Akiko Minaga is the Director of Explainers at the Exploratorium, and brings 15 years of experience in museum programming, project management and teaching to her work. Akiko has led a variety of projects nationally and internationally, with the goal of fostering rich dialogue and creating memorable, thought-provoking experiences. Her professional foundation is grounded in growing up and working in Japan, and working as a special education teacher in New York City’s public schools. Past organizations she has worked for include the Phoebe Hearst Museum of Anthropology at UC Berkeley, Pixar Animation Studios, and The Onion. Akiko earned her BA in English and philosophy from Occidental College, and a Master’s in special education and childhood education from Fordham University.