Recruiting Opens for Eighth Year of TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program
Dual Language: Japanese/English
Joint Press Release
Recruiting Opens for
Eighth Year of TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program
Embracing a Virtual Leadership Experience
TOKYO, May 21, 2021 – MetLife Japan and the TOMODACHI Initiative are pleased to announce the start of the application process for the eighth year of the TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program (TMWLP) in Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Naha, from May 21, 2021.
TMWLP began in 2013 with the aim of developing the next generation of global female leaders. It provides Japanese female university students with 10 months of leadership development training, including virtual workshops in Japan, a virtual trip to the U.S., and one-on-one mentoring with female professionals, culminating with the Annual Conference.
Given the impact of the global pandemic, this year’s TMWLP is shifting from face-to-face programming to an innovative online leadership experience. The TMWLP will maximize the use of digital technology to reinforce leadership skills and provide opportunities to connect with a wider network of peers and global leaders. The program allows participants to gain first-hand experience that will make them more resilient and adaptable to this new reality that the world is experiencing.
Guided by five core leadership competencies (self-awareness, collaboration, pay-it-forward, global perspective, and resilience), the participants will acquire skills and confidence, and broaden their networks in order to become future leaders. In the program, participants will embark on a journey through which they will discover their own personal style, collaborate with others, and transform themselves to be ready to take on the world.
“At MetLife, we see Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as key to building a more confident and sustainable future. Advancing women in leadership is essential to tackling Japan’s societal issues. We strongly believe that this program will cultivate the future global leaders who will rise above adversity and uncertainty to drive real social change,” said MetLife Japan’s Corporate Affairs Executive Officer, Paul Miles.
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) Representative Director Suzanne Basalla said, “We are extremely honored to partner with MetLife and to invest in the future female leaders of Japan. Despite the global pandemic, we are committed to this program that empowers female leaders to develop their leadership traits and skills that positively impact their lives and gender inequality. We are proud of their individual journey and are confident they will each continue to make a positive impact on future global challenges.”
By the end of its eighth year, TMWLP will have engaged 738 women (369 university students and 369 mentors) with the goal of creating the leaders of tomorrow as well as collectively advancing women’s empowerment in Japan.
Application Guideline for the TMWLP Class of 2021-2022
- Application Period: Friday, May 21 – Monday, June 21, 2021
- Recruiting Locations: Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Naha
- Number of Participants and Eligibility: 50 female undergraduate students and mid-career female professionals, respectively
- Language Requirement: English
- Program Period: September 2021 – June 2022 (tentative)
- Program Format: Virtual sessions
- Program Overview:
1. Five virtual leadership development training sessions, held for participants in each location city. Mentee-mentor pairs (female student paired with a mid-career professional) developing a personal relationship via one-on-one and group sessions.
2. Virtual U.S. Trip: A weeklong virtual training session to further develop leadership skills, networking, and learning from leaders in a global environment.
3. Annual Conference: A graduation ceremony to close the program and share lessons learned. (either in-person or virtual format)
- Apply for the program at: http://usjapantomodachi.org/2021/05/34074/
- For more information on the TMWLP, click here
About the TOMODACHI Initiative
The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan. Born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges, as well as leadership programs. The initiative seeks to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world. Visit us at www.tomodachi.org
About MetLife Insurance K.K.
MetLife Japan started operations in 1973 as the first foreign life insurance company in Japan and currently operates as a Japanese corporation and an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., a leading global financial services company that aims to help people become more self-reliant and able to pursue more from life. MetLife Japan provides a broad, innovative range of products through diverse distribution channels to individual and institutional customers. For more information, visit http://www.metlife.co.jp
Contact Information
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan), TOMODACHI Initiative
E-mail: tomodachi@usjapancouncil.org
MetLife Insurance K.K. Corporate Affairs, CSR
E-mail: CSR@metlife.co.jp
