[She’s Got Hustle] Building Trust Through Public Engagement With Trisha Murakawa

Trisha Murakawa is the Principal and Chief Problem Solver at Murakawa Communications, a strategic communications and public affairs firm. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in public outreach and community engagement for environmental and infrastructure projects, earning accolades such as the Mike Watanabe Leadership Award. In 2020, Trisha was elected to the El Camino Community College District Board of Trustees, representing areas including El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and North Redondo Beach. She also serves on the boards of 211 LA County and the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, reflecting her commitment to community service and public engagement.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• [3:54] Why Trisha Murakawa founded her own PR firm
• [6:09] How a job with State Senator Diane Watson sparked Trisha’s PR career
• [11:34] Sitting a fire station in Hollywood: Trisha’s approach to tackling challenging projects
• [12:58] Building community trust through honest and values-based communication
• [15:34] What motivated Trisha to run for the El Camino Community College Board?
• [19:32] The impact of serving on boards like 211 LA County and the LAX Coastal Chamber
• [25:59] Navigating bias and leadership as an Asian American woman in a male-dominated industry
• [33:01] Trisha’s advice for women entering PR and public affairs

In this episode…

Balancing a demanding professional career with a commitment to community service is a challenge many leaders face. How can someone maintain authenticity, drive public impact, and lead a values-based business while navigating the complexities of public perception and personal responsibilities?

Trisha Murakawa, a seasoned strategic communications and public affairs expert, shares how honesty, emotional intelligence, and community-centered values have shaped her career. Trisha emphasizes the importance of early public engagement, transparent dialogue, and building trust, especially in controversial infrastructure projects. She encourages women, especially those in underrepresented communities, to overcome fear, embrace risk, and collaborate rather than compete. Trisha’s approach advocates aligning personal and professional missions to make a lasting impact as a leader.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, Emily Au interviews Trisha Murakawa, Principal and Chief Problem Solver at Murakawa Communications, about leading with integrity in public affairs. Trisha discusses her mission to improve quality of life, the power of certifications for minority and women-owned businesses, and how to manage courageous conversations. She also delves into mentoring through civic leadership, challenges in the public works space, and the value of emotional intelligence.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Victor Huynh on LinkedIn
• Emily Au on LinkedIn
• Ready Artwork
• Trisha Murakawa on LinkedIn
• Murakawa Communications: LinkedIn | Website
• 211 LA County

Quotable Moments:

• “I always want to be honest and listen. It’s about being honest so that they can make a decision with their eyes wide open.”
• “Our mission is to improve quality of life and make the world a better place. That’s all that I try to do.”
• “I believe that it’s not fair to my clients if I am not giving them my honest advice.”
• “You have to eat your fear. One, because we have to do that. And I have to do that like every day.”
• “The most important piece of communication is listening. That’s my tool.”

Action Steps:

1. Lead with values in every project: Values like trust and respect lay the foundation for authentic communication and lasting client relationships.
2. Engage communities early and honestly: Early transparency helps prevent backlash and fosters public trust in even the most challenging projects.
3. Support other women in your field: Uplifting fellow women creates stronger networks and more inclusive, empowered industries.
4. Pursue certifications if eligible: Certifications provide a competitive edge and increase visibility for minority and women-owned businesses.
5. Be willing to have courageous conversations: Honest feedback, even when difficult, builds credibility and strengthens strategic decision-making.

Sponsor for this episode…

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