Career Compass: Branding and Work Opportunities for Women

May Member's Meeting

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Thursday, May 15th, 2025 | 19:30-21:00 (FEW Lounge 19:15)

Online via Zoom

Secure your seat by purchasing a ticket! Free for members and ¥1500 for non-members

FEW members and community

Log in to sign up for free as a member!

Reserve your Seat as a Non-Member for just ￥1,500!

Navigate your career and cultivate your future with confidence: join us for an empowering discussion on branding, career growth and work opportunities for women!

Career compass is an interactive event designed to support women navigating their professional journeys. Featuring expert speakers from HR, recruitment and personal branding, we’ll dive into essential topics like personal and professional branding, career building, LinkedIn strategies and overcoming career gaps.

Whether you're looking to refine your CV, strengthen your online presence or explore new opportunities, this session will provide valuable insights, resources and networking opportunities.

Join us for an engaging discussion to shape the future of your career!

Sign up for this Event!

Friday, May 15th, 2025 | 19:30-21:00 (FEW Lounge 19:15)

Online via Zoom

Secure your seat by purchasing a ticket! Free for members and ¥1500 for non-members

FEW members and community

Log in to sign up for free as a member!

Reserve your Seat as a Non-Member for just ￥1,500!

Meet the Panelists!

Monika Hori | LinkedIn

Monika is passionate about helping people and businesses grow across borders. As a pioneer in international business and global B2B marketing, she has extensive experience across the U.S., Tokyo, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.

Starting her career as an executive assistant for a Japanese manufacturer expanding into Latin America, she now leads a high-performing team at LinkedIn, thriving in change and advocating for DE&I. She is part of the APAC leadership team and an executive sponsor for Women @ LinkedIn Japan. 

Known for her strategic mindset and hands-on leadership, she thrives in fast-paced, multicultural environments.

Her background spans product localization, media, business planning, and talent development, including past roles at the Wall Street Journal.

Michelle Roberts Gate | Cranberry Leadership

Michelle’s unconventional career path was born through seismic change and challenging environments. Sifting through government regulations, societal expectations, and unexpected natural and manmade disasters, she has blazed her own trail through multiple countries as an exchange student, spouse, and professional.  With two decades of experience across women’s leadership, healthcare, anti-human trafficking, and global sales, Michelle co-founded Cranberry Leadership – a boutique firm that coaches and consults people living or working outside their home country or culture.  While her focus is on Trailblazing Spouses, she also supports expat executives and the entire family.

 

In addition to her work with Trailblazing Spouses, Michelle is a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.  Connect with Michelle to collaborate and make a meaningful difference together.

Anastasiia Vydiuk | Career Coach

With over 4 years of experience in the dynamic fields of digital marketing, social media, and influencer marketing, Anastasiia has established herself as a career coach and recruiter specializing in the digital marketing industry. She is passionate about helping expats navigate their career journeys in Japan, whether they’re starting fresh or seeking to elevate their existing careers to new heights.

Event recap

Career Compass: Tips to Navigate Your Professional Journey
Final Member Meeting of the 2024–2025 FEW Japan Program Year
Theme: Cultivating Our Future

Introduction
To close out the year, FEW Japan hosted Career Compass, an inspiring and interactive session designed to support women navigating career transitions, personal branding, and professional reinvention. With powerful insights from guest speakers Anastasiia Vydiuk, Monika Hori and Michelle Gates Roberts, the event left us motivated and ready to take charge of our unique paths.

Event Highlights
This final member meeting was not just a celebration of a successful program year, but a deep, candid, and practical exchange about the realities—and possibilities—of professional life for women in Japan and beyond. The conversation explored how to build visibility, confidence, and purpose when transitioning careers, relocating internationally, or stepping back into the workforce after a gap.

Our panelists shared not only their expertise, but their personal journeys, offering actionable strategies and heartfelt encouragement. From using LinkedIn as a visibility tool, to embracing the power of authenticity and community, the session resonated with women across industries and life stages.

Key Components of the Event Included:

• Expert Advice from Industry Leaders:
  • Anastasiia Vydiuk brought expertise in recruiting and coaching for expats in Japan’s creative sector.
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiia-vydiuk/
  • Monika Hori, a senior leader at LinkedIn, highlighted the value of visibility, mentorship, and showing up as your unique self.
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monikahori/
  • Michelle Gates Roberts offered guidance on turning life transitions—like moves or career breaks—into leadership moments.
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-gates-roberts/
• Interactive Q&A with the Audience: Members asked insightful questions around language barriers, using LinkedIn for growth, and navigating career gaps with confidence.
• Candid Stories & Lived Experiences: Panelists shared personal anecdotes on career changes, overcoming self-doubt, and thriving through uncertainty—making the advice relatable and real.
• Celebration of Leadership: We honored outgoing President Jackie Steele for her seven years of visionary service, and warmly welcomed Stephanie Napier as the incoming President, looking ahead with excitement to the future of FEW.

We also celebrated the incredible contributions of outgoing President Jackie Steele and welcomed incoming President Stephanie Napier with gratitude and excitement for what’s to come.

The post May MM 2025 Career Compass: Branding and Work Opportunities for Women appeared first on FEW Japan.

FEW Japan + Women In Tech Global Japan Chapter

International Women's Day 2025

March 21, 2025 / News

For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

What you Missed… 

For this International Women’s Rights’ Month, FEW Japan partnered up with Women in Tech Global - Japan Chapter to go “Full STEAM Ahead” and discuss how to accelerate action for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics sectors. We couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out! 

Thanks to Impact Hub Tokyo, our guests gathered and discussed for about an hour with delicious food and drinks before we dived into the conversation. We first had a wonderful keynote address from Tomoko Mitsuoka, who represents Japan at the Global AI Ethics Institute in Paris. She showed us how different the Japanese perception of AI was from the Western one, and how much our use of AI and technology in a broader context is rooted in cultural factors. Take the representation of AI in Western movies: the robots take over the world, and we all die. In the Japanese context? Anime, manga… AI is progress! But ethics when it comes to AI is not understood the same in all cultures. Hence the dire -and urgent!- need for us all to educate ourselves and use critical thinking, as well as our ethics, when we reflect on AI… or ask ChatGPT to write our next email! 

We then welcomed our wonderful panelists and explored together how we can accelerate action for women in STEAM sectors. How can we attract them to and educate them in STEAM sectors? How can we make sure to succeed as women in STEAM? How can we empower other women? Of course, we had to give you their key takeaways.

1. Navigating Identity in Japan – Cecilia shared her experience as a woman of color in Japan, highlighting the challenge of navigating both foreign and local professional communities. Her advice: assert yourself and turn disadvantages into strengths.
2. Breaking Bias in Entrepreneurship – Apolline recounted her journey as a half-Japanese, half-French entrepreneur in Japan. She emphasized the importance of overcoming internalized bias and challenging societal norms around caregiving and professional identity.
3. Gender Stereotypes in Tech – Kumiko discussed the stark gender imbalance in Japan’s tech industry, comparing it with her experiences abroad. She stressed the need for systemic change, inclusive policies, and challenging the "Rikejo" stereotype of women in STEM.
4. Career Growth & Sponsorship – Kristina, with 30 years of experience in Japan, highlighted the importance of sponsorship over mentorship. She urged women to seek advocates in leadership roles to support their advancement.
5. Attracting Women to STEAM – Kumiko and Cecilia emphasized the power of representation, mentorship, and confidence-building to counteract cultural expectations that dissuade young girls from pursuing STEAM careers.
6. Self-Advocacy & Visibility – Apolline reminded us that women often do invisible work. She encouraged active self-promotion, challenging perfectionism, and making bold career moves. Special tip! Use the 20-80% rule: put 20% of your energy in creating your contents, and 80% in promoting it! 
7. Building Inclusive Workplaces – The panelists underscored the need for workplaces to accommodate diverse needs, including parental responsibilities, and emphasized the importance of flexible policies to retain women in STEAM.
8. The Role of Mentorship – Creating strong peer and mentor networks was a recurring theme. Cecilia and Kumiko shared how initiatives like Lean In Circles and Diversity Cafés can foster inclusive spaces. You should do the same in your workspace, and wherever you can!

The Future of Women in STEAM – While challenges persist, the panelists were optimistic about Japan’s policy shifts and the changing perspectives of younger generations. They even told us how we can use some of Japan’s patriarchal cultural aspects to our own advantage! More on that later…

About our panelists:

1. Apolline Daimaru, with a decade of experience ranging from managing global brands to building her own venture, is cofounder of nowthen, a brand and product design studio that helps startups unlock growth through design. 
2. Cecilia Grandi-Nagashiro, an academic coordinator and communications specialist, wears many hats for The University of Tokyo, ranging from public relations innovation to DEI progress, without forgetting sustainability. 
3. Kumiko Morita, who began her career at NTT Docomo, where she co-founded the first circle for women’s empowerment, LEAN IN, joined Waffle, an association who trains girls and young women in tech sectors,  as a full-time member, responsible for corporate partnerships and policy advocacy. 
4. Kristina Janjetic, is active as a training instructor for growth thinking and amplified leadership, as well as a mentor for the WITJ (Women in Technology Japan) community, having had a rich career in tech in Japan.

 

And because we know you want more of that knowledge, here are some hot tips… 

 

Exclusive Community Tips: Mastering Leadership & Overcoming Mental Barriers

• Apolline’s “Menstrual Mapping” for Productivity: She advises tracking one’s menstrual cycle to understand peak energy periods and schedule important meetings or creative work accordingly. For instance, during the follicular phase (after menstruation), cognitive abilities are sharper, making it ideal for strategic planning.
• Kristina’s “Overcoming the Fixed Mindset”: She recommends adopting a Growth Mindset by reframing failure as a learning opportunity and asking for feedback as often as possible—even negative feedback—to build resilience and normalize constructive criticism.
• Cecilia’s “Leveraging Cultural Norms for Change”: She suggests using Japan’s strong hierarchical structures to an advantage. Many senior male leaders see themselves as protectors of women—rather than rejecting this outdated notion outright, women can redirect it towards meaningful advocacy, such as encouraging them to sponsor and mentor women in leadership.
• Kumiko’s “Policy as a Long-Term Lever for Inclusion”: Cultural evolution is a gradual process, but Japan’s bureaucratic structure ensures that once a policy is established, it has permanent power. Women in STEAM should actively push for workplace policies on equal hiring, flexible work arrangements, and leadership training—these policies may take time, but they can create lasting, institutionalized change.

RESOURCES FOR MEMBERS

The AI Ethics Global Institute in Paris - Tomoko Mitsuoka 

https://globalethics.ai/

Mori exhibition: Video Game, AI, and Contemporary Art

https://www.mori.art.museum/en/exhibitions/machine_love/

 

Waffle - Kumiko Morita 

https://waffle-waffle.org/

 

Women in Technology Japan - Kristina Janjetic 

https://womenintech.jp/

 

nowthen - Apolline Daimaru

https://nowthen.cc/about

The post 2025 International Women’s Day Event appeared first on FEW Japan.

Shinnenkai 2025!

January 31, 2025 / Upcoming Event, News

Friday, Jan 31st, 2024 | 19:00-21:00

Hybrid: In-person at Code Chrysalis Tokyo and Online via Zoom

Secure your seat by purchasing a ticket!

FEW members and community

Shinnenkai 2025 Event Recap

What you Missed… FEW Japan held the annual Shinnenkai Event 

FEW Japan held our annual Shinnenkai on Friday, January 31st, at the Code Chrysalis office in Roppongi. This gathering served as an important platform for FEW’s Corporate and Non-Profit Organizational Members, who served as panelists on an educational and impactful panel discussion. After networking over a delicious dinner catered by Kiwi Kitchen, participants listened as our esteemed panelists shared their strategies and insights regarding the implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, underlining the significance of incorporating diverse perspectives in the workplace and the benefits of doing so. The evening finished with an opportunity for more networking and a fun photo opportunity - check out the photos below!

 

Key Takeaways 

• In the context of today's complex political landscape, Japan stands poised to harness both challenges and opportunities. The nation can emerge as a leader, providing guidance and strength to others in the integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the workplace. This proactive approach not only fosters a more inclusive environment but also sets a standard for global best practices in organizational culture.
• The implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within organizations has resulted in significant, measurable outcomes, as shared by our panelists. These outcomes include a notable increase in hiring rates, enhanced employee retention, and the cultivation of a more inclusive and safe work environment.
• The inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences within organizations plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and enhancing customer service quality. By embracing a variety of viewpoints, businesses can leverage creativity and address customer needs more effectively, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and satisfaction.
• Diversity of perspectives and experience within organizations also contributes to increased innovation and overall better customer service. 
• In the long term, everyone gains from inclusive organizational structures that benefit employees. 

 

FEW Japan would like to sincerely thank our Corporate Sustaining Member panelists: Jill Hackney from Code Chrysalis & Robert Millar from Innovacious; our Organizational Member panelists: Kristine Ayuzawa from build+ & Tracey Northcott from Tokyo Family Stays; and our Nonprofit Organizational Member panelists: Namino Horii-Rivoal from Mimoza Ways, Kozue Oka from Mirai no Mori & Dr. Paul Bookman from the Glide Fund.

 

Resources

To find out more about any of the organizations our panelists belong to, we have included their websites for your reference; 

 

Corporate Sustaining Members

• Code Chrysalis
•  Innovacious

Organizational Members 

• build+ [formerly Wahl+Case]
• Tokyo Family Stays

Nonprofit Organizational Members 

• Mimoza Ways
• Mirai no Mori
• Glide Fund

 

We were so pleased to have so many members and friends of our community come out to support us at this all-genders-welcome event. It was clear from the dedication of our panelists that their work serves as both motivation and inspiration for us to be a part of the future we all want to see in Japan, because together, we can co-create the FEWture!  

Meet the Corporate Member Panelists!

Corporate Sustaining Members

Code Chrysalis: Jill Hackney

Jill started with Code Chrysalis in 2019. Prior to her role as Chief Strategy Officer, Jill was the Chief Technology Officer where she led the curriculum, product, and engineering functions of the company, with an emphasis on localization projects. 

To re-engineer herself as Chief Strategy Officer, Jill leads and sets the strategic direction for the business. She is passionate about global women’s issues and has broad international experience in Japan, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and the UK. Jill is originally from the United States.

 

Innovacious: Robert Millar

Robert Millar is a Japan-based Website Specialist whose global company offers a full suite of website services for busy entrepreneurs and small business owners including all aspects of web design, management and optimization to achieve dramatic results for his clients. He’s founded several successful online and offline businesses, giving him unique insight into what really works to grow and develop businesses, especially in Japan.

Organizational Members

Tokyo Family Stays: Tracey Northcott

Tracey Northcott is a seasoned entrepreneur, hospitality expert, and engaging speaker, known for her passion for creating memorable guest experiences and empowering fellow hosts. With over a decade of hosting experience, Tracey has welcomed thousands of guests from around the world to her Tokyo-based properties, mastering the art of hospitality and building a thriving short-term rental business. Her approach combines a deep understanding of cultural nuances with a commitment to providing exceptional service, making her a sought-after mentor and consultant in the hosting community.

 

Tracey is the founder of Tokyo Family Stays, a boutique property management company that specializes in helping families and travelers find comfortable and unique accommodations in Japan. Her firsthand knowledge of navigating the challenges and opportunities in the short-term rental industry has made her a trusted voice for hosts looking to elevate their game.

 

Wahl + Case: Kristine Ayuzawa

Kristine has helped globally-minded professionals build meaningful careers for over 15 years. As Director of People Operations at Wahl+Case, she champions innovative hiring, learning, and performance strategies that align with company values and embody their one rule - “Always do what is in the best interest of your customers. Always.” 

Her experience spans recruitment, talent management, leadership, and sales operations. Originally from the United States, she holds a BS from Cornell University, an MS in Corporate Training & Communication from Purdue University, and is a Professional Certified Coach with the ICF.

Nonprofit Organizational Members

Glide Fund: Dr. Paul Bookman

As the father of two chronically ill and disabled children, Paul has spent the better part of 30 years dealing with hospitals, life threatening illnesses, and obstacles trying to make life easier for his two affected children. With the formation of the GLIDE Fund, established by his son Mark, he is now embarking on a new phase of his life. He plans to carry on the disability advocacy work of his son and daughter by making sure that the GLIDE Fund grows internationally. His hope, as a lasting tribute to his son’s passion and research, is to make the GLIDE Fund the leading grant making organization whose sole purpose is to aid disabled students traveling internationally to further their studies and understanding of the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).  

 

Mimoza Ways: Namino Horii-Rivoal

Namino Horii-Rivoal is the producer of the play MIMOZA WAYS which introduces 100 years of Japanese feminism. Also a Board Member of the Japanese Association of International Women's Rights and Advisor to the G7 Official Engagement Group, W7 (Women7) Namino Horii-Rivoal is also a co-translator of the book “Crocodiles: Everyday harassment and sexism lurking like crocodiles, and how to deal with them” (Kamogawa Publishing 2022)

 

Mirai no Mori: Kozue Oka

Born and raised in Japan, Kozue has always believed in the power of nature. After studying Environmental/Outdoor Education in Sweden for a year, she joined Mirai no Mori to share her experiences and to create an environment in which marginalized youth can thrive. She is committed to the mission and to creating a place where campers can call “home away from home.”

Friday, Jan 31st, 2025 | 19:00-21:00

Hybrid: In-person at Code Chrysalis Tokyo and Online via Zoom

Secure your seat by purchasing a ticket!

FEW members and community

The post 2025 Shinnenkai Event appeared first on FEW Japan.

Membership Exclusive

October 17, 2024 / Upcoming Event, News, Peer-to-Peer

Sign up for this Event!

Reserve your Seat

Thurs. Nov 21st, 2024 | Jan 16th I April 17th I May 29th, 2025 | 19:30-21:30

Online event

Secure your seat by reserving for free!

This event is exclusively for FEW members

Not yet a member? Join FEW now!

What is the Peer-to-Peer [P2P] Program?

A Members Only event, the P2P program is a unique opportunity for FEW Japan Members to learn, thrive, and connect with each other. It is designed as a womxn-only, exclusive safe space built around our annual program theme and P2P theme that we explore through 4 learning journeys animated by 4 different experts.

Bringing together the leadership and talents of our members and external guest speakers, workshop facilitators will share their insights, methods, and applied tools in order for members to workshop, practice and strengthen their foundations in real time together. The workshops take place within a welcoming online environment with a safety net of supportive peers.

Whether you are growing your business or looking to optimize your experience in a current position. Maybe you are trying to identify your voice through a new life age or stage, or potentially you are interested in creating effective strategies to completely change your career and pivot into new projects. Whatever your aimsFEW Japan’s P2P Program and all the participants will be supportive and uplifting in their ongoing aim to develop and support you on your journey and in your next steps.

Who Will Benefit from Joining Peer-to-Peer Sessions?

Calling all our members at all ages and stages!

The P2P Annual Program is a rare opportunity for ongoing, year-long thought partnering with other talented women of all nationalities living across Japan.

• Creatives – curious about turning a creative passion into a side hustle, or expressing yourself through a new medium?
• Entrepreneurs –  already started or thinking about starting your own business?
• Corporates  – are you currently working at a company and wishing you could explore additional ways to develop your talents further and create a bigger impact?
• Pivoters and Inquisitors– are you looking to pivot your career, return to the workforce after caregiving or pivot out of one industry into adjacent opportunities that leverage your expertise?

CTA: Come explore your options and gain new perspectives on how to cultivate your knowledge, and strengthen your professional foundations! P2P is an authentic way to move your personal and professional development forward, gain new skills, expand your national networks and visibility, while at the same time being a part of a growing community who are committed to your thriving and success in Japan.

FEW Annual Program Theme

2024-2025 “Cultivating our Future”

Peer-to-Peer Annual Theme:

“Strengthening our Foundations”

Peer-to-Peer Thematic Learning Journeys

• Thursday, November 21st, 2024

• Thursday, January 16th, 2025

• Thursday, April 17th, 2025

• Thursday, May 29th, 2025

Express Yourself

Rediscover Yourself

Invest in Yourself

Celebrate Yourself

Kyoko Takeyama

Rachel Ferguson

Chinyere Okoli

Madeleine Hoffmann

Your Hosts for FEW Japan Peer-to-Peer Events

Our FEW Japan board of directors and membership engagement team are excited to host the Peer-to-Peer Events for you over the course of the year. They look forward to providing you with opportunities to be supported to achieve your goals, share your voice and learn more about how to use your talents more effectively.

Sign up for this Event!

Reserve your Seat

Thurs. Nov 21st, 2024 | Jan 16th I April 17th I May 29th, 2025 | 19:30-21:30

Online event

Secure your seat by reserving for free!

This event is exclusively for FEW members

Not yet a member? Join FEW now!

Other Upcoming Events

Summer Networking in Tokyo

Rewrite Your Inner Story, Transform Your Life: Part 2 In-Person Workshop

Finding Your Voice When AI is Doing the Talking: An Evening with Helen Iwata

ROGUE: Transforming Resentment into Renewal

The post Peer-to-Peer Event appeared first on FEW Japan.

On the 6th August 1984 at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles Tessa Sanderson won the Gold in the Women’s Javelin and became the first black woman to win a Gold for Great Britain. She remains today the only British person, man or woman to ever win a throwing Gold Medal, a record that has been maintained for over 35 years. 

Tessa competed in SIX Olympic Games from 1976 to 1996, and in addition to the Olympic Gold, won three Commonwealth Golds and a World Cup Gold in Cuba in 1990.

During her 26 years competing for Great Britain Tessa was voted Sports Personality of the Year and Athlete of the Year (3 times) by the Athletics Writers Association, she also presented the Sports News for 2/3 years for Sky Television. Her media career involved television presenting for BBC, ITV, Bloomberg, GMTV, Talk Sport Radio. 

Tessa has taken part in various BBC Show’s and is a natural in front of the camera both as a guest and a host. One particular show recorded the highest viewing of the whole series on one evening with over 2.9 million viewers – it was repeated 9 nine times during the year.

Tessa was a Board member of the Olympic Park Legacy Company and continues to be very involved with that area today. Her charity support is extensive, her latest work includes being Patron of Adoption UK having adopted two young twins herself. More recently she became Patron for the Birmingham Commonwealth Association and is an Ambassador for Move it or Lose it, a campaign aiming at improving the fitness of older people, particularly during the pandemic of 2020.

She continues to be a regular within media, whether it be ‘A Question of Sport’ (2016), BBC Radio news review (2017) Loose Women (2019) Sky News (2019) or entertainment ‘Celebrity 5 go Barging’ Channel 5 (2018), Junk Food Experiment (2019), Sink or Swim (2019). She is often featured in magazines, broadsheets and the popular press (Hello Magazine covered her 60th birthday , Daily Telegraph featured ‘mother at 57, model at 60’, Telegraph supplement covered her 35th Anniversary since winning Gold ). Very much a TV/Radio personality outside of her sporting achievements she regularly gives keynote speeches as well as hosting award functions. More recently she was signed by a modelling agency and is developing work in fashion and beauty balancing this with her young family and sporting interests. She presented at a designers launch in 2019, making her debut appearance on the catwalk. 

Tessa is also a corporate business ambassador helping to build brand awareness. She has several large roles with an announcement of an exciting new project shortly.

Social Media tags for Tessa:

Tessa Sanderson CBE Official Twitter  @tessasanderson 

Tessa Sanderson CBE Official Instagram @tessasandersoncbe

VIEW ALL CSS 2020 SPEAKERS

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Terri was born in New York City’s Harlem in 1958, grew up in Queens and Manhattan, attended the High School of Music & Art as a voice and piano major. She went to Fordham University for 2 years as an English major. Her first real job was Manager, then Director of Business Affairs for CBS Records International for 10 years. She moved to General Manager of Paisley Park Music for 2 years.

Having fallen in love with the Shibuya-kei scene in Tokyo, she left the corporate world to run a non-profit, Medius Entertainment, whose mandate was to promote cultural exchange by bringing excellent Japanese underground bands to the US.

After almost 15 years of artist management (Pizzicato Five, Buffalo Daughter, FEED), Terri and her business partner decided the music business was moving in too mercenary a direction, and they moved into bi-cultural multimedia production and brand management. By this time, Terri was living in Tokyo, and working to find a way to build a life in the city.

Building a Creative Practice

Terri’s focus now is the concept learn:::create:::publish. As a lover of courses and books and learning, she has consumed a lot, created sporadically, and published little. 

In her early 60s, she decided that had to change.

She is creating a podcast and newsletter called ‘hello human’, documenting her creative projects. hello human is especially meant for middle-aged+ women who would love to build a creative practice and perhaps even turn it into a business someday. 

Terri is fortunate to have a full time job she enjoys, but it’s worth the time it takes to focus on the projects that build – and serve – this community.

VIEW ALL CSS 2020 SPEAKERS

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Petra Laptiste was born and raised in Montreal which is one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities. She was born to a Trinidadian father and a Grenadian mother who had left the Caribbean to seek more diverse educational prospects in Canada. Her mother and father instilled in her the principles of dedication, integrity, cultural awareness and hard work – with lots of love and laughter sprinkled in between.

After graduating from Concordia University with a Specialization in Cell & Molecular Biology, she worked at one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, then moved to Japan for a career change in education. While she had been living in Japan, Petra honed her teaching skills by receiving a Cambridge University CELTA certificate. Spending almost a decade in Japan had planted a deep wanderlust inside her soul. Petra’s years of travel to almost 35 countries on 5 continents have enabled her to experience a wide variety of foods, cultures and enriching philosophies. For instance, on her first African journey, Petra went to Ghana on holiday. Unfortunate news unfolded and tragedy hit her family. In retrospect, she had used that experience and the positive sisterhood energies from FEW Japan to embark upon her first entrepreneurial streak in Tokyo.

She has brought cultural sensitivity and diversity to all facets of her work. From Corporate Training to Trinidadian cooking instruction in Tokyo – it has always been Petra’s mission to broaden the horizons of those around her and allow them to understand that the Caribbean and African Diaspora have a deep richness and history. The gorgeous textiles and symbols of Ghana and Tanzania, the soulful rhythm of Trinidadian tunes, the earthy deep beats of Grenadian music, Afro-Caribbean fashion, diverse and flavorful cuisine and the beauty of English language communication are what Petra Laptiste wants people to savour, experience and return for more.

After leaving Japan, Petra decided to take a break from entrepreneurship. She relocated to and currently lives in the Arabian Gulf region where she teaches ESL and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.

VIEW ALL CSS 2020 SPEAKERS

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Our workouts consist of a combination of strength and cardio, teamwork and individual exercises, as well as high intensity interval training. During the pregnant and postnatal workouts we focus on safe reeducation of the pelvic floor as well as the core muscles.

All our trainers have a professional education and are specialized in pre- and postnatal workouts. 

We all know that it can be quite a challenge to combine children, friends, work and a full agenda, let alone do this overseas!  Our mission is to help as many women and moms (to-be) as possible in building a strong, energetic life foundation. 

We do this together with our network of positive women, who all find themselves in the same situation here in Japan; trying to raise a family.
When you are feeling physically and mentally good about yourself, it is easier to make the right choices, to work on your personal ambitions and enjoy your family.

We touch women’s lives and inspire them to be at their best. We believe in a positive and personal approach. We will do the best we can, always.
Sounds good!? Register through our website:
https://www.mominbalance.com/japan/en/signup/

VIEW ALL CSS 2020 SPEAKERS

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Originally from Connecticut, I spent my childhood raising farm animals and creating art. I graduated from Skidmore College with degrees in Business and Fine Arts; my junior year I spent at Kansai Gaidai in Osaka.

For the past 20+ years, I have been on the corporate track; gaining an MBA from Harvard Business School, working in brand management at Clorox, helping to start BabyCenter.com, and finally working 14 years at Amazon.com and .jp.

In 2014, I retired from corporate life and am now a mompreneur. Best Living Japan is me following my passion and sharing it with others. Best Living Japan runs a website that helps global families living in and traveling to Japan have more fun! We also have a studio where we teach various art, cooking & lifestyle classes.

I am also a Girl Scout leader of Troop #20605 in Tokyo, a Trustee of The American School in Japan, and a Committee Member of the Asian University of Women. 

VIEW ALL CSS 2020 SPEAKERS

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Partially inspired by Tim Ferris’s 4-Hour Workweek, and Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Sabrina decided to engage more fully in her own business ventures. In 2014, Sabrina relocated to coastal South Carolina and combined her business interest with her legal skills. She developed a small real-estate business with a portfolio of three properties. She worked as a real-estate closing attorney, representing large banks and mortgage lenders while serving as a property manager and AirBnb host for her personal portfolio.

Shortly after Trump’s election to the US presidency, Sabrina decided to leave the US. In 2017, Sabrina began work as a JET at Nishi High School while remotely managing her interests in the US.  At Nishi, Sabrina used her debate, writing, and public speaking skills to help her students develop their communication skills. In 2018, FEW sponsored Sabrina’s participation in the Japan Market Expansion Competition (JMEC). Through the program, Sabrina led her team to win the Best Market Research award to investigate expansion opportunities in Japan for a Spanish multinational motorcycle brakes company.  

Since 2019, Sabrina has applied her business experience in advising Tokyo-based businesses. She enjoys working with progressive organizations to address business challenges through her bespoke consulting service. For more information visit https://sabrinahassanali.com/

For recreation, Sabrina enjoys off-grid adventures in nature or eating strange foods abroad. Since COVID-19 has placed a damper on her travels, she started a creative T-shirt business inspired by Japanese manholes. For more information visit www.tokyoground.com

Sabrina Hassanali comes from a family of adventurous entrepreneurs and empowered women. She can find relatives on five continents; they are collectively part of the larger Indian diaspora. Sabrina Hassanali grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, but has also lived in Tanzania and Argentina. She considers herself a global citizen.

Sabrina is a life-long advocate of a balanced professional life. She makes time for public service, a salaried role, and a side business in her professional endeavors.  Through her example and leadership, she hopes to inspire others to keep growing.

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