It Has Been Quite A Journey

Summary

S. Floyd Mori reflects on his diverse life journey, from his upbringing in Utah to his extensive career in education, politics, international business, and nonprofit leadership, culminating in his retirement and focus on sharing his insights through various platforms.

Abstract

S. Floyd Mori's life has been a tapestry of experiences, beginning with his birth and education in Utah, followed by military service, and further education at the University of Southern California and Brigham Young University. His career path led him to teach Economics, enter local politics in Pleasanton, CA, serve in the California State Assembly, and direct international trade for California. Mori's international business ventures include introducing Subway Sandwiches and Pennzoil to Japan and owning a golf business. His later years in Washington, D.C. were spent leading Asian American nonprofits, advocating for civil rights, and sharing the Japanese American experience through speeches and his book. Now retired in Utah, Mori remains active in volunteer work and enjoys golf, while also sharing his thoughts on Medium and other avenues.

Opinions

Mori values education, having graduated with both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from BYU.
He has a strong commitment to public service, as evidenced by his roles in local government and state politics.
Mori is an advocate for Asian American rights and has held leadership positions in organizations that promote congressional studies and civil rights.
He is passionate about sharing the Japanese American story, as indicated by his published book on the subject.
Mori emphasizes the importance of staying active and engaged in various interests, including volunteering and golf, even after retirement.
He is interested in a wide range of topics, including racism, travel, politics, health, and finances, and aims to discuss these through his writing on Medium and other platforms.

Bio for Illumination-Curated

S. Floyd Mori (Image is author’s)

A short recap of my life

My life has taken me in many different directions. I was born and raised in Utah. I joined the U.S. Army Reserves after high school and spent six months on active duty at Fort Ord, California. Then I started college at the University of Southern California. I went on a two year mission to Hawaii for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after which I transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU). I graduated with a Bachelors and then a Masters Degree from BYU. I began teaching Economics to college students in Hayward, California, which I did for ten years.

After moving to Pleasanton, CA, I entered politics by being elected to the City Council of Pleasanton, where I later served as Mayor. Then I ran for and was elected to be a California State Assemblyman. I was later the Director of the Office of International Trade for the State of California. After that, I worked as an International business consultant. My partners and I were able to take Subway Sandwiches and Pennzoil to Japan. I also owned a golf business for several years.

I worked in Washington, D.C. for two Asian American nonprofits which worked closely with members of Congress. I was National Executive Director/CEO for the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization. Then I was President/CEO of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS).

Having spoken extensively about the Japanese American experience and history, I have a book published with the title: The Japanese American Story As Told Through A Collection of Speeches and Articles.

My wife and I met while we were students at BYU. Two years ago I retired, and we moved back to our home state of Utah. I am heavily involved in various volunteer efforts as well as playing golf as much as possible.

I am trying to share some of my ideas and thoughts through Medium, Illumination, and other avenues. I have a lot of interests, including Japanese American history, racism, travel, politics, health, and finances.