By Matthew Yoshimoto

Growing up, Adena Ishii carried the weight of her family’s history. Her grandparents endured incarceration in Japanese American incarceration camps during World War II, and her parents faced racism and isolation as two of the few Asian American professionals navigating the film industry. These formative experiences left a mark on her, shaping her understanding of how power can be misused and fueling her unwavering commitment to advocating for equity and justice for all.

Now, as Berkeley, California’s first elected Asian American mayor and its first woman of color to hold the role, Ishii views her identity as both a point of pride and a profound responsibility.

“Equity isn’t just a buzzword to me—it’s work that I care deeply about that I think will help improve our city, and I’m really looking forward to bringing that perspective with me,” Ishii told AsAmNews. 

Ishii’s dedication to amplifying the voices of those most affected by systemic inequities is deeply personal. She said her goal is to create a government that listens and uplifts diverse perspectives, ensuring that all residents have a role in shaping a more fair and just future for the city.

Her political journey began at Berkeley City College, where she organized rallies to California’s capitol, Sacramento, and led voter registration drives during a period of education budget cuts. Her activism soon led her to the League of Women Voters, where she advocated for civic engagement and made history as the youngest and first woman of color to serve as president of the Berkeley Albany Emeryville chapter after 107 years of operation. 

Her decision to run for mayor began with a casual remark from a colleague: “I’m not sure who else is running—unless you are.” Unable to shake the thought, Ishii sought guidance from mentors and community leaders, eventually launching her mayoral campaign in November 2023.

Despite having no prior city council experience, Ishii has quickly risen from a dedicated civic organizer and education consultant to become the city’s mayor, running on a platform focused on housing, homelessness, public safety and infrastructure. Yet, she emphasizes that her approach goes beyond policies: “Focusing on building bonds between folks from the council, getting on the same page, and really rebuilding the relationship between Council and the community,” Ishii shared with AsAmNews. 

Ishii sees her outsider perspective as a strength, believing it provides her with new insights and a willingness to adapt in her role. She expressed confidence in the City of Berkeley staff, trusting them to help her navigate the complexities of the position and hit the ground running.

“It leaves me the ability to really question how things are, to take a look at what’s working, what’s not, and to make changes based on what’s efficient, what’s right,” Ishii said to AsAmNews. “That’s a really exciting opportunity to be able to come in with just a fresh look at things.”