About the Author

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is a third-generation Japanese American, and a descendant of the samurai. As a baby boomer, she grew up in a predominately caucasian logging and farming community in rural southwestern Washington. Lori’s character and work ethic were formed by working hard alongside her parents on the family farm. She struggled with being different, especially during her school years.

As an adult, Lori channeled her energy into tireless research trying to understand her Japanese heritage. A lifelong desire led Lori and her husband on a trip to Japan. This first encounter with Japan fueled a yearning to dig deeper into her ancestral roots. She discovered that what she once scorned, she now warmly embraces.

Lori is on a mission to inspire individuals to apply the code of bushido (the way of the warrior) to tap into their soul purpose in life. This will facilitate individuals and organizations to create their greatest leadership potential so they can live a powerful life of contribution far beyond their normal day-today existence.

The courage and compassion to guide others through tough times has been forged by her personal journey to regain wellness against demanding odds. Lori is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor.

Lori leads an active life, including volunteering at the YMCA for over 20 years. She is passionate about and enjoys Israeli folk dancing. Lori has been involved with Toastmasters for over 10 years, initially to overcome her fear of speaking. Professionally Lori is a member of Business Among Moms.

Lori is proud and passionate about her Japanese heritage. She has traveled to Japan, speaks basic Japanese, and met her Tsugawa relatives during a trip to Japan. Lori is a member of the Japanese American Citizen League (JACL), U.S.-Japan Council (USJC), Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington (JCCCW) and the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW). One of Lori’s passions is to perform Japanese folk tales and dramas that involve using puppets for both young and old audiences.

A Pacific Northwest native, Lori graduated from Portland State University in 1978 with honors. She has been married to husband, John, for over 40 years, and is the mother of two adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and is the doting grandmother of five adorable grandchildren, including identical twin girls! Lori and John reside in a Japanese-style country home in the Pacific Northwest.