Sho Kawano

People often describe me as energetic, funny, and open. I love traveling, cooking, cafe-ing, sports, exploring cities, and spending time with my partner Laura. I try to value ease, relationships, and connecting with the bigger world, more than stuff.

I want to be remembered as someone with a big heart. Meditation practice is a big part of my life. It has and continues to transform my life in a really meaningful way.

My Life Arc

  • I was born in Tokyo, Japan
  • 2001: Moved to Hawaii, where I was lucky to have grown up!
  • 2008: Moved to Sacramento, California in 2008
  • 2013-2017: Went to UC Berkeley, worked in clean energy
  • 2019 was a year of big changes. I got let go from my job, went on my first big solo backpacking trip, met my wife, moved back to Sacramento
  • 2021: Started grad school at UCSC
  • 2024-2025: Got married, advanced to Ph.D candidacy. Went on leave to meditate for 3 months and travel for 6 months
  • 2025 (summer): Data Science Intern at Stripe in Chicago!
  • Now: Back to finish my Ph.D!