Sumiko Hong is the Aggie Square Community Engagement Director. She is responsible for building strategic partnerships with community organizations and implementing community programs on behalf of UC Davis Aggie Square. In partnership with County and City of Sacramento elected officials and staff she coordinates implementation of deliverables in the Community Benefits Partnership Agreement.

Sumiko has strong experience managing complex projects and building strategic community relationships including the following highlights:

As project operations manager for the UC Davis Health and the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Sumiko built relationships with numerous community-based organizations to implement the delivery of COVID information and vaccine clinics in trusted locations such as schools, churches, libraries, community centers and small businesses within underserved and diverse communities throughout the Sacramento region—including the neighborhoods surrounding Aggie Square.

Prior to that Sumiko spent eight months developing partnerships with key stakeholders, such as Healthy Davis Together and CommuniCare Health Centers, to increase availability of COVID vaccine to vulnerable populations in Yolo County.

From 2017-2021, Sumiko served as special projects manager at the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship implementing new strategies to expand participation among undergraduate students and youth in innovation and entrepreneurship programs.

Sumiko also served eight years as director of development and director of outreach at the Energy Efficiency Center and the Center for Water-Energy Efficiency where she oversaw the implementation of a complex and multifaceted outreach strategy to build awareness and support of the Center.

Sumiko received her bachelor’s degree in International Relations from UC Davis. Sumiko’s first job with UC Davis was with Government and Community Relations. After 13 years in other positions across campus, she is delighted to return to the unit.