2026 Election

What are your goals for 2026-2027?

My vision for JETAA Portland is a dynamic and connected alumni community that continues to grow as a bridge between Japan and the communities we serve. As President, I hope to build on the foundation laid by past leadership and help lead the chapter into its next stage of growth. Having served as Treasurer this past year, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the work that sustains our chapter and the many ways JETAA Portland supports alumni and the broader community.

My goals for the coming year include:

• • Fostering community engagement within the JET network by bringing alumni together through social events, cultural gatherings, professional networking, and collaborations with other Japan-related organizations, no matter the scale. I also hope to support returning and prospective JET participants by connecting them with resources that assist their pre- and post-JET journeys. Additionally, I would like to expand outreach to members outside the Portland metropolitan area by supporting grassroots initiatives that encourage local engagement with Japanese culture in their regions.
  • Encouraging member-driven leadership by creating more opportunities for members to organize events, lead projects, and play an active role in shaping the chapter’s activities. As a volunteer-run organization, JETAA Portland thrives when members feel empowered to contribute their ideas and talents. I will ensure that the board supports those efforts through responsive communication and practical guidance.
  • Growing partnerships and external collaboration by continuing to build relationships with organizations such as JASO, ATJO, Japanese language departments at local universities, Shokookai, and Japanese businesses through collaborative events, educational programming, and cultural initiatives that engage the broader Japan-related community. I would also like to strengthen connections with national organizations such as USJETAA and the Consulate of Japan, creating avenues for members to share their experiences, skills, and connections related to Japan.
    Revamping the JETAA Portland website to serve as a central and accessible hub for chapter updates, communication, and resources. I would also like to create space for members to share recommendations, stories, and experiences that reflect their connection to Japan.
    Promoting transparent and effective board leadership by facilitating efficient meetings, open communication, and collaborative decision-making so officers can focus their time and energy on initiatives that benefit our members and community.

While these goals are ambitious, they serve as guiding principles for the direction I hope to help lead the chapter in the coming year. As our chapter continues to grow and evolve, this is an important moment to strengthen both our internal community and our connections with the broader Japan-related networks in our region. I look forward to working together with our members, officers, and community partners to continue strengthening JETAA Portland as a welcoming, collaborative, and engaged alumni community.

What would serving as an officer mean for you?

Being an officer means taking responsibility for sustaining and strengthening the community that JETAA Portland has built over the years. Our chapter exists because of the dedication of volunteers and the partnerships we maintain within both the alumni network and the broader Japan-related community. To me, serving as an officer means supporting those efforts while ensuring the organization continues to grow while staying engaged, and responsive to its members.

The role is not only about organizing events or managing logistics, but also about creating an environment where members feel encouraged to participate, share ideas, and stay connected to one another and to Japan. It also means working collaboratively with fellow officers so the chapter runs smoothly through transparency, clear decision-making, and shared responsibility.

Last year, while serving as Treasurer, I had the opportunity to represent JETAA as one of the three event councilors who organized Aki Matsuri. As a nonprofit event with a limited budget that relied heavily on partnerships and community support, it brought together more than 300 attendees to celebrate Japanese culture. Through that experience, I saw firsthand the power of people coming together around a shared purpose and how collaboration between organizations can make meaningful events possible.

As President, I see my role as bringing together the different pieces of our community, much like assembling a puzzle. By connecting our members with cultural events, local organizations, and one another, I aim to create meaningful opportunities for engagement with Japan and Japanese culture while supporting a strong and connected alumni community.