Calling all JET Alumni – the online voting polls for the 2021 JETAA officer elections are now open! Polls are open from March 2nd to March 16th. The officer platforms are listed below and the online voting is ready for you to cast your vote for this year’s JETAA officers.
Here’s what you need to do: 1. Review the platforms for the candidates running for officer positions (scroll down to see below). 2. Vote for the candidate of your choosing online.
PRESIDENT
Name: Phylicia Bishop
Placement: Sapporo-shi
Years: 2010-2014
I was able to become more involved with JETAA Portland in the 2020 fiscal year, and it has been a great experience. I played a large role in managing the Facebook page and also led in organizing and running our online career webinars/workshops, ran our monthly J-Kaiwa, and helped out in all stages of new JET recruitment and training.
I desire to utilize my connections within our local Japan/national JETAA community to strengthen cross-chapter/organization ties and increase our presence so that we can be a resource for those who can benefit from our activities. I aspire to carry the torch and take what we learned from 2020 to continue our success in the coming fiscal year.
VICE PRESIDENT
Name: Michaela Duffey
Prefecture: Sapporo-shi
Years: 2017 – 2018
I’ve been a JETAA Portland officer for two years now, and I spent the last year as vice president of the chapter. It’s definitely been a challenging year with the pandemic, but it was great to see and be a part of how our chapter has adapted to the new normal of online-only events.
I’ve definitely learned a lot, from co-organizing the Kyara-ben Contest and the Bento Workshop, to hosting Virtual Karaoke and Networking Nomi-kai events. And I would love to use what I’ve learned to continue as Vice President and keep organizing better and better events to keep our JETAA community together and thriving.
TREASURER
Name: Lindsay Amor
Placement: Aomori-ken Hachinohe-shi
Years: 2008-2013
Since returning from Tohoku, I’ve served as Culture Chair and Tabemashou Co-Chair. With the ongoing pandemic, I’m on break from dinner club duties and looking to step in as Treasurer. Considering the challenges and uncertainties we face in the coming year, I’m excited to help JETAA plan, budget, and host events for our members and community.
My goal is to expand our repertoire of services, balancing personal and professional opportunities through virtual and (hopefully soon) in-person connections.
SECRETARY
Name: Rosalie Fordham
Prefecture: Nagasaki-ken
Years: 2014 – 2017
Hello, everyone! If elected, 2021 will be my second year serving as JETAA Portland secretary, and my third year on the board overall. This past year was a learning experience as we transitioned to all online events, and going forward I hope to build on the successes we had in 2020.
Of these successes, I’m particularly proud of co-planning a bento making contest, a bento making workshop, and a photo contest with JETAABC and PNW JETAA. In 2021, I hope to find new ways to connect our members in the digital space, and continue strengthening JETAA Portland’s ties with other chapters.