It’s been just two short years, and already, the Advanced Leaders Collective Program has transformed how USJC engages with its members. Since its launch last year, we’ve carefully and thoughtfully defined who the program serves and what it aims to achieve. Let’s take a closer look at where ALC stands now.
First, What is ALC?
At its core, the Advanced Leaders Collective is all about supercharging the involvement of USJC leaders aged 35 and older. As a group, we help each other grow personally and professionally while creating strong, lasting connections within the group, which strengthens their commitment and engagement to USJC.
While the group remains connected year-round, the heart of our programming centers on the USJC conference. Here, we welcome a new cohort while bringing together previous cohorts as one unified ALC community. This setting enables participants to fully engage in both the program and the larger conference experience, fostering rich discussions, meaningful connections, and the inspiration that defines this annual gathering.
By 2024, our community has grown to over 40 members, including both U.S. and Japanese nationals, spanning generations, ethnicities, professional roles, and industries. This diversity brings a range of perspectives, fosters meaningful discussions, and sparks new ideas, all contributing to a shared commitment to community building and strengthening ties between the U.S. and Japan.
The Experience During the Program
What makes the ALC experience so impactful is how it enables participants to engage in personal discovery through their conversations with others navigating similar situations. What sets it apart is its community-based approach, which brings in cultural perspectives and nuances that make the discussions deeply relevant and meaningful to those involved.
At the conference, Emi Au captured this essence during Member’s Day, describing ALC as a space where members bring, share, and explore their whole selves. Job, family, passions, culture, and aspirations aren’t separate—everything is interconnected, and the workshops and discussions reflect that.
People-to-people connections, just like USJC –this is really the heart of the program. Through peer-led workshops, discussions, and sharing, participants gain a deeper understanding of themselves by reflecting alongside others. And, most importantly, what makes this truly unique is the lens through which these discussions take place. This lens is anchored in the shared experiences of being part of Japanese and Japanese American communities.
The Experience After the Program
We’ve talked about the depth of conversations and personal discovery participants gain from the program. Equally important, though, is the community that grows from these experiences.
Each participant brings vulnerability, honesty, and openness, which lays the foundation for deep, lasting relationships and a true sense of belonging. This community doesn’t end when the program does—it stays connected throughout the year, celebrating achievements, fostering connections, and inspiring action. Being part of this group becomes a meaningful way to feel connected to the USJC community.
At the conference, Yumi Clark captured it perfectly during Member’s Day, describing ALC as an Ibasho—a space where members can bring their whole selves and connect with others doing the same. Even when we don’t see each other regularly, this community remains steadfast, continuously supporting and uplifting one another.
More to Come…
In just two short years, we’ve made incredible strides, and the journey is only beginning. At its core, this program embodies what USJC does best: engaging its members, fostering meaningful connections, and building the relationships that shape a stronger future.
Like what you just read? If this resonates with you, we encourage you to apply. Each year, we welcome a new cohort, and we hope you’ll consider being part of it.