Michiko Arai

Michiko Arai is an experienced professional currently serving as the Assistant Grants Manager at the Japanese American National Museum since October 2022. Arai's academic background includes a PhD in Italian Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, where academic tenure spanned from August 2015 to May 2023 as a graduate student and instructor. Previous roles include a Language Teacher for Italian and Spanish at Polyglottist Language Academy, a Seasonal Sales Associate at earthsake, and a Sales Associate at Fabric Bliss. Arai also has experience as a Teacher and translator at the Italian Institute, a Publications Intern at the American Alpine Club, and a Cafe Server at DeLaurenti Food & Wine. Additional qualifications include a CELTA certification from International House Barcelona and a Certificate in Fashion/Apparel Design from Apparel Arts. Arai holds two bachelor's degrees in Italian Studies and Italian Language and Literature from Middlebury College.