K. Patrick Okura and his wife Lily had been married for just two months in December, 1941 when the U.S. War Department gave them four days to pack only what they could carry and sent them to live on an internment camp. Like thousands of other Japanese Americans, Okura was imprisoned immediately after the bombing of Pearl Harbor during an era when an Asian heritage was viewed as a threat to national security, an experience that has since stayed with him. In 1988, when the U.S. government paid the Okuras and all other former internment camp prisoners $20,000 each, they used that money, along with personal savings, to help today's Asian-Pacific Americans, who they believe are imprisoned in a different way: The Okuras launched the Okura Mental Health Leadership Foundation, which helps Asian-Pacific Americans overcome racial, sociopolitical, language and other barriers through its Week in Washington Leadership Seminar.
This week-long fellowship program is held in Washington, D.C. with federal government and agency leaders. 'To learn what it takes to become a leader, one needs to see the bigger picture and to have knowledge of how policy is made in Washington and how it affects the country,' says Okura. Okura emphasizes the fundamentals of leadership, the importance of securing more Asian-Pacific Americans in leadership roles, and some unique problems that Asian-Pacific Americans face. I want to help Asian-Pacific Americans break through the glass ceiling, according to Okura. Okura talks about the qualities and benefits of leadership and has his own life to offer as proof. Okura had a long, highly successful career in mental health and has been a strong leader and pioneer for Asian-Pacific Americans throughout his life. Among many achievements, Okura worked at NIMH for 17 years, retiring in 1985.
During his last four years, he directed the NIMH International Mental Health Program, visiting mental health agencies all over the world. He also helped found the Asian American Psychological Association. In recognition of the tireless support provided by K. Patrick Okura and the Okura Mental Health Leadership Foundation, the Pat Okura Community Leadership Award was created for a professional or student who demonstrates outstanding community service and/or leadership that benefits the Asian American community. Awardees may come from a variety of disciplines including: psychology, social work, health, psychiatry, medicine, etc. The award recipient might be a senior leader in community mental health or an Asian American community organization whose leadership has benefited the Asian American community.
Recipients of the Okura Community Leadership Award
1. A formal letter of nomination describing: (a) the qualifications of the person relative to the specific award goals and criteria and (b) detailing the specific contributions in relation to the award goals and criteria.
