Taki Hirakawa

Faculty

Contact and location

 

I joined The Evergreen State College in 2021, after teaching at UC Berkeley and spending over a decade in business development in the technology sector. I have held executive roles at Dentsu New York, SAP SE Europe, and Yaskawa, focusing on marketing strategy, product innovation, partnerships, and executive communications. 

Beyond my corporate and entrepreneurial experience, I founded a nonprofit in Northern California, leading initiatives such as fundraising for food insecurity in the SF Bay Area and supporting disaster relief for wildfire victims. 

Currently, I teach at the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology, and social impact, helping students develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. My research interests include managerial decision-making and product innovation. Outside of academia, I enjoy sports, travel, and engaging in community-driven initiatives that create positive social change. 

Education

Ph.D., Economics, University of California Santa Cruz, 2017; M.A., International Economics, University of California Santa Cruz, 1995; M.S., Economics, University of Wisconsin Madison, 1988; B.A., Economics, Macalester College, 1985

Teaching Style

My teaching approach creates an engaging, interdisciplinary environment where students learn by doing. I bring real-world cases and industry practices into the classroom, connecting theory to practice through hands-on experiences and problem-solving. I encourage students to explore ideas, take ownership of their learning, and develop resilience and adaptability. By fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom, I aim to help all students build the confidence and skills needed to succeed academically and in their future careers. 

Path Affiliation

Fields of Study