Finding Your Voice – Empowering You!

On October 29, USJC hosted a Regional Women in Leadership (RWL) program called “Finding Your Voice – Empowering You!” at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy in Sacramento. This event brought together prominent Japanese and American speakers, including department heads in the California State government, experts in higher education, and business leaders.

The keynote speaker was Ms. Marybel Batjer, Secretary at the State of California Government Operations Agency (CalGovOps). Mr. Ryosuke Kamono (Consul at the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco) and Dr. Paul Danczyk (Director of Executive Education in Sacramento, USC Price School of Public Policy) were among those providing welcome remarks. Panelists including Council Leader Genevieve Shiroma (Chair, Agricultural Labor Relations Board; Board of Directors, SMUD) shared their personal journeys into leadership. Following these discussions, attendees joined a workshop in small groups and built their own plans for empowerment, including choosing a mentor, seeking further training and expressing their ambition. (The full schedule of the event, bios of speakers and other details are available in the print program here.)

RWL is sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA). USJC members and supporters organize and attend panels, events and luncheons in their regions to network and discuss topics focused on women’s leadership. This event in Sacramento was also organized in collaboration with GovOps; ORA Systems, Inc.; University of Southern California, Sol Price School of Public Policy—State Capitol Center; Sacramento Chapter of the National Japanese American Citizens League; and the Matsuyama-Sacramento Sister City Corporation.

Many thanks to Council Leaders Miko Sawamura and Genevieve Shiroma for organizing this event!