Eric Nakano
Eric Nakano (He/Him) is a lifelong resident of San Dimas, a public servant, and a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. With over 15 years of experience in LGBTQ+ advocacy, public policy, and community organizing, Eric’s commitment to equity and representation has spanned from grassroots activism to elected office.
His advocacy began during the No on Prop 8 campaign, organizing faith communities across Los Angeles County through California Faith for Equality. He went on to serve in leadership roles with the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Young Professionals Council, OUTWest, and API Equality-LA, where he organized statewide trainings and culturally specific programs, including a coming out workshop for Asian Americans. Today, he continues that work as the executive sponsor of the Pride ERG at Rakuten, mentoring LGBTQ+ professionals and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
In 2022, Eric made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ person and first person of color elected to the San Dimas City Council. On the council, he has championed inclusive policies and worked to foster greater unity and collaboration across a politically diverse region.
Professionally, Eric serves as Vice President at Rakuten, a global digital advertising company. He has also held roles at the AFL-CIO, UCLA, and advised leading tech firms on marketing and product strategy.
Eric holds a BA from George Washington University and dual master’s degrees—an MPP and MBA—from Duke University. In 2011, he was awarded a scholarship from the Point Foundation, the nation’s largest scholarship organization for LGBTQ+ students. He returned to San Dimas from San Francisco in 2016 to care for his mother following a cancer diagnosis. After her passing in 2018, he became the primary caregiver for his sister, who has special needs. These personal experiences have deepened his commitment to service and continue to shape his values around dignity, inclusion, and family.
Eric was appointed by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and represents the Fifth District.