He earned his Ph.D. in educational policy studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, M.A. in applied behavioral science from City University, and B.A. in psychology from University of California-Santa Barbara. His research includes critical analysis of leadership in higher education, efforts to close racial achievement gaps, and the hiring of diverse faculty. He has worked for over 25 years in higher education in equity, diversity, and affirmative action and has taught in ethnic studies, organizational leadership, instructional leadership, and organizational theory. He most recently presented his work at the American Educational Research Association and the Critical Questions in Education Conference. He is motivated by the sacrifices of his Issei and Nisei ancestors and his children Lia, Yoshie, Isamu, and Marcos, who embody hope for the future.