Lisa Nakashima papers

Collection

Identifier: IWA1321

Staff Only
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Scope and Contents

The Lisa Nakashima papers date from 1903 to 2004 and measure 1.5 linear feet in 3 boxes. The papers are arranged in two series: YWCA of Greater Des Moines and YWCA of the USA. The papers contain organizational records from both the local Des Moines and national board as well as material from local and national events and conventions. The papers also include three posters that convey the YWCA’s mission to “thrust [their] collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary.”

Dates

Creation: 1903 - 2004

Creator

Nakashima, Lisa (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The papers are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright held by the donor has been transferred to the University of Iowa.

However, copyright status for some collection materials may be unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owner. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility and potential liability based on copyright infringement for any use rests exclusively and solely with the user. Users must properly acknowledge the Iowa Women’s Archives, The University of Iowa Libraries, as the source of the material. For further information, visit https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/sc/services/rights/

Biographical / Historical

Lisa Nakashima was born in Lihue, Kauai in the state of Hawaii. She moved to Des Moines in 1975 where she attended Drake University, majoring in Criminology-Criminal Justice. She served as the Field Director of the Moingona Girl Scout Council. Nakashima also served as a board member of the YWCA of Greater Des Moines and became involved as a leader in the YWCA’s Racial Justice Committee. The Committee steered the organization to create a board that was composed of more than half women of color. Nakashima spoke of the diversity of the YWCA board in the 1986 Women of Achievement calendar: “It is unique. It is made up of all women and 51% of them are women of color. That kind of group can speak to the issue of racism. That kind of group can have a significant, positive impact on the Des Moines community.” Nakashima was also a writer and poet. She co-authored the 1995 “History of YWCA of Greater Des Moines” to mark the centennial of the organization.