years ago—especially inspires me. His dedication, care, and perseverance through all of life's events have been a great inspiration.
What is the most interesting thing that you are working on right now?
Re-doing the garden area behind my house.
What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?
Being a part of a diverse group of people with varying degrees of knowledge and skills and working as a team.
Who would you most like to swap places with for a day and why?
I think I’d pick my husband, Dan, who has many interests. When something sparks his interest, he studies it, learns as much as he can about, and turns it into yet a new hobby such as woodworking, gourmet baking, and new gardening techniques like espalier apple trees.
What have you seen lately that made you smile?
My nephew Ben. He swims a mean butterfly.
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My parents, and their values on family.