Atsuko Hosted a Luncheon Featuring the Trainees of the TOMODACHI Disability Leadership Program

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Atsuko Fish, the JWLI Founder and a U.S.-Japan Council board member, hosted a luncheon featuring the trainees of the TOMODACHI Disability Leadership Program in Boston on Tuesday, December 6th. It was an inspiring, informative and interactive discussion and held as a part of “Regional Women in Leadership Networking.” 19 people gathered and explored the theme of “Leadership through the Lenses of Gender and Disability.” The three 2016 TOMODACHI trainees were Yui Awai, Toshiko Kudo and Tomomi Takata. The trainees and the attendees discussed differences and similarities surrounding people living with disabilities in Japan and the U.S. The trainees also shared their experiences as young leaders with disabilities, and how they were planning to apply their learning to make positive impact in Japan. The group had a lively discussion and identified actions to take and what Japan could learn from the U.S. Mari Fujii from the Consulate General of Japan in Boston gave a presentation on Japan’s womenomics policy and how Japan’s business sector has been promoting women’s participation. The luncheon concluded with a strong belief that these trainees would make a difference for others with disabilities in Japan.

JWLI 10th Reunion in Tokyo

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JWLI just had its 10th reunion in Tokyo. It was great to see our Fellows (at least one from each cohort from Year 1 to Year 10!) at a reunion on October 19 at a café overlooking a beautiful view of Tokyo at the Palace Hotel Tokyo.

10 years ago, it was just an idea popped in Atsuko Fish’s mind.Now, she made it a hugely impactful program with over 40 graduates.Congratulations to Atsuko Fish for this incredible success. YOU made it happen. YOU did this for these women, other women leaders around them, and ultimately for Japan! JWLI would not be here without your dedication and commitment.

AND, congratulations to Patricia Deyton! You have been there from Day 1 as a partner, an academic institute of the program, and a mentor. If you didn’t believe in Atsuko and her idea, JWLI would not be here today. You made differences in so many lives that went on to change others in Japan. YOU are changing these women and ultimately Japan through them. Thank you Patricia. Simmons College The Center for Gender in Organizations, Simmons School of Management Simmons School of Management.