Joanne devotes much of her energy running Breast Cancer Hawaii and being involved in cancer advocacy efforts both locally and nationally.

As a trained patient advocate, she also volunteers with the Young Survival Coalition and Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Locally, she serves on the UH Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office Patient Advocacy Committee, Susan G. Komen Race Committee, and Hawaii Young Healthcare Professional's Leadership Team. 

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On the side, she is a freelance translator for Japanese dramas, manga, and anime. During her free time, she likes cooking up plant-based recipes for her family. She loves traveling and spoiling her cat, dog, nephew, and nieces.