ABOUT THE WINNER: Naomi is a powerhouse at The Seattle Times whose hard work has resulted in immeasurable changes — including newsroom initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion; better, more equitable coverage, and a stronger culture of welcoming and belonging after nearly three years of remote work. Somehow, Naomi does all this with grace and a smile, while also making time to serve as president for Seattle’s AAJA chapter, where she pushes to provide scholarships for student and mid-career journalists of color; build stronger connections with other local journalism organizations and media groups of color; mentor young journalists and encourage chapter goodwill in the community by supporting local AAPI-owned businesses.

“At The Seattle Times, there’s a running joke about ‘the Naomi helpline,” a nominator said. “We’re referring to a newsroom-wide Slack channel used to discuss coverage of sensitive news topics, but the truth is, Naomi is often the one with the best insights about how to move forward, always offered with empathy, care and smarts. In The Times newsroom, the Naomi helpline is constantly ringing — and despite the many hats she wears and roles that keep her busy, her door is always open for a chat.”

The Times’ assistant managing editor for diversity, inclusion and staff development, Naomi also writes a weekly column on race, culture, equity and social justice. She helped launch the company's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, a newsroom-specific Equity Team, and resource groups for employees who identify as BlPOC and LGBTQ+.

“There is no one more accountable on staff than Naomi,” the nominator continued. “Whenever she writes a column or coordinates a DEI training, she takes full responsibility for the outcomes be they life-changing a-ha moments or uncomfortable learning curves. She has fearlessly confronted countless haters who have spewed vitriol and sent threats because of her columns. And when there have been incidents in DEI trainings where someone’s comments have caused harm, it is Naomi who often intervenes and goes out of her way to apologize and help repair relationships.”

Her drive to constantly question and challenge The Times’ news judgment and practices helped develop our inaugural A1 Revisited project, which launched last March with an examination at past coverage of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. The project is necessary, she wrote, “to begin to be accountable for the impact of past mistakes on our region.”

As someone who grew up and went to school in Washington state, Naomi cares deeply about the community she lives in. She is constantly sharing and amplifying the stories of its underrepresented and historically marginalized residents, by leading public conversations at places like the University of Washington, Town Hall Seattle and Seattle Public Library. She also coordinates in-house conversations and listening sessions between community members and advocates and Times journalists, to help them develop a better understanding of each other.