Mia Yamamoto

Mia Yamamoto is a badass. In this conversation, she speaks about finding purpose through the process of undoing shame in the form of overachievement, attending law school, coming out as transgender and using her roles to advocate for and uplift our communities. She asks, "What would MLK, Jr. do if he were alive today? How can we enhance the Black Lives Matter movement? And, how can we mobilize our communities to vote in this critical election?

Mia Yamamoto is nationally recognized civil rights lawyer, community organizer and transgender rights advocate. She was born in the Poston Concentration Camp and has received numerous commendations for her efforts as a member of the U.S. Army. Mia attended UCLA Law School and has a celebrated law practice in Los Angeles. She is involved in various advocacy efforts across the city and is a regular speaker on civil rights issues. She is a frequent media commentator on issues relating to criminal law and a variety of related issues for:  (print) LA Times, LA Daily Journal; (radio) KPFK, KPCC; (television) KCAL, Fox, NBC, KCET, MSNBC, CNN, Court TV and other cable and foreign media. Mia has been honored by national and international organizations, including the American Bar Association, UCLA, LA County Bar Association and Pride in London. Mia loves playing music, dancing and most of all, being with her wife, Kimberlee Tellez! 

Taped: September, 2020