Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin is the first woman, first American, and first person of African-American/Japanese descent to become the Bishop of the Nichiren Shu Order of North America [NONA]. She began her Buddhist practice as a young teenager and became committed to applying the principles of Buddhist practice to all aspects of her life. After graduate work in political science at Rice University and becoming an Adjunct Professor at Texas Southern University, Myokei turned her attention to issues of social justice: seeking to dismantle walls of prejudice, fear, and ignorance, and fostering opportunities for connection, understanding, and healing. To this end, she developed and facilitated a diversity program for NONA, has worked with incarcerated individuals in the Texas Prison System for the past 15 years, and has been an active member of The Center for Healing Racism, examining the realities of racism and how it affects people of color as well as the dominant group in society. She is a graduate of Stir Fry Seminar & Consultings Mindful Facilitation Program.

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