Celebrating 55 Years of Nature & Growth
The San Diego Botanic Garden’s mission is to create, share, and apply plant wisdom in our world. With a living collection of more than 5,000 plant species and a robust calendar of educational and public programs and exhibitions, the San Diego Botanic Garden strives to be a magnificent botanic garden that inspires and empowers people of all ages and interests to learn about plants and how taking care of them ensures a positive future for our planet. Tomoko Kuta is the Chief Operations and Advancement Officer for San Diego Botanic Garden.
#1 Tomoko Kuta was born in Japan and raised in the suburbs of New York City. I also lived a couple of years in London. After undergraduate studies at Cornell University, I moved and lived in Paris, France and then Tokyo, Japan, before returning to the US to complete my master’s degree at the University of Chicago.
#2 I love spending time in nature, including snowy winters! It is on my bucket list to get an electric compact camper van and see more U.S. wilderness.
#3 I have tons of hobbies from cycling and swimming in the ocean to reading, cooking, woodworking, sewing, traveling and gardening.
#4 My favorite movie is “Blade Runner”.
#5 I read widely and look for new authors and topics all the time. Authors I like include: Hope Jahren, Simon Winchester, Annie Proulx, Scott Weidensaul, and Andrea Wulf.
#6 Our family has two rescue cats: King and Abigail.
#7 I feel fortunate for the life I have built, and I want to give back in ways that support others and the organizations that make a difference.
#8 Tomoko Kuta thrilled to be at an institution with so many passionate, smart and creative people. The impacts of our work in conservation and restoration are not as obvious as the garden spaces that guests visit, but I want to broadcast it out! Without saving plants, we cannot protect the land and all of the other living creatures – animals and humans – that depend on a healthy environment to sustain life.
#9 The Garden’s science and conservation team works hard behind the scenes to restore native habitats, research medicinal plants, and protect rare species around the region, across the U.S. and internationally. Work takes place via tribal collaborations, nationwide and international seed‑bank partnerships, and with a growing consortium of botanic gardens and other science-based organizations aiming to prevent plant extinctions and promote biodiversity.
#10 All of our classes, workshops, and public events support our gardens, educational programs, and science and conservation projects. This year we have also launched The President’s Circle – a premium membership experience tailored to our community of philanthropic supporters who want to deepen their connection with the Garden and make meaningful changes.
