Akiko Minaga, OMSI’s new Vice President of Learning Experiences, will lead OMSI’s Future Learning Framework and strategic science education experiences
Media Contact: Heather Wadia
hwadia@omsi.edu | C: 415-350-6856
[PORTLAND, OR – August 21, 2023] – The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) announced today that Akiko Minaga has joined the organization as the new Vice President of Learning Experiences. In her role, Minaga will lead the vision, planning and implementation of OMSI’s Future Learning Framework and strategies to deliver science education experiences and learning outcomes for diverse communities.
“I’m thrilled to join OMSI at this exciting time,” said Minaga. “I look forward to collaborating with the team, communities and partners to create joyful, thought-provoking learning experiences and build on OMSI’s legacy of impactful work in the field.”
Minaga comes to OMSI with a diverse background and wealth of experience in education, exhibit development, educational programming, and program management. During her decade-long tenure at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA, Minaga led large teams of educators and youth to engage thousands of visitors while creating professional, workforce, and youth development opportunities within the community.
Minaga began her career as a high-school special education teacher in New York City’s public schools before transitioning to the informal education field through roles at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology and the Exploratorium. Combining a love of learning with her practical experience as a classroom teacher, Minaga excels in leading teams to develop experiences that foster dialogue and memorable experiences to affect positive change. She has led national and international projects for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Science Centre Singapore and the A.M. Qattan Foundation in Palestine to develop exhibition spaces, learning experiences, and large-scale interpretive programs.
“The OMSI Executive Team and Board of Trustees are thrilled to welcome Akiko as our new Vice President of Learning Experiences,” said Erin Graham, OMSI President and CEO. “We look forward to her leadership in guiding and inspiring our teams, spurring innovation, and ensuring OMSI learning experiences achieve the engagement and equity outcomes critical to our mission.”
Minaga earned her BA in English and philosophy from Occidental College, and a Master’s in childhood special education from Fordham University. Minaga relocated to Portland this summer and begins her position this week.
About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums and a trusted educational resource for communities throughout Oregon and the region. Through museum exhibitions, public programs, outdoor programs, traveling exhibitions, digital learning, and learning research and design, OMSI nourishes a lifelong love of science, curiosity and learning among its diverse audiences. The upcoming OMSI District – a collaboration of local, Tribal and regional government entities, nonprofits and businesses – will be a one-of-a-kind neighborhood with innovation, culture and science learning at its heart. OMSI is located at 1945 S.E. Water Avenue, Portland, OR, 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu. Connect with the museum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.