Michelle Takemoto Leadership Seminar Reflections

Michelle Takemoto, a genetic counselor with the Hawaii Department of Health and MGPN coordinator, spoke to our students on November 4 about a broad range of topics as part of our Leadership Seminar Series.  Our students reflected on her talk:

I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet Michelle and listen to her phenomenal presentation about public health genetics. It was great to learn about her own personal journey to genetic counseling and how she became a leader in the field. From working on projects that increase accessibility to genetic services for underserved populations to starting the Minority Genetic Professionals Network, I am incredibly appreciative of all the work she has put in to advocate for marginalized identities. From one member of MGPN to another, thank you for providing me with a community of shared experiences and a sense of belonging in the profession! - Leann To

I am so grateful that we all got to meet Michelle for our leadership seminar! It was interesting to hear how her work ties in both genetic counseling and public health, and learn more about the genetics services in Hawaii. As a member of the Minority Genetics Professional Network, I was excited to learn more about her role in the creation of the organization and how she envisions its future. It was inspiring to see how passionate she is about serving underserved populations and advocating for underrepresented minorities in genetic counseling. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to talk to one of the leaders in the field, and I am looking forward to hearing her speak at NSGC! - Impana Shetty

It was so awesome to hear from Michelle for our leadership seminar! She really brought forth a lot of barriers that need to be addressed in the field of genetic counseling, but also talked a lot about the intersection between public health and genetic counseling. It was wonderful to hear from a GC who plays a role in her local public health initiatives, which as a dual degree student was so inspiring because she is doing the dream that so many dual degree students want to accomplish. She was so real with us about our goals and I honestly loved her advice of making space for ourselves in these public health spaces, because GC’s are needed there. It was fantastic to have Michelle come speak with us and I cannot wait to hear her talk at NSGC. – Samantha Runa

Meeting Michelle has been one of the biggest highlights of my graduate career thus far. She shared not only her immensely important perspectives on inspiring and growing inclusivity within the field, but also connected with us all on the importance of the interplay between public health and genetics (specifically, the importance of building relationships). This talk could not have come at a better time in my journey to becoming a genetic counselor. I felt like I learned so much about how to better expand my own opportunities as well as how to become involved in making the field more equitable. Her talk at NSGC is going to be incredible, and I’m so thankful to have gotten to know her on a more personal level. - Ariel Breeze

What a refreshing experience. I appreciated the straightforward and genuine presentation given by Michelle, having firmly planted feet in both public health and genetic counseling worlds. It was a privilege to speak with her about inequities in healthcare, and it has lit a fire in myself to do my part. I am looking into the Minority Genetics Professional Network to connect with other professionals and hopefully make a difference. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you at NSGC! - Daniel Brennsteiner

I appreciated hearing the perspective of a genetic counselor outside the "bubble" of Pittsburgh.  Hearing about Michelle’s journey to genetic counseling and her passion for the field was energizing.  She touched on the intersection between public health and genetic counseling, which is helpful and inspiring to a dual degree student like myself.  Newborn screening processes and accessibility of testing sites/clinics are things we may take for granted in places like Pittsburgh.  Working on an island like Hawaii, Michelle has had to be flexible and advocate for patients and counselors alike.  Hearing first-hand how I can be a leader in the field using both my degrees adds focus to a world of opportunity. - Megan Zieber

Michelle gave a wonderful talk in Leadership Seminar that included her role in MGPN and the incredible work they do to connect underrepresented minorities in the genetic counseling profession to each other.  She addressed some important barriers that genetics services in Hawaii face and described some ways to move forward.  I appreciated the time she took to speak with us at different points throughout the day.  She was so down-to-earth, and I cannot wait to hear her speak at NSGC!  - Rebecca Oberschmidt

It was wonderful having Michelle as our Leadership Seminar speaker. Her talk was compelling and motivating. I enjoyed hearing about her roles with MGPN and Regional Genetics Networks. Most interesting to me was her work in telegenetics training and increasing access to genetic services. Michelle and I had a conversation after her talk about some of the many barriers to genetic services, including the ways in which telegenetics is not always the answer. Looking forward to hearing more from Michelle at NSGC and in the future! - Madalyn Charnego