USJC Women+ Forum – Peak Leadership and the Menopause Transition: Science, Strategy, and Empowerment

USJC Women+ Forum (WF) is hosting an evening focused on the intersection of women’s health, leadership, and workplace performance. As American and Japanese female leadership continue to expand, understanding women’s health is a crucial part of the conversation. In a bilingual setting, this webinar will examine the cultural differences in how menopause care is approached in Japan and the United States, including variation in public awareness, workplace conversation, treatment approaches, and social perceptions surrounding women’s health. The session aims to increase awareness early regarding perimenopause and menopause in order to help individuals seek appropriate support and strategies before symptoms significantly impact quality of life, performance, or career trajectory.

Dr. Maki Kano-Lueckerath and Dr. Mio Sawai will provide their culturally nuanced perspectives and engage in a cross-cultural dialogue on this topic. Following the lecture, participants will have the opportunity to engage in moderated discussion and audience Q&A.

While centered on women’s health, this event is open and relevant to all audiences. Men are strongly encouraged to attend to better understand a common and universal life transition affecting colleagues, partners, family members, and leaders around them. By bringing greater visibility and informed conversation to perimenopause and menopause, the event seeks to support healthier workplaces, stronger leadership pipelines, and more informed communities.

Featured Speaker

Dr. Maki Kano-Lueckerath

Dr. Maki Kano-Lueckerath is a board-certified internist-pediatrician at Mount Sinai Doctors Japanese Medical Practice in Westchester, New York, and an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She cares for both adults and children in the Japanese and Japanese-American community and has particular expertise in supporting the health needs of Japanese expatriate families living in the United States.

She currently serves as President of the Japanese Medical Society of America (JMSA), where she leads initiatives focused on preventive physical and mental health, mentorship, and strengthening the U.S.–Japan medical community.

Dr. Kano-Lueckerath also serves on the Board of Trustees at Keio Academy of New York, where she contributes as a school physician and advocates for student wellness. She frequently speaks about women’s health and leadership, and is passionate about helping women navigate life transitions—such as menopause—so they can continue to lead, thrive, and make meaningful impact in their communities.

Mio Sawai, M.D., F.A.C.O.G

Assistant Professor at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zucker School of Medicine Northwell Health Lenox Hill Hospital

Born and raised in Osaka. Graduated from Kansai Medical University in 2010. Moved to NY after working in the same university hospital for 2 years. Translational and Clinical research at Weill Cornell Medicine Department of OBGYN, Division of Infection and Immunology lab. OBGYN residency at Yale University Bridgeport Hospital campus. Works now at Northwell both in Manhattan and Westchester, and sees broad spectrums of OB and Gyn. Affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital.

Japanese translation below.
澤井 未央

Northwell Health Zucker School of Medicine レノックスヒル病院産婦人科
Assistant Professor, 産婦人科医師

大阪出身。関西医科大学卒業、日本医師免許取得。同大学病院にて初期研修修了後2012年に渡米NYに移住。コーネル大学NYP病院産婦人科感染症部門の基礎と臨床研究を経て、産婦人科のレジデンシーをCT州イエール大学分院ブリッジポート病院にて修了。卒後NYに戻り ManhattanとWestchester にて一般産婦人科として外来を、お産や手術はアッパーイーストのレノックスヒル病院で行っている。