Nancy Okada is a lifelong member and longtime leader of the New York Buddhist Church. Her father, Stanley Okada, served as the church’s executive director during World War II and helped keep the temple operating while its founding minister, Rev. Hozen Seki, was interned. Raised within the church community, Nancy later served in numerous leadership roles and taught Bon Odori there for more than six decades. She also directs the New York Tachibana School of Dance and has played an important role in preserving and sharing Japanese dance traditions in New York.