On April 23, members based in the DC region gathered for a virtual brown bag session. This intimate gathering included alumni from the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and the Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD), as well as former USJC staff who provided feedback and suggestions on how to best support USJC as it navigates the pandemic and the recent passing of its founding president, Irene Hirano Inouye. Much like the West Coast region brown bag, members received USJC updates from staff and shared their memories of Irene.
The DC region brown bag was followed by another gathering composed of members from DC, Boston and New York. Through this virtual platform, several of the 22 attendees had the chance to meet one another for the first time. As most members were working from home, some joined the call with their children. In the midst of much uncertainty, it was a delight to meet the young future members of USJC!
During the events, many members provided feedback on recent webinars hosted by USJC, as well as suggestions on how to engage and broaden the scope of membership. New York Regional Chair Susan McCormac shared her region’s upcoming plans to hold a live “check in” with members in New York City who are delivering meals to vulnerable populations and healthcare workers. USJC Director of External Relations Wendy Abe provided USJC updates and encouraged members to share their expertise for future programming.