Risa Ikeda is a Tokyo-born, Utah-based student majoring in Human Resources Management. She aims to work with deaf children and youth in the future. Risa, along with her oldest brother and younger sister, is deaf. She grew up using Japanese Sign Language and learned American Sign Language on her mission in California. Risa is passionate about fostering community through the Utah ASL YSA/SA Facebook group. She enjoys signing songs, cooking Japanese cuisine, and indulging in Korean dramas and musicals. Her favorite quote is D&C 61:36: “Be of good cheer, I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you.”