Lyndsey Burcina is a lifelong resident of Santa Rosa, California, where she was raised in her grandparents’ West County home with a deep appreciation for her Japanese-American heritage and cultural traditions. She serves as a Japanese folk dance instructor with the Enmanji Buddhist Temple in Sebastopol and held the title of Japanese-America’s Miss California in both 2020 and 2021.

At seventeen, while attending Elsie Allen High School, Ms. Burcina began her career as a Restorative Justice Practitioner, becoming one of the youngest professionals recognized by the International Institute for Restorative Practices at its 2017 World Conference. Over the past five years, she has worked extensively with organizations throughout Sonoma County, demonstrating a strong commitment to community service. She currently serves as Managing Partner of Baba-Renenger Farms and Co-Head Coach of the Santa Rosa Junior College Cheer Team.