Executive Director

Robyn Achilles
Sun Valley, ID

“As a member of the Japanese American community and a daughter of incarcerees, increasing visibility of the Asian American experience is extremely important to me. I firmly believe that knowledge about Japanese American incarceration and the factors leading up to Executive Order 9066 is critical for us locally and as a nation as we continue today to pursue our democratic values and ideals.”

Board Members

Chair, Andy Dunn
Twin Falls, ID

“Growing up in Twin Falls, I didn’t hear about Minidoka or Japanese American incarceration until I was in college. I was shocked to learn that the site for such a significant injustice had been located just a few miles from where I lived. The revelation motivated me to dive in and learn everything I could about Minidoka. While attending my first pilgrimage, the deeply moving stories told by survivors and their families motivated me to become as involved as possible in helping to protect their legacies. My experiences working with Friends of Minidoka have opened my eyes to how widespread racial discrimination can be in the past and present, and the consequences of looking the other way. Serving FoM has provided one of the richest, most motivating and fulfilling experiences of my life, and I look forward to the exciting projects we have coming up!”

Vice-Chair, Julianne Abe
Seattle, WA

“It wasn’t until after my grandparents passed that I learned the extent of their trauma from being imprisoned at Minidoka for over 3 years but also the perseverance it took to rebuild after the war. This led me to Friends of Minidoka. I serve on FoM’s board to preserve the history and legacy of my grandparents and the thousands who endured the WWII incarceration. FoM has given me the opportunity to connect and learn from survivors and families who have been impacted, deepening my knowledge and allowing me to educate others about this forgotten part of our history. It’s important to me to spread awareness about the WWII incarceration experience to make sure it doesn’t get lost or overlooked.”

Treasurer, Janet Keegan
Twin Falls, ID

"I was inspired by my parents to break the silence of the story of the incarceration. For many years, our friends and family did not talk about "camp" and if they did the focus was not on the emotional and physical difficulties they experienced. Many years ago, my parents were invited to talk to a Valley High School class taught by a friend of mine and I accompanied them. I realized then how important it is for us to learn the history of incarceration and the lessons we must learn from it. Serving as a board member for Friends of Minidoka has been my way of ensuring that students and all citizens have the opportunity to learn the history of the Japanese American community from immigration to present day. It has also been a great personal learning experience historically, culturally and socially."

Secretary, Lauren Waudé
Portland, OR

“Friends of Minidoka’s work and mission are so important to me personally and play a critical role in preserving the history of Japanese American Incarceration. I never learned about JA incarceration in school, and my family didn’t always openly discuss their painful experience at “camp” and the emotional, social and financial toll it took on them. As a yonsei, fourth generation Japanese American, I feel it is vitally important to understand how the history and generational trauma of incarceration continues to impact me, my family, and the Japanese American community and how we can lift up this history to advocate for racial justice.” 

Lynn Fuchigami Parks
Portland, OR

“The preservation and educational interpretation of incarceration sites such as Minidoka are vital to share the experience in a way that transforms and inspires. As a third generation Japanese American whose family was incarcerated during WWII, it is important to me to ensure that this history is not forgotten, nor ever repeated. For this reason, I serve on the Friends of Minidoka Board, because its work and mission helps prevent others from suffering similar injustices or the violation of their civil liberties due to fear and prejudice.”

Beth Markley
Boise, ID

“I am interested in Idaho history, civil rights education, and social justice advocacy. I feel that expanding public knowledge of the Japanese American incarceration experience is especially important in light of the perspective it can lend to current events. I am excited that the site has been developed and the opportunity it presents to ensure the stories of survivors are preserved and shared. My family history with Hunt Camp makes further connection especially compelling on a personal level. My feelings about my grandfather’s role as a security official on staff with Hunt Camp are complex, and part of why I find this project so compelling. Perhaps my work here will help me gain perspective on that role, but regardless I find a board position fulfilling and appreciate the opportunity to help raise the profile of the organization, helping others learn, and honoring the experience of the survivors.”