Illena Takahashi

Illena Takahashi is an experienced educational programs facilitator currently at Hostelling International USA, where responsibilities include leading educational and team-building hikes for youth and adult groups, as well as overseeing Cultural Kitchen logistics and workshops. Previous roles include serving as an afterschool garden and outdoor educator for the YMCA of San Francisco and as a naturalist at YMCA Point Bonita, leading ecology and community-building hikes. Illena has also volunteered with San Bruno Mountain Watch and contributed to SaveNature.org by guiding insect discovery labs and advocating for social justice in environmental education. Educational qualifications include a Master of Arts in Organizational Development & Transformation from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from the University of Delaware.