Hana Sato
Facilitator, Southwest High School
Hana Sato is a 2015 graduate of Macalester College with a degree in Theater and Dance and a minor in Psychology. While studying at Macalester, Hana had the opportunity to collaborate with many local and national artists, choreograph original dance pieces, and attend and perform at the American College Dance Festival multiple times. After graduating, Hana served two years through Americorps with College Possible MN as a Senior Coach at North Community High School and Park Center Senior High. These two years were incredibly formative, influential and inspired her to dedicate her life to youth in the Minneapolis community. As an alumni of Southwest High School and Project Success, Hana is thrilled to join the Facilitator team and combine her love of the arts, education, and youth work. In her free time, Hana spends as much time outside with her dog Maggie, cheering on the Chicago Bears, having impromptu dance parties, and teaching yoga and barre classes at a local studio.
Favorite musicians:
Kendrick Lamar, Brandi Carlile, Lizzo, Dessa, and Queen B (Beyonce).
If you had to pick a theme song that would play every time you entered the room, what would it be?
Let ‘Em Say by Lizzo and Caroline Smith
Favorite books:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman, and Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling
Favorite movies:
10 Things I Hate About You, Secret Window, and William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (the one with Leonardo DeCaprio).
Favorite food:
Tacos, my mother’s Tator Tot Hotdish, and avocados with sriracha
Favorite quote:
“Oy with the poodles already” -Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls
Favorite subject in school:
Dance
Favorite theater experience:
I love love love the excitement and buzz of the cast and crew before performing! The anticipation and enthusiasm as a performer, crew member, choreographer, or audience member is energizing and one of my favorite parts of the performing arts.
Your ultimate vacation destination:
Rome, Italy for the food. Tokyo, Japan to see family. Sydney, Australia for adventure!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Reading people’s minds
The most influential person in your life/favorite teacher or mentor:
Sophie, my previous supervisor at College Possible, is an incredible mentor and friend because she taught me to not take myself too seriously, the importance of asking for help, and is the most caring and supportive human being ever.
What you wanted to be when you grew up:
When I was younger, I said I wanted to be “the person who gave the tools to the doctor during surgery” and a dancer, at the same time.