Ayako Hiwasa

Ayako Hiwasa has a diverse work experience that spans from 2004 to 2013. In 2004, they were the Country Director for the KAMONOHASHI Project, where they led the establishment of a branch office and operational practices for a Japanese startup in Cambodia. Ayako also launched a pilot project on ICT training for vulnerable youth in partnership with international and local organizations. In 2007, they were a Consultant for the Energy Sector Program at The World Bank. Here, they worked with an interdisciplinary team to conduct user experience research of energy saving products in rural villages and examine distribution models of fuel-efficient cook stove and LED lantern. In 2010, they were a Human Factors Consultant for the Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia, where they designed and conducted ethnographic field research to unpack the challenges pregnant women face in utilizing maternity care. In 2012, they were a Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor for the Ministry of Women’s Affair in Cambodia and a Mentor at Stanford University, where they mentored a multi-disciplinary team of students at the Stanford d. School for ME380 "Collaborating with the Future: Launching Large Scale Sustainable Transformations". In 2013, they were an Operations Co-Founder for Upshift and a Host at Impact Hub Oakland.

Ayako Hiwasa obtained a Bachelor of Education from The National University of Samoa in 2003. Ayako then went on to receive a BA in Social Science from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University between 2000 and 2004. Following this, they completed a MS in International Cooperation Policy from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University between 2006 and 2008. Lastly, they received a Master’s Degree from a joint program between Royal Tropical Institute, University of Copenhagen, and Queen Margaret University in Health System Strengthening and Financing in 2009-2010.