The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) is proud to announce H. Jaclyn Ishimaru-Gachina as the 2019 NALP Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. The award recognizes an NALP member who has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, ensured advancement of the landscape industry by actions and endeavors, and serves as a shining example to current and future female entrepreneurs. This award was presented at NALP’s LANDSCAPES 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky mid October.
“Creating a work environment that promotes diversity, that couples “The Gachina Way” – Respect, Courtesy and Professionalism, has allowed women to thrive within our organization. It is very inspiring to see so many women at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, who have chosen the Landscape Industry. “When interviewing female candidates, I am encouraged by their greater numbers.
These women are self-confident, knowledgeable, driven and prepared/ inspired to make an impact. We encourage them to intern with us and after graduation join our team. The fact that 45% of the Senior Management team is female speaks volumes.”
Jackie is President and co-founder of Gachina Landscape. In 2018, Gachina Landscape was certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Pacific Region and received our Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC) certificate summer of 2019. Gachina has been named in the top 25 woman and minority-owned companies by the San Francisco Business Times the past four years. Our organization represents cultures from 4 continents and over 10 countries; our strength comes from our diversity.
She was named to JobTrain’s Board of Directors and the Marketing and Development committee. In September 2019, Jackie successfully completed the NALP Emerging Leaders Program at Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University.
Jackie’s mission is to honor John’s legacy of leading the green industry in– sustainability, water resource management, farm-to-table gardens, and valuing interior and exterior clients. She champions continuous improvement known in Japanese as Kaizen. Personally and professionally, Jackie is committed to the community. She generously supports multiple community outreach programs throughout the year with volunteers, landscape materials and cash donations. Nearest and dearest to her heart is her support for the Movember Foundation promoting men’s health in John’s memory.
