Shirley Kawazoe believes every individual has the potential for attaining a higher education. And helping them do so is her job as transfer center coordinator at De Anza College, where students come to her and the transfer center staff for guidance on moving on to a four-year university.
Kawazoe grew up in south San Jose with four siblings as a fourth generation Japanese-American. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science from San Jose State University and a master’s degree in intercultural education from the University of San Francisco. Her studies were a gateway enabling her to help others and improve local communities.
Outside of De Anza, Kawazoe has dedicated many hours working in the civil rights area, fighting for changes needed to achieve equal rights. One of her greatest accomplishments, she says, was recognition from Santa Clara County for her work against discrimination.
Kawazoe is a reader, a shopper, a traveler and an avid movie watcher. Her film tastes range from small independent films to Hollywood blockbusters. Her travels have taken her to Latin American countries including Guatemala, which, she says, “are so rich in culture.”
During Kawazoe’s 38-year tenure at De Anza, she’s found her reward in seeing long-term students finally transfer to universities to continue their higher education.
Her philosophy when working with students who think they might not make it is always: “don’t give up.”
And clearly, they don’t. We know because De Anza consistently ranks among the top three California community colleges in student transfers to public 4-year universities.
Way to go, Kawazoe!