Ryan Taketomo is SBWIB YouthBuild’s English and History teacher. He grew up in Montebello, a city east of East LA. He was admitted to the University of La Verne, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and minored in history. After working for a few years in urban planning and financial advising, he felt a calling to share his knowledge and skills with youth.

Ryan worked as a substitute teacher while attending Cal State LA to earn his teaching credential. Early in his career as an educator, he taught middle school math, but he has been part of YouthBuild, teaching history and other subjects, since 2022.

Outside of teaching, Ryan enjoys serving at church, spending quality time with kids and their families, taking Pilates classes, biking, hiking, and playing the guitar.