Director
Saga Goryu Ikebana North America Chapter
David Komeiji is a dedicated volunteer and community leader with extensive experience in healthcare, public safety, and cultural initiatives. He holds a Master of Medical Science in Maternal and Child Health (MMSc, 1986) and a Physical Therapy Certificate (1980) from Emory University, as well as a BA in Zoology from the University of Hawaii, Manoa (1979).
Currently serving as the Director of the Saga Goryu Ikebana North America Chapter since 2011, David promotes the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging.
His volunteer efforts at the Oregon State Penitentiary with the Asian Pacific Family Club span seven years, where he acts as a cultural liaison and supporter. David played a crucial role in providing a safe space for discussions and negotiations between the involved parties during the design, development, and building of the Memorial Healing Garden (MHG). This unique Japanese-style garden, dedicated in 2019, is the only one of its kind in a maximum-security penal facility and stands as a testament to the collaborative effort of adults in custody, community supporters, OSP/ODOC administration, and the Oregon Department of Justice.
Additionally, David volunteers with the Oregon Phoenix Foundation, serving as Treasurer since 2021, where he supports incarcerated individuals. His previous roles include volunteer work with the Village Coalition, a houseless advocacy organization, where he contributed to data gathering and analysis to humanize houseless communities in Portland.
TUE-C05: Bringing Nature into the Heart of Darkness: Restorative Justice in the Garden
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
3:45pm – 5:00pm ET