Name: Reina Shibata
Age: 32
Profession: Public Art Curator
Likes: Hanging out with my husband and cat!
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Current City: NYC
WHY DID YOU JOIN THE UP-STAND MOVEMENT?
I commute from the Upper East Side to downtown Manhattan every day, on the 4,5,6 train. I experimented with different ways of making my commute (even a little bit) easier since finding out I was pregnant last fall — leaving home earlier, leaving home later, switching to the express train, staying on the local…nothing really made much of a difference until I got my UP-STAND pin!
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SAY ABOUT YOUR UP-STAND EXPERIENCE SO FAR?
It’s been so great! I’ve found that many commuters will give up their seat, make room for you etc., even if it’s a really crowded train. Thank you, UP-STAND! I’ve bought pins to give as gifts to my pregnant friends that take public transportation regularly. I am really excited about this movement. And small acts of kindness from strangers, they can really make your day.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
For work and in my free time, you’ll most likely find me checking out art somewhere in the five boroughs. I travel around the city with my UP-STAND pin, of course.
TELL US SOMETHING YOU ARE LOVING ABOUT YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW:
The second trimester! Much easier to love than the first :)
Follow Reina on Instagram @reina11232 for amazing pictures of art around New York City and to keep up with her growing baby bump!