Jordan Akiyama

Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?

I am a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and have been in their employ for a year. Prior to joining the service, I worked as a public affairs specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard in Alameda, California. Most of my public affairs experience comes from my time in the service. There I handled media inquires on search and rescue cases, pollution response, and drug interdiction, while also gaining experience in crisis communications. I have worked with the city of San Francisco and Seattle, the Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sounders, and Seattle Seahawks to fulfill military representation in parades, ceremonies, and community events. I have experience with photography and videography, both of which I have used to generate informative and entertaining content for the Coast Guard and USFWS.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard knowing that out of all the career paths the Guard had to offer, public affairs was a job I could see myself enjoying both inside and outside the service. Prior to going to public affairs training, I dabbled in other fields like mechanics and carpentry, but telling a great story never stopped being appealing to me. After leaving active duty and returning to school, I played around with the idea of doing something else. As I watch society change, I stay passionate that we all benefit from better communication amongst one another. I have a great interest in me reestablishing productive communication. Who better to help develop communication for than those who don't have a voice, like plants and animals?

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My son is one. I think he's what motivated me to enlist and get my life on track towards a meaningful career. Plus the handful of great communicators I have had the privilege of working for who were born with incredible skills and a silver tongue.

What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?

I love to learn about new things through tangible experiences. Last summer, I had the privilege of helping expedition demobilization at Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. While I was there I learned from the biologist and volunteers who had been working on the yellow crazy ant eradication for over the course of a decade. That sort of energy is infectious! For someone who had no prior connection to the project or Johnston, I walked away truly caring about the refuge, its wildlife, and the conservation efforts to preserve it as if I had spent the past 10 years of my own life working on that project. That is a feeling that comes with this job that I hope never goes away.

What other jobs led to your current career?

I would say it was my son who led me to my career. I was in my early 20s when he was born and needed to find a better way to provide for him. When I enlisted in the Coast Guard, public affairs as a career path was one of the only things that appealed to me. I had a background in theater and that seemed like a job I could use those skills for. After leaving the service I wanted to find a job that gave me stability and also work with a purpose and impact, so I started looking at government work. Whild in the Coast Guard I was able to report on several missions helping the environment, so when I found a position open at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I felt like I had to take it. While the missions are different, the goal of helping others is still at its core.

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies - San Francisco State University
Public Affairs School Certified - Defense Information School, U.S. Army, Fort Meade, Maryland
Public Information Officer Type 3 Certified - Federal Emergency Management Agency

What are your hobbies?

I like video games, hiking, and snowboarding. One of my favorite things to do is discover new restaurants. I love watching sports, specifically the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and Golden State Warriors. They're great to see live, though I'll still watch them when they're on tv. Let's see...road trips are great. And I collect Legos!

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

If someone wanted to go into a career like mine, I would suggest taking the opportunity to gain experience whenever they come to you. Be humble. You don't have to have answers to everything, but you can learn from everyone around you, including those less experienced. Lastly, they say actions speak louder. I think that's true but words also matter. Words are powerful and have a lasting impact on relationships. Use them well!

How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?

Ocean Exploration Trust was heading on expedition to an area near Pacific Remote Island Marine National Monument and working closely with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The superintendent of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument sent an email sharing teh expedition and that a berth was available. Although I didn't have a whole lot of prior knowledge about seafloor exploration, I am pretty good at learning on the spot and I enjoy learning new things. I jumped at the spot and am glad to be able to represent my external affairs team and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on the expedition to Palmyra Atoll and Kingman Reef.