Application

JWLI’s Mission

JWLI empowers Japanese women to become leaders and to make positive social change and innovation in Japan.

2017 JWLI-II Program

After 10 years in operation, JWLI is updating its program design and launching JWLI-II this year. JWLI-II offers an executive leadership development program that transforms Japanese women to be action-oriented leaders with confidence to lead, skills and knowledge to manage, and a plan to make social change in Japan.

• 1. Core Design

  • JWLI-II provides:
    • Personal growth opportunities to be an action-oriented leader
    • Skills and knowledge from hands-on training with successful nonprofit organizations
    • Learning from the Babson Women’s Leadership Program: From Opportunity to Action from Monday, October 23, 2017 to Friday, October 27, 2017
    • Coaching and mentorship to develop and implement a 2-year Action Plan, an achievable roadmap to turn a dream vision of social change into reality in Japan

  • 2. Program Components

    • In Boston, JWLI-II provides:
      • Step-by-step coaching by Yasu Yamakawa, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Babson College to develop the 2-year Action Plan
      • Hands-on training on management with leaders of successful Boston-based nonprofit organizations
      • Participation in the Babson Women’s Leadership Program, a 5-day intensive entrepreneuial management program, among other American women leaders and executives
      • Expanded networks of leaders in the Boston’s social sector
      
      
    • After Boston, JWLI-II provides:
      • Individual mentoring for two years for the Action Plan implementation
      • Progress monitoring through Fellows’ semiannual progress reports for two years
      • Opportunities to participation in the JWLI Alumni Association
      • Support and collaboration opportunities with other JWLI alumnae

  • 3. Target

    Emerging women leaders of the Japanese social sector – nonprofit staff, a social entrepreneur, CSR staff of a for-profit company, or a municipal government employee

  • 4. Program Dates

    October 10 – November 3, 2017 (tentative)

  • 5. Sample Program Schedule

    • Review the program schedule and learning objectives from the 2016 program here.

  • 6. Application and Program Schedule in 2017

    • The schedule is subject to change. All dates below are in 2017.

    • Online Application Form Open	March 1
      Deadline to Submit Applications	9 PM on May 8 (EST)
      First Selection (review of applications)	May 9 to late May
      Decision from First Selection (via Email)	By late May
      Interviews for Selected Applicants (in Tokyo)	June 17 and 18
      Announcement of 2017 JWL-II Fellows (via Email)	Late June
      Orientation in Tokyo	September 3
      Program Housing Start Date in Boston	October 9
      Program Start Date	October 10
      Women’s Leadership Course at Babson	October 23 to October 27
      Program End Date	November 3
      Program Housing End Date	November 4
      Program Symposium in Tokyo and Action Plan Resubmission	Early December

  • 7. Important Information

    • Fellows will be provided with:
      • Housing in the Boston area from October 9 to November 4, including housing on Babson College campus in Wellesley from October 23 to October 27
      • Stipend to cover most meals and transportation during the program in Boston from October 10 to November 3
    • Fellows are responsible for:
      • Transportation (and lodging, if necessary) for an interview and the two-day orientation in Tokyo
      • Round-trip international airfares to and from Boston
      • A medical coverage abroad or a travel health insurance

  How to Apply

  • 1. Selection Criteria

    Ideal candidates are women with the following minimum qualifications:
    • Over 5 years of professional work experience
    • Clear dream vision to make a difference in Japanese society
    • Strong desire to take a leadership role
    • Action-oriented mind
    • Strong interest in learning about leadership and management in American nonprofit organizations and the U.S. social sector
    • Previous work or volunteer experience with nonprofit organizations or social enterprises
    • Emotional maturity and ability to be a team player
    • Japanese citizenship or permanent residency
    • Strong communication skills in English (abilities to actively engage in discussion and to writer a multi-page document are required)

  • 2. Required Materials

    
    Applicants must finish the below application form and submit the following documents in WORD or PDF formats:
    • An essay in English (maximum 600 words typed, up to two pages, include name and submission date at the top right on all pages, and include a title) addressing:
      • Why are you applying to JWLI-II?
      • What is your vision of social change in Japan, explaining in details the needs you identified and your approach (starting a new organization, developing a program within an existing organization, etc.)?
      • What do you want to learn from JWLI-II?
      • What was your past leadership experience (work or volunteer)?
    • Resume in English (Maximum two pages, including a recent headshot)
      • Follow the format of the resume here
    • Letter of recommendation in English (One page, preferably from a person at executive/ management level)

  Important Reminders

  • Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
  • Late applications will not be accepted. Application deadline is 9 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2017 (EST).
  • Applicants must be available to attend the full program in Boston from Tuesday, October 10, 2017 to Friday, November 3, 2017.
  • We cannot respond to questions regarding details and results of the selection decisions
  • This page should provide all the information necessary to apply. However, inquires are accepted at jwli@fishfamilyfoundation.org