Yoko Boucher

Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) honored community leader Yoko Boucher for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Born and raised in Kobe, Japan, Boucher was a licensed nurse in Japan before coming to the United States in 1966. She became a California registered nurse working at at Loma Linda University Medical Center, Riverside General Hospital as well as Riverside County Regional Medical Center.

In 1989 she joined the Riverside Sister Cities International Relations Council and since 2012 has served as chair of the Sendai Committee.

In a post on social media on Thursday, Takano stated: “As we close out celebrating AAPI Awareness Month, I am proud to highlight Yoko Boucher, a dedicated community leader in Riverside. Recently, Yoko represented River-side in the Sendai Half-Marathon in Japan and was honored for her support of the Sendai-Riverside sister-city relationship.

“With over 15 years of service, Yoko has significantly contributed to the Riverside International Relations Committee and strengthened our cultural exchanges. Her efforts earned her Cultural Ambassador of the Year recognition by the Asian Business Association of the Inland Empire in 2019.

“Join me in celebrating Yoko Boucher’s remarkable contributions to our community!”