kirakiraきらきら
Project Statement
kirakira is a research and storytelling platform that honors the brilliance in people and movements while critically examining the systems that shape our world. Rooted in sustainability, social change, and radical imagination, kirakira uses storytelling as both mirror and lantern—reflecting truth and lighting the way toward more just, regenerative futures.
Inspired by the Japanese word kirakira (きらきら), meaning “to shine” or “glitter,” the project holds space for both the sparkle of human resilience and the shadow of systemic injustice. At its heart, kirakira is a practice of holding complexity—making space for hope, grief, critique, and transformation.
Hope Work
Celebrating the light that guides us.
Hope Work captures stories of everyday brilliance—snapshots of care, courage, joy, and creative resistance. These stories highlight people and communities who spark change, hold hope, and imagine new possibilities. Whether through art, mutual aid, environmental action, or a quiet moment of kindness, these are the flashes of light that remind us what we’re fighting for.
This series uplifts the beauty and meaning found in sustainability, justice, and community—especially in underrepresented spaces. It is not about perfection, but about honoring the glow within people and movements.
Shadow Work
Examining the systems that dim our shine.
Shadow Work is the critical counterpart to Hope Work—a series dedicated to interrogating the flaws, failures, and false solutions embedded in mainstream sustainability and justice narratives. These pieces ask hard questions about power, greenwashing, capitalism, climate policy, and the uncomfortable truths often ignored in feel-good storytelling.
Just like in therapy, Shadow Work is about facing what’s hidden. Through deep analysis, personal reflection, and research-driven critique, this series brings light to the contradictions we must confront to build authentic, lasting change.
“I started this blog to finally have something I can look at and say, ‘this is a collection of things that bring me hope in the world’. I grew up with a little bit of an idealistic view that I have only been able to show tangible proof of in the context of the inspirational work I’ve seen done with the American Cancer Society. After learning what hope truly meant to me through their signature fundraiser Relay For Life, I started to see the beauty in empowering stories and celebrating life as it is. I hope this serves as a grounding tool for others, the way that practicing gratitude and wonder towards these kirakira moments are for me.”
— Kira Sano
About Kira!
Kira Sano is a passionate advocate and researcher with a diverse background in environmental studies, sustainability, social change, and community engagement. She holds dual degrees in Environmental Studies and NGOs and Social Change from the University of Southern California and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Sustainability Management. Kira’s work spans across multiple fields, including public health, environmental research, non-profit consulting, and leadership development.
Throughout her career, Kira has led several research projects on topics such as air pollution, sustainability practices, and eco-feminism, with a focus on creating actionable insights that benefit communities. Her interdisciplinary work has taken her from public health studies comparing air quality in India and China, to exploring the dynamic relationship between pop culture and social change at the USC Wrigley Institute.
In addition to her research, Kira has extensive experience in community organizing and non-profit consulting, having worked with organizations such as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). She founded the Society of Emerging Leaders, a group that empowers young advocates to engage in leadership and policy initiatives. Her consulting work has helped non-profits develop strategic campaigns, enhance their operations, and improve community outreach.
Kira’s broad skill set includes data analysis, policy analysis, program management, and communications. She is skilled in using tools like Python, SQL, and machine learning for data-driven insights, and has applied her expertise in community development, strategic planning, and leadership training in both professional and volunteer capacities.
With a deep commitment to sustainability and social impact, Kira continues to drive projects that intersect with her core values of equity, innovation, and community empowerment. She is constantly seeking new opportunities to make a positive difference, whether through research, advocacy, or collaborative projects.