Friday, June 7, 2024
The FEWture Conference
Meet the Speakers
Meet our inspiring speakers! Hailing from all over the world, these women will be sharing insights, best practices, and real-world experiences that will be invaluable to attendees. Scroll down to check out the panels and workshops that will be held at the conference and stay tuned for more that will be confirmed soon!
Panel Discussions
Inspiring workshops
In partnership with:
Panel Discussions
Diversifying Tech / STEAM for Equitable Impact
Co-Founder, Code Chrysalis
She currently sits on the board of directors. Yan moved to Japan in 2017, from San Francisco where she worked as a software engineer at a machine learning startup, to start Code Chrysalis. Prior to Code Chrysalis, Yan also previously co-founded and served as CTO of a coding boot camp in Jordan helping the region's refugees. She is currently taking a much-needed break before diving into her next thing.
Public Relations, Marketing, Research and Policy Advocacy, Yamada Shintaro D & I Foundation
The founder of Global Stage Inc. and the visionary behind the Women Leaders Association of Japan, Saori is not just a leader; she's a catalyst for change. As an external director at Komehyo, Inc., since 2016, she has carved a path for women in management. In 2019, Saori crossed borders to the US, igniting change through a global STEAM inquiry-based educational material, InterEd.
Now at the Yamada Shintaro D&I Foundation, she directs public relations, marketing, and research, fiercely committed to closing the gender gap in STEM fields. A mother of four, Saori's impact resonates globally from Japan and her current base in the US.
CEO & Founder, Nicola Vote Consulting
Her interest in cybersecurity began during the 4 years she worked as a technical standardization expert at NTT Docomo and progressed during her 18-year career at McAfee, where she held leadership positions in Japan business development and global customer experience (CX) management. Nicola has been involved in FEW for several years, including the Vice President role from 2017-2019. Nicola now runs her own consultancy and is passionate about promoting safer, confident ways to live our digital lives. Nicola holds a BSc (Hons) from the University of London, MBA (McGill University), JLPT N1. She is a graduate of the Oxford Advanced Management & Leadership Programme, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Women In Tech™ Regional Director of APAC
My strong believe in Empowering Women in Technology has landed me in a new exciting role as Women in Tech Global movement -as APAC Director.
I am an Official Signatory of Women Empowerment Principles (UNWomen) - a guideline and framework to close the gender inequality gap.
Firm believer that it is never too late at any stage of life to turn things around! There is something everyone can do/contribute at work/life with unique skillsets, find your IKIGAI (Purpose of life). With/through/around technology we can amplify the impact even more and at speed!
Mom of two beautiful grown up kids, daughter is HULT prize, Campus Director 2022 for Australian National University.
Holding Japanese citizenship with mixed parentage, grew up outside of Japan the entire life, aiming to be a global citizen with strong curiosity in cultures with deep empathy which is an important skill as a leadership to a drive a sustainable company.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuki-aizawa/
IG : https://www.instagram.com/yukia108?igsh=ZGtiaTE0MnVvYXN0&utm_source=qr
@yukia108
X (twitter - not really using it but I should!)
Director, People Operations, Wahl & Case
She is currently the Director of People Operations at Wahl+Case, where she develops effective hiring, learning, and performance management strategies to further the company's aim of setting a new industry standard. Toward this goal, Kristine strives to align the employee experience with Wahl+Case values and cultivate an environment where consultants succeed by embodying their one rule - “Always do what is in the best interest of your customers. Always.”
Originally from the United States, Kristine holds a BS in Human Development from Cornell University and an MS in Corporate Training & Communication from Purdue University. She is a Certified Executive Life Coach and Associate Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF). As an HR leader and lifelong learner, she also maintains SHRM-SCP and SPHR credentials through ongoing professional development.
Programs Co-Director, FEW Japan
As the Director of Events and Planning at WomEnpowered International, she spearheaded a series of events to educate about and destigmatize menstruation and women’s health called Period rediscovered. The series explored the science behind menstruation, period products, contraceptives, lifestyle factors, menopause, and period poverty. In continuation, she organized multiple documentary screenings of “A Bloody Taboo” at UTokyo.
Mahi is also a founding member of the UTokyo Green Transformation Student Network (GXSN), which has spurred many student-led environmental sustainability-related projects. In particular, she led the installation of water dispensers across UTokyo campuses as an impetus to change single-use culture, organized Campus Changemakers Summit 2023, and coordinated UTokyo’s first Sustainability week. She recently became a trained facilitator for the Climate Fresk - an interactive educational workshop to understand climate change. Mahi enjoys pottery, embroidery, and growing plants in her free time.
Enhancing Board Diversity for Innovation
Global VP, NTT
In her additional role as Head of Sustainability for Americas at NTT, Rika is driving NTT's sustainability ambition in operations while also orchestrating the go-to market for NTT's climate-positive solutions across their portfolio of digital infrastructure solutions. For 2 consecutive years in 2022 and 2023, Rika has been awarded “Power 70” and “Power 80” recognition for the Women of Channel awards with The Channel Co’s CRN network. She has also been ranked as "Top 100 in Emerging Tech" by Women of the Future.
Trilingual in Japanese, German, and English, Rika grew up in Japan and moved to the US to attend Princeton University. Rika has since worked internationally in senior executive roles in strategy, business development, consulting, and marketing with Fortune 500 companies - Accenture, NVIDIA, Capgemini, Sony - and Silicon Valley startups. She is a digital innovation veteran and has served on multiple boards in Next-Gen Computing, XR/VR/AR, Cybersecurity, and AI ecosystems. Rika is currently board chair at STRIDES AI - a social impact venture that is advancing diversity in senior leadership with an AI platform, and a board member of Venus Shell Systems - a circular and blue economy enterprise.
Rika is the best-selling author of “Dear Chairwoman” - featuring the trials and triumphs of women corporate board leaders. Her next book, featuring the intersection of sustainability, digital innovation, and the pandemic, is called “Beyond the Black Swan: How the Pandemic and Digital Innovation Intensified the Sustainability Imperative - Everywhere" was just released by Taylor & Francis in January 2024.
Founder, Women in Governance
With a diverse board portfolio and global advocacy, including TEDx talks and fireside chats with Top CEOs, Chairs of Boards, and public figures like Hillary Clinton, Justin Trudeau, Princess Sarah Zeid of Jordan, Lord Mayor of the City of London, Tarana Burke, Randy Zuckerberg, to name just a few.
Caroline is the recipient of numerous prestigious national and international awards. She was named Top 20 Diversity Leading Figure in Quebec, Top 75 Canadian Immigrant, Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, and Top 100 Entrepreneurs changing the world.
Co-President, Women in Law Japan
With over 20 years' experience in-house and in private practice, she specializes in major projects in mining, power, energy, resources, and infrastructure sectors. Angela was listed in the 2023 Legal 500 GC Power List for Japan and was a finalist for Best In-house Lawyer in 2020. She co-presides over Women in Law Japan and Japan In-House Counsel.
CEO and Founder, BrioNexus | Special Advisor for International Cooperation, Ministry of Culture of Japan | Ambassador of Science and Diplomacy, EU's Acrid Network
Andrijana is the CEO and Founder of BrioNexus, a Tokyo-based multinational firm specializing in quantum computing, semiconductors, AI, and blockchain. Her extensive professional experience includes positions such as Director for North Asia at the Economist Group, Executive Advisor to Cartier, Board Director at several publicly listed companies, and Board Member and Chair of the Government Relations Committee of the British Chamber of Commerce.
Dr Cvetkovikj holds an Honorary Doctorate from the European University and has been a speaker at prestigious events like the World Economic Forum and the UN's Climate Change Conference. She is also a Chief Curator for the SDGs in Motion Program at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Dr Cvetkovikj holds a PhD in Cinema Studies from Nihon University and an Executive MBA from TUJ Fox School of Business. Her dedication to promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender equality earned her the WIN Inspiring Women Worldwide Award in 2022. She is also the Ambassador of Science and Diplomacy for the EU's Acrid Network.
Founder, We are Enough
She was recently appointed President, Commission on the Status of Women by LA Mayor Karen Bass, named a Forbes 50 Over 50 in Finance and cited by Business Insider’s as The 32 most important VCs in Los Angeles, according to other VCs and The 30 rising star VCs in Los Angeles, according to other VCs. She is also a Board Director for Applife Digital Solutions, Inc (ALDS) and the CSUDH Philanthropic Foundation Endowment.
Additionally, Ms. Gray serves on Melinda Gates’ Pivotal Venture’s Women of Color Advisory Council, PGIM Real Estate’s Impact Advisory Council, as an advisor to the Fearless Fund, as a Lead Partner at the Portfolia Green & Sustainability Fund and numerous committees focused on the intersection of finance and climate, gender, race and manufacturing. Ms. Gray is the first Social Impact Fellow at the UC Berkeley’s Center for Equity, Gender and Leadership and was an Executive-in-Residence at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator.
In 2015, Ms. Gray gave a TEDx Talk entitled “Why It's Time for Women to Be Sexist with Investment Capital.” Due to the response, Ms. Gray founded the nonprofit We Are Enough (WAE). WAE’s only mission is to educate ALL women on how and why to invest in women- owned, for-profit businesses or with a “gender lens.” WAE was chosen by Variety magazine as a global 50 most "impactful" nonprofits.
Ms. Gray was named a 50 Women of Influence in business in LA, featured in the book “200 Hundred Women: Who Will Change the Way You See the World”, co-wrote “How Foundations Fail Diverse Fund Managers and How to Fix It” for the Stanford Social Innovation Review and co-created Due Diligence 2.0 Commitment. In 2019, Ms. Gray received the Bad Ass Woman in Green award from the California League of Conservation Voters and the Women of Courage award from Youth Mentoring Connection.
Ms. Gray formerly worked as a senior advisor to the LA Mayor, at a venture capital fund and as a systems engineer on the Space Shuttle program. She holds a B.S. in Mathematical Science with an aeronautics emphasis from UCSB and dual MBAs from Columbia University/UC Berkeley.
President, FEW Japan
Using best practices from Canada, Dr. Steele offers evidence-based change management strategies to guide leaders in creating healthy and diversified corporate decision-making and flat, inclusive workplaces that are empowering for diverse talent. For two decades Jackie has also supported grassroots organizations and public/private sector policy leaders in the creation of policy designs for diversity, gender equality, and inclusive innovation. She represented Canadian civil society leadership on women’s equality to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (2008/2009), and served as gender/diversity advisor to the Japan Women’s Network for DRR for revisions to the UN international Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015). Since April 2022, Jackie is Senior DEI Business Partner, Amazon Japan G.K. In her volunteer life, she is a Governor for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan, serves as an angel Activator with SheEO Canada, and is the Strategic Advisor of WomEnpowered International (UTokyo). She is mother to two adorable children and considers Chikuma (Nagano) her hometown community in Japan.
Building Equity and an Inclusive Society in Japan... and Beyond
Executive Director, Mirai no Mori
After studying Environment/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 be steered toward a positive cycle of self-actualization and creativity by discovering new possibilities and develop into confident individuals. Mirai no Mori is a non-profit organization that creates life-changing outdoor programs for abused, neglected, and orphaned youths in Japan, supporting their growth into happy and successful young adults.
Our programs are designed to provide the skills and knowledge that the children need to be able to choose and create their own path for the future. Through new experiences and overcoming many challenges, children discover new possibilities for themselves, leading to self-actualization and a flourishing future.
Mirai no Mori
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiraiNoMori
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirainomori/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mirai_no_Mori
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/npo-mirai-no-mori/
Personal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kozue.oka.1
Representative, Mimoza Ways
In 2022, produced a play about looking back Japanese women’s history “MIMOZA WAYS 1910-2020 with collaboration Trinidad Garcia and artists from Japan and France. August 2022 co-translated publication “Les crocodiles: temoignages sur harcelement et sexisme ordinaire”. Board member of the Japanese Association of International Women’s Rights, which aims to research and promote the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. W7 Japan 2023 and Italy 2024 Adviser. Introduced by GEO Magazine 2024 January.
LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/namino-rivoal-193a721b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimoza_ways/
Director, Nijiro Diversity
She is the director of Niijiro Diversity, Established in 2013, non-profit organization Nijiiro Diversity (Osaka City) provides social education on LGBTQ issues and operates a LGBTQ center, Pride Center Osaka since 2022. Launched the Business for Marriage Equality campaign to gather companies that support marriage equality and received the endorsement of over 467 companies
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makimuraki/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nijidiversity/
Glind Fund Inc Representative & Diversity Advocate
To date, only seven people have been diagnosed with this specific condition (including her late brother Dr. Mark Bookman) so there is little research and no treatment available.
Rachel is focused on the importance of raising awareness of accessibility and is actively working to amplify the voices of individuals in the disability community, through various platforms and social media.
Rachel participated in the Women Leading Together: Solidarity in Storytelling StoryJam through UMass Boston’s Institute for Community Inclusion and StoryCenter and completed the Digital Storytelling Certificate program through StoryCenter.
Rachel works in concert with her father Dr. Paul Bookman, DMD on GLIDE FUND INC., a non-profit organization setup in memory of her brother.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewheeldeal0/
Advocate, Equity & Disability Inclusion for Women
Supported by a team of ten care workers for ten hours a day, alongside the assistance of friends and young volunteers, Natsuko cherishes moments when her son and daughter, both surpassing her in height, enjoy accompaning her on her wheelchair rides. As a newspaper columnist and instructor for women with disabilities, she tirelessly advocates for a peaceful society founded on principles of liberty and equality, actively engaging with Japan's Social Democratic Party to effect change. Through her writing, Natsuko sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing higher education and securing meaningful employment in Japan, vehemently opposing the notion of segregation and advocating for equal opportunities. Despite facing opposition, including resistance from doctors when she expressed her desire for motherhood, Natsuko remained steadfast in her pursuit of happiness, eventually welcoming two cherished children into her life. She has also endured online harassment, particularly when highlighting the inadequate accessibility and prevalent discrimination faced by women with disabilities in Japan. Natsuko firmly believes in the importance of an intersectional approach to addressing discrimination, emphasizing the collective effort needed to realize a world where all individuals, including women with disabilities, can thrive. With unwavering determination, she strives to empower women with disabilities, envisioning a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Former FEW Japan Board Director and Co-Deputy Representative
As a committed life long learner, she has completed the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training Course and recently the Code Chrysalis Foundation Course. She values her long term membership with FEW Japan allowing visibility and access to a professional and personal network.
Producer, Invisible Languages: Okinawa
Passionate about education and the art of storytelling, she directed a film project investigating the generational shifts observed in the use of the indigenous languages across the Ryukyu islands. During her time at the University of Tokyo, she also led the events and planning as co-director of Womenpowered International, an organisation connecting and empowering women within the university and wider community. She is now looking forward to joining FEW Japan as Director of Communications, sharing her experiences to contribute to FEW’s mission of nurturing a supportive and vibrant community of women.
In her spare time, she enjoys trying out new recipes, gardening, reading and practising yoga. Since moving to Japan, her favourite season is now Autumn, and she loves making the most of the sunny blue skied days to go hiking in the mountains or exploring different neighbourhoods in Tokyo.
Associate Consultant, enjoi Innovation Inc
Sellisha brings her understanding of grassroots movements to support the success of her corporate outlook.
VP Communications, FEW Japan
During her studies, she spent a year living and working in the advertising industry in Paris. Since graduating, Hannah has worked in Copenhagen and most recently moved to Tokyo in 2022. Hannah joined FEW after missing a sense of community in Japan and is passionate about providing support and belonging to other women who may feel isolated living in Japan.
Creative Strategies for Real Estate Investing and Regional Revitalization
Marketing Director, Kobayashi Group Japan
She co-founded HBK Naturalist with her husband in 2006, ARK Reform Japan in 2021 and few other companies, that fall under the Kobayashi Group umbrella. She handles Brand Marketing and Market Research and social media marketing for the company. She also participates in the Blockchain Fintech Projects and new business project Developments.
Currently she spends lots of her time managing ARK Reform Japan, bilingual renovation company based in Tokyo and Chiba, that the Kobayashi family founded in 2021. The company aims to help not already Japanese homeowners, but especially foreign home and business owners in Japan, to successfully navigate through renovating their properties. Blanka is in charge of marketing, sales and customer’s relationships. She is a member of JREP, Japan Real Estate Expert Panel, weekly podcast and YouTube channel, that is gaining popularity Worldwide.
Her strong suit is research, sourcing and execution of crucial task so her knowledge has been invaluable when offering advice to people on how to proceed with their pursuit of financial freedom. Together with her husband, they published The Beginner’s Guide to Financial Freedom to help people manage their finances and plan for better future. Their second book, The Beginner’s Guide to Side Hustles is about to be published next month, followed by The Beginner’s guide for Kidpreneurs.
Blanka is originally from a small town in Moravia, Czech Republic but lives in Tokyo, Japan with her husband and son. She serves as a cultural ambassador, helping foreigners to integrate in Matsudo area and the Japanese citizens to learn more about Czech Republic and to embrace foreigners, living in the prefecture. She is also an Advisory Board member for English Developmental Center at Cape Verde and Board member of L.E.A.D., Japan based educational program to empower young children in leadership and entrepreneurship.
Blanka is passionate about helping others, especially children. Her big dream is for their family to establish foundation, helping children with proper education and living more fulfilled lives. That is why the family participate in many charitable projects in Japan and in Africa.
Founder of Serendipity, LLC
As she became a freelance interpreter, she has traveled all over the world for global conferences, and economic forums, etc. Her illustrative experiences include simultaneous interpretation for the Former Prime Minister Abe and the Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga. She has also interpreted for HIBAKUSHA at World Conference against A&H Bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
About 15 years ago, she started to invest in real estate in Fukuoka, Tokyo and further expanded to overseas such as Cambodia and the Philippines. In the past few years, her focus has been the restoration of AKIYA (abandoned houses) in Japan. She and her husband have restored more than 20 AKIYAs so far.
Naomi is a former Rotary Scholar & Ambassador and holds a M.A in Speech Communication from Pennsylvania State University.
Owner/Founder of Mi Casa Mobara
She established a community building nonprofit, Place To Grow, and published a book by the same title. In 2016 Angela moved into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & consulting, leading the local Japan capability for global brands including Adidas and H&M, and working with Tokyo based consulting firm Fabric, focused on circularity and sustainability strategies. In 2023 she focused on expanding her family business portfolio to include vacation rental spaces and led the rebrand and development of ACROSS FITNESS, a CrossFit box focused on physical strength and mobility for longevity. Angela is a curious and creative community business builder, who enjoys working at the intersection of psychology, fitness & education.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-ortiz-pettas-35689443/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/angelaortizpettas/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/angela.ortiz.58760
Strategic Business Consultant
Over my 12 years at No Surprises Agency and 13 years at OSF Digital, with relocations spanning the US, Canada, France and Japan, I've had the privilege of collaborating with prominent global brands, aiding them in establishing resilient global trade presences. Alongside this professional journey, I've discovered joy in life through activities like snowboarding, hiking, and traveling, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to continuous self-development.
In addition to my professional pursuits, I've embarked on an exciting journey delving into the realm of home decoration and restoration. This newfound passion encompasses not only reviving furniture but also breathing new life into living spaces, all while championing sustainability. Embracing the principles of Reduce.Reuse.Recycle, I've channeled this ethos into my latest entrepreneurial venture, where I aim to marry creativity with eco-conscious practices.
CEO & Founder of Tokyo Family Stays G.K
She also runs Software development company Enfour with her family as well as Tracey Northcott Consulting where she helps other hosts discover the true potential of their STR or AirBnb business maximizing their investment, enjoyment and hospitality standards.
Memberships Director, FEW Japan
After graduating from the Aoyama Gakuin University in Japan, Shizuka joined a US-based advertisement firm and started her career in marketing communication. Ever since, she has engaged in various fields, including management planning at both Foreign-based and Japanese companies. Throughout her career, her role has focused on developing happy relationships with clients and customers. Shizuka is excited to work with the empowering members of FEW as Finance Director.
Leading with Purpose: Women Transforming Public Service and Business
Minister and Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Canada to Japan
Her first diplomatic assignment abroad was as a Public Affairs Officer in Tokyo. At Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa, she most recently served as Director of the Foreign Policy Planning Division (2016-2018) and as Director of the Southeast Asia and Pacific Division (2006-2009). She has also held assignments in the Non-Proliferation, Arms Control and Disarmament Division; the Economic Relations and Summit Division; and the Government Policy Division. She holds a BA in Political Science and French from Carleton University and an MA in Political Studies from Queen’s University. She first came to Japan on the JET Program and lived in Fukushima Prefecture for two years.
Former Governor of Chiba
With a tenure from 1989 to 2001, Ms. Domoto served as a Member of the House of Councillors, bringing her expertise to legislative matters. Following her political tenure, she assumed the role of Governor of Chiba Prefecture from 2001 to 2009, where she demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public service and governance. She was the first female governor of Chiba and the third in Japanese history,
Before her foray into politics, Ms. Domoto excelled in the media industry as a Producer, Director, and Newscaster at Tokyo Broadcasting System. Her impactful work on "The Baby Hotel" documentary series shed light on unlicensed daycare centers in Japan, earning her numerous accolades and recognition.
Ms. Domoto's influence extends beyond national borders, as evidenced by her roles as Vice President/East Asia Regional Councillor at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1997 and President of GLOBE Japan from 1993 to 1999, later assuming the presidency of GLOBE International in 1999.
Her dedication and contributions have been acknowledged through various awards, including being named one of UNEP's 25 Women Leaders in Action in 1997 and receiving the Prime Minister’s Commendation for Efforts Toward the Formation of a Gender-equal Society in 2012. Ms. Akiko Domoto stands as a beacon of leadership, advocacy, and empowerment, tirelessly working towards a more resilient and inclusive society.
Director, Government Affairs, Intel
Vivian is a government affairs and public policy professional with 25 years of experience covering a wide variety of sectors, including energy, environment, aviation, transportation, defense, IT and digital economy. She has extensive senior leadership experience with a wide range of blue-chip multinational businesses in Japan. Prior to joining Intel, she led Japan government relations activities at UPS, GE, Facebook, eBay and Honeywell. She served as Chief Diversity Officer at Citigroup in Japan and was selected as Women’s Leadership member at GE. Vivian has been active in a number of business organizations. She is a member of the Keizai Doyukai, Japan Association of Corporate Executives, and has held various board roles with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan. She has also been a visiting professor and lecturer at a number of Japanese universities including Chuo University and Showa Women’s University. Vivian also possesses extensive experience in the media. She anchored a sports news segment of a daily evening news program at NHK, the Japan Broadcasting Corporation. She earned a Master of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from School of Journalism, College of Communication, Boston University. She was a finalist of the Miss International/Miss World Japan Beauty Pageant and can speak Japanese and English, and introductory Chinese, Korean and French.
CEO, Fermata
She obtained a Doctor of Public Health Degree in Health Economics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and later moved back to Japan to assist the World Dementia Council in association with the Health and Global Policy Institute.
In 2017, she then joined a social impact-focused VC, Mistletoe Fund, based in Tokyo/Singapore, as their Healthcare Innovation Producer. Her specialisation is in health policy, Pharmaceutical Affairs laws, and healthtech startup support.
In 2019, she launched fermata, Inc., which now has become a leading FemTech ecosystem in Japan and Asia.
Former Ambassador of Macedonia | CEO and Founder, BrioNexus | Special Advisor for International Cooperation, Ministry of Culture of Japan | Ambassador of Science and Diplomacy, EU's Acrid Network
Andrijana is the CEO and Founder of BrioNexus, a Tokyo-based multinational firm specializing in quantum computing, semiconductors, AI, and blockchain. Her extensive professional experience includes positions such as Director for North Asia at the Economist Group, Executive Advisor to Cartier, Board Director at several publicly listed companies, and Board Member and Chair of the Government Relations Committee of the British Chamber of Commerce.
Dr Cvetkovikj holds an Honorary Doctorate from the European University and has been a speaker at prestigious events like the World Economic Forum and the UN's Climate Change Conference. She is also a Chief Curator for the SDGs in Motion Program at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Dr Cvetkovikj holds a PhD in Cinema Studies from Nihon University and an Executive MBA from TUJ Fox School of Business. Her dedication to promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender equality earned her the WIN Inspiring Women Worldwide Award in 2022. She is also the Ambassador of Science and Diplomacy for the EU's Acrid Network.
Co-President, FEW Japan
Prior to coming to Japan, she worked in Haiti as a Political Attaché at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in Montreal, she worked in the fields of communication, marketing, and sales for various institutions. These experiences allowed her to develop skills and knowledge that she enjoys sharing with others, mainly by volunteering. Léa is a proud mom of two, whose life journey is about empowering others, especially those who are vulnerable. She believes that helping others is a way of helping oneself, whether the purpose is to grow as an individual, learn new skills, or help create value and sustainable growth within a community.
Women's Entrepreneurship and Starting a Business in Japan
Startup Program Coordinator, JETRO
At JETRO's Tokyo headquarters, Hana played a pivotal role in the digital marketing division. She was responsible for creating and implementing strategic digital marketing campaigns to support Japanese companies in their endeavors to expand into overseas markets. Her efforts significantly contributed to enhancing the global presence and competitiveness of these companies. After demonstrating her expertise and dedication in Tokyo, Hana was transferred to JETRO's Osaka headquarters. There, she shifted her focus towards supporting startups, providing them with essential resources, guidance, and connections to help them thrive in both domestic and international markets. Her work in Osaka involves working closely with innovative entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business, and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem in the region.
Founder, Silverbirch Associates
Patricia held a number of senior corporate roles in Fortune 100’s spanning 35 years based in Japan with regional and global roles, including:
Member of the Board and Director of Communications for IBM Japan
Vice-President Operations Finance and Resources for Goldman Sachs Japan
Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at British American Tobacco Japan
Director of Corporate (and regulatory) Affairs for Standard Chartered Bank (Japan, Australia, Taiwan)
Before entering the private sector she served as a senior program officer in Public Affairs for the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, and prior to that in Yokohama City government supporting International Relations and an International Expo. Patricia has served as an advisor to many diverse organizations including: Tokyo Business Development Center (JETRO) and EGG Japan, Asia Development Bank/ADBI/World Bank; UVLrx Blood Labs, Johnson&Johnson Medical Devices, Becton Dickenson, Astra Zeneca, Evolucent Medical Devices, Roche Diagnostics, Government of Quebec, NASA OMEGA Project, Impact International (UK), TBWA\Hakuhodo, Mitsubishi Estate Ltd., Ernst & Young, United Nations University, Syntaq Global Inc., Invest Northern Ireland, the US State Department, among others.
She is a Professor of Globalization and Business Studies (MBA) at the Kenichi Ohmae Graduate School, and Associate Professor (Sustainability Studies) at Rikkyo University (Master of International Business), Faculty Advisor to the London Business School, Visiting Professor at Stanford University (MBA) and Doshisha (MBA), former Professor of Tohoku University (MBA).
Patricia has served as President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan; was twice Leader of the Year for the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and is an active TED Associate, TEDx curator (TEDxTokyo, TEDxGreatWall, TEDxAoyamawomen, TEDxMarunouchiwomen, TEDxJanpath(New Dehli), and a global Ambassador for UnitedSucces. Patricia holds an MBA in International Business from McGill University Canada and is the mother of four grown children.
Founder, Posse Nippon K.K
Posse Nippon assists English-speaking businesspeople with technical support and guidance to navigate Japanese government grant applications. We also provide entrepreneurs and scientists with professional writing/editing services.
Product Manager, Rakuten Advertising Technology Department.
Posse Nippon assists English-speaking businesspeople with technical support and guidance to navigate Japanese government grant applications. We also provide entrepreneurs and scientists with professional writing/editing services.
JMECAA Co-Chair
Having a strong belief that everyone has the right to live life on their own terms, she started The Sista Fund - an organization dedicated to helping women learn how to manage their money wisely and to, ultimately, achieve financial freedom. She is excited to be a co-moderator at the FEWture conference and is looking forward to meeting and connecting with wonderful, talented womxn.
Vice President, FEW Japan
A love of animals inspired her to become an entrepreneur and found Wags to Whiskers, a pet care service in Brooklyn. Following her dream to live in another country, she moved to Nagasaki in 2007 and taught English on the JET Program for five years. After relocating to Tokyo in 2014, she continued to teach Business English and Cross-Cultural Communication skills to professionals. Three years ago, after studying and training with her mentor for eight years, she founded an Intuitive Life Coaching business, Clarity with Christine. Her hobbies include traveling, practicing yoga, reading books, and trying new foods. She is excited to serve on the FEW Board of Directors and looks forward to sharing her personal and professional experiences with the FEW members.
Hands-on Skills-Building / Holistic Well-being Workshops
Lower Your Expectations To Raise Your Game
Sasuga! Communications
During her ten years with McKinsey & Company in Tokyo, she served as Manager of Client Communications and trained consultants and clients in leadership and communication skills, including presentations and meeting facilitation.
In May 2013, Helen established Sasuga Communications K.K and is now the go-to women’s success, leadership, and communication expert for multiple multinationals to design and lead their high-level training and coaching programs and is known as the Less Effort, More Impact Coach.
Helen served as faculty for the Tokyo University Executive Management Program and won the 2017 Waseda University Teaching Award for her Strategic Thinking and Communication MBA course. She has been a popular speaker at women-related events, including TEDx Roppongi, Nikkei's Woman Expo, Google's Womenwill, and FEW (For Empowering Women) Tokyo.
She is also a Nikkei Woman Smart and Nikkei doors columnist, author of the Japanese book Eigo no Shigoto-jutsu, published by Shogakukan, and host of the Sasuga! Podcast.
YouTube - @HelenIwata
Instagram - @heleniwata
Facebook – Sasuga Communications
Relationships by Design
Sarah Furuya Creative
She sat on the FEW Board from 2010-2013 being President 2011-2013. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of Refugee Empowerment International and teaches Coaching Programmes at Temple University Japan. She has been nominated for 3 British Business Awards. In her most recent Legends Podcasts, she is incredibly frank about burnout, breakdown and a hysterectomy, hoping to share ALL her knowledge and experience about how she advocated for herself during perimenopause. She loves the sky, nature, the sea and is a hill witch in the wilds of Zushi from where she runs her creative business.
@sarahfuruyacreative on instagram https://www.instagram.com/sarahfuruyacreative
@sarahfuruyacreative on FB https://www.facebook.com/sarahfuruyacreative
LInkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-everitt-furuya-3727a74/
Practical Yoga Play
Creative and Founder of Media Tinker
After moving from Tokyo to rural Chiba in 2015, Kristen created "Satoyama Yoga" and for the past four years, she has taught a daily morning session via Zoom, racking up more than 1000 days in a row without a miss. Beyond yoga, Kristen is a designer whose work you may recognize from the refreshed FEW logo or business graphics and presentations of members. Ask for her card and you’ll get full insight into her colorful career.
@mediatinker
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