Throughout Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're proud to honor the voices of those in our district whose heritage and leadership continue to build a culture of belonging. Today, we're spotlighting Midori Clough, 504 Director and Compliance Resolution Specialist for Davis School District.
Clough was born in Okinawa and adopted as an infant by her parents, who were stationed there with the U.S. Air Force. Her upbringing was shaped by a blend of cultures—her father from rural Arkansas and her mother, who immigrated from Germany and faced discrimination after moving to the United States in the late 1940s. Clough spent much of her childhood moving frequently and living near military bases, often in small towns.
“I faced some racial slurs when I started school, especially since it was during the end of the Vietnam War,” she said. “I also struggled academically.”
Despite those challenges, Midori found strength in her mother’s consistent support. Her mother helped her with homework every night and taught her to respond to prejudice with grace and perseverance.
“She would never say anything negative about others,” Clough said. “Instead, she would tell me, ‘Let them get to know you—they’ll end up liking you.’ She also made sure I never gave up.”
That foundation helped shape the way Clough connects with others.
“I’ve always strived to make others feel welcome,” she said. “As a teacher, I made it a point to take struggling students under my wing and help them be successful.”
Clough is also proud of her role as a single parent to three daughters, raising them with the same values of hard work, compassion and resilience. She sees those traits reflected in them now as young adults.
“They tell me all the time how much I’ve influenced them,” she said. “You’ll often hear them say, ‘I got it from my momma.’”
She also keeps her cultural identity close. Her office reflects elements of her background, and her daily work is guided by her commitment to inclusion and support.
“I want people I work with to feel that I’m helpful in tough situations,” she said. “I want them to know I care about all of our children in DSD.”
To others pursuing their goals, Clough offers simple but powerful advice.
“Don’t let others define who you are,” she said. “Only you can determine who you are and how far you can go.”