Officers
Our officers keep JETAA running. They take care of the behind-the-scenes work and plan the various special events that JETAA holds year round. Scroll down to learn more about our officers
Meet the Officers
President
This is my second time serving as a JETAA Portland officer, and I’m excited to step into the role of President this year. My time on the JET Program was life-changing. I spent five memorable years in Kishiwada, Osaka (2011 - 2016), filled with experiences that are still hard to sum up in words.
Because of that experience, I’ve come to value the kind of community JETAA offers. While I originally departed through the Los Angeles consulate, I’ve been active with JETAA Portland since moving to Oregon in 2021. From interviewing to supporting pre-departure events, I’ve seen how meaningful it is to be part of a community that shares the JET experience—those who truly understand it.
As President, my goal is to continue fostering a welcoming, connected space where alumni can stay engaged with one another and with Japan. I see my role as bringing people together—connecting them with each other and with social, cultural, and professional opportunities—so those connections continue to grow. I also hope to keep things collaborative, as I believe that is at the heart of our group.
On a more personal note, I enjoy reading, cross-stitching, cooking, and exploring Oregon’s beautiful outdoors. I’m also a big fan of Japanese stationery, and I enjoy continuing to learn more about Japan while trying to keep my dwindling Kansai-ben alive.
Treasurer
I'm very excited to serve as Treasurer of JETAAPDX this year, I bring a passion for international education, career-building, and finding ways for all of us to better connect. I’m especially excited this year to help sustain and grow our inter-generational community that keeps our shared, transformative, Japan experiences alive.
I served as an ALT in Usuda-machi (now part of Saku City) in Nagano from 2002–2004. I love traveling and eating my way through the world with my family, though I can't help constantly finding myself drawn back to Japan. In Eugene, I love playing percussion with Samba Ja, and refining my obon dancing skills for this summer.
Vice President
While I usually help behind the scenes with the website, I am excited to serve on the board this year. I’ve been coming to JETAA since I came back from JET in 2018, and having that community to support me while transitioning back to life in the US meant the world to me. This year, I hope to help our community grow closer and provide more opportunities for JETs to get to know each other and build friendships. My goal is to organize more opportunities for JETs to hang out informally and to network, and also encourage other members to feel free to create events of their own.
In my personal time, I enjoy drawing, crafting, baking and gardening, usually while singing. I try to keep up with my Japanese (and French) whenever I can, chatting with Japanese friends or other JETs, in addition to exploring the many Japanese restaurants and cafes around the Portland area.
Secretary
This is my second year as secretary for JETAA PDX, and I hope to use all the experience from the previous year for this one! The past almost two years now that I've been back from JET have gone by in an instant with building my life back up here, and first joining the alumni association. I'm excited at the chance to further integrate myself with this truly unique group of people that JET helps to foster!
About me, I was originally a 2020 JET, and I served as an ALT in Kobe City from 2021 to 2024. In my free time, some of my favorite things to do are travelling, gaming, and continuing to study Japanese. Lately I've been getting into baking as well! Though of course my love for everything Japanese supersedes anything else, and I’m already planning on going back there.
Idaho Representative
