“Working at Meadville Lombard aligns beautifully with my need to create, to be spiritually nurtured, and to be engaged in social justice.”
Tomo joined Meadville Lombard in 2016. A native of Japan, she holds a BFA in graphic design from Tama Art University, one of Japan’s most illustrious art schools. After working as an art director for a large multinational ad agency, J. Walter Thompson Japan, Tomo left Tokyo and lived in Germany, South Africa, and New York, before settling in a suburb of Chicago. While raising her two daughters, she freelanced as an artist, illustrator, translator, and graphic / web designer. Prior to joining MLTS, they served as the Administrative Director for five years at the Lake Shore Unitarian Society, a lay-led UU fellowship in Winnetka, IL, where they also served as the Music Director for 10 years. In 2023, Tomo moved with her partner Wolf to Albuquerque, NM. After serving as the Director of Communications for seven years at Meadville Lombard, they transitioned to a part-time Graphic Designer role, maintaining Meadville Lombard's visual identity and managing the website.
What is meaningful to you in your work at MLTS?
“As an immigrant and a mother of biracial young women, I experience the worries that marginalized populations face every day in this country. Seeing how our students and alums care for those oppressed and fight against injustice all over the U.S. and abroad gives me great hope for the future of my children. I truly admire those compassionate, selfless, strong people who answer the call to ministry and come to MLTS to start their journey. I get to share their stories so we can find more people who will join them to make the world a better place. Working at MLTS aligns beautifully with my need to create, to be spiritually nurtured, and to be engaged in social justice.”