Lena Ihara (pronounced Leena E-hah-ra) is creating the change she wants to see using herself as an Asian in film. She reclaimed her Japanese maiden name and paired it with a nickname. Lena’s a third generation Japanese American from Hawaii raised as the “majority” race and now works as the “minority” race on the mainland.

Life is simple as an empty nester, retired from teaching. Lena’s now free to do what she wants. As a thespian (elite drama club member) in a predominantly “white” high school her only acting roles were while wearing a prosthetic nose or animal mask. That was 50 years ago and times have changed.

Representing Asians in film is important because Asians matter. We can be the light for those who feel unseen, alone or undesirable. Current media gives a narrow perception. It doesn’t represent everyone’s reality and never will but it could be more inclusive.

Representing senior citizens is important. Lena is part of a very large, growing and underrepresented population. Seniors are not all bent over, pill popping slackers.

Lena wants to see public service to support wellness. During the summers she’s an organic farmer producing food for food banks. She also volunteers in a non-profit food pantry bagging food for people in tiny homes, assisted living, and those who walk-up and drive-by. People with food insecurity matter. No one person can change the world or community but the service changes the server.

Wellness matters. It’s not the absence of disease. It’s the fullness of life, a close knit family, a forgiving heart and being free to be who you were created to be. nikken.com/na/ohanahealth avinihealth.com/ihara