SWY 29 – Assistant National Leader
Kevin, 26, is a 4th generation Japanese Canadian. Born in Toronto to parents Marty and Dawna, he has one older sister, Kristin, and a large extended family. He graduated from Western University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree. At Western, Kevin was involved as a “Soph” in the Orientation Program. His faculty team won the Spirit Award for positive enthusiasm, and the Charity Award for the top fundraising team on behalf of The Terry Fox Foundation and Shinerama for cystic fibrosis. Kevin was also a voting member of the University Students’ Council. After graduation, Kevin accepted a job at ECC Japan. He taught conversational English and was rated number 1 teacher in his second year at the company. He also taught at Chihaya High School, lectured at Yokohama City University and worked with businesses in the Kanto area. After moving back to Canada, Kevin has been working in mutual fund sales at one of the top firms in the country. The Kobayashi Family has played an integral role in the establishment of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. The JCCC’s motto of “Friendship through Culture” parallels Kevin’s personal beliefs and has become a mantra in his daily life. Kevin believes in the equal treatment of all Canadians, particularly in gender and human rights issues. With a focus on global understanding, co-operation and communication, he hopes to someday help eliminate international misconceptions and disputes. In his spare time, Kevin leads an active lifestyle and competed on Canada’s national equestrian circuit. He loves to cook, read and travel and continually seeks adventure and new experiences.