Q&A with TOMODACHI Program Participants and TOMODACHI Alumni: Felix Garcia
In this interview, we spoke with Felix Garcia, a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Boston with a Bachelor’s of Science in Information Technology and a minor in Japanese. Felix is an alum of the TOMODACHI Daiwa House Student Leadership Conference in Boston and is deeply passionate about cross-cultural collaboration. His academic and personal experiences have fueled his interest in exploring the intersections of technology, ethics, and social justice. With a strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in both the tech industry and broader society, Felix is particularly intrigued by how technology can be used as a tool to address cultural and systemic inequities.
Currently based in Boston, Felix works at an education technology startup that uses AI to help higher education institutions enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes. Drawing inspiration from his involvement in TOMODACHI and his leadership roles in university student organizations, Felix now serves as the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Representative for the New England region. Through his work and advocacy, he aspires to inspire positive change and contribute to building a more inclusive and just world.
Q: What inspired you to get involved with the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework?
In college, I developed a strong interest in Japanese language and culture while studying IT. I took language courses, attended Japanese events, and joined the Japanese Language Club, eventually becoming its president at UMass Boston. Through my professor, I learned about the TOMODACHI program, applied, and was thrilled to be accepted into the Daiwa House Leadership Program, which was a great experience.
During the pandemic, I reconnected with TOMODACHI alumni and participated in the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework (TRF). The racial and civil unrest of 2020, sparked by the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, motivated me to join the US-Japan Council’s Critical Conversations series. That experience inspired me to reengage with the TOMODACHI community and stay more involved.
Q: What does TOMODACHI mean to you?
TOMODACHI can mean many things, but right now, for me, it represents a community of people. It brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for personal cross-cultural collaboration. Through my deeper involvement with TOMODACHI, I’ve come to see it as an investment in the next generation, one that will continue to strengthen the connection between the US and Japan.
Q: What are some of the challenges within your community, and what opportunities do you think the TOMODACHI/USJC can do to help address that Issue?
It’s important to recognize that BI-POC and other marginalized communities in the US still face challenges in areas like economic mobility, housing, education, voting rights, and employment. This made me think about the role the US-Japan Council (USJC) could play. Although USJC focuses on Japan-US relations, there’s potential to address these issues. Historically, Japanese and other Asian Americans have stood in solidarity with Black and Brown communities on civil rights and advocacy. USJC could build on this by supporting community organizing and inclusive policies that benefit underserved groups. Programs like TOMODACHI’s initiative with Indigenous students show how USJC can help, and it’s also vital for organizations to educate themselves, address unconscious biases, and implement inclusive practices in areas like hiring.
Q: How has your experience as a Regional Representative impacted your professional and personal growth?
Because I’m still serving as the regional rep, it’s still having a large impact on me. I would say it’s been helping me develop my networking and relationship building skills for sure. I’ve made a lot more professional connections to other, not just alumni, but also professionals and other organizations that I was not expecting when I got into this role and, I’ve also been able to connect with other alumni that I haven’t met from different programs and the satisfaction of helping others connect with each other as well has been fulfilling for me and it’s just been really rewarding.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience from your time as the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Representative for the New England Region?
One memorable event for me this year was the shinenkai dinner we had at a ramen restaurant. I was really impressed by the turnout—we had a full table of enthusiastic people, engaging in lively conversations and discovering common interests. The energy of that night was incredibly invigorating and inspired me to continue with the program. It was such a great experience that motivated me to keep going.
Q: As someone who has participated in the TOMODACHI Daiwa House Student Leadership Conference, how did your program complement the TOMODACHI?
During the program, I met dedicated Japanese and American students from across the country and interacted with industry experts from the US and Japan. It was inspiring and eye-opening, offering new perspectives on Japanese culture and US-Japan relations. This experience laid the foundation for my networking, public speaking, and leadership skills, which continue to benefit me both professionally and in my role as a regional rep.
Q: In your role as a Regional Representative, how did you approach fostering connections and networking among TOMODACHI alumni in your region? Were there any particular strategies that proved to be especially effective?
I’ve thought about this a lot and have tried different approaches. When organizing events, I make sure to circulate announcements across multiple platforms—LinkedIn, email, Facebook—to reach people where they are. I also do personal outreach, meeting with individual alumni for one-on-one coffee chats to introduce myself and build connections. These strategies have seen some success. I’ve also started building partnerships with mission-aligned organizations, like The Japan Society of Boston and the JET Alumni Association, to collaborate on opportunities for alumni. Creating casual spaces where people can gather, especially with food, tends to foster the most authentic and engaging experiences.
Q: The TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework emphasizes skills-building events. Could you discuss some of the skills that you believe are crucial for alumni to develop, and how the program has supported these efforts?
It really depends on the region. Different areas have varying needs; for example, some regions may have younger members still in college who need networking and job-hunting skills, while others, like New England, may have professionals focused on career development. The approach should be tailored to these regional differences.
Q: Given your background in Information Technology and Business Intelligence, how have you leveraged your technical expertise in your role as a TOMODACHI Regional Representative?
I’m very passionate about tech, especially data, and agile methodologies. Agile emphasizes collaboration, feedback, and flexibility to adapt quickly, which is how I approach my work. I use data to guide decisions, tracking engagement metrics like email open rates, event attendance, and social media interactions to refine strategies. Collecting feedback through surveys after events also helps me improve. Understanding alumni in my region—such as where they live or their industry—helps me plan relevant and accessible events. Data-driven decisions are crucial, and I hope to further support TOMODACHI with this approach.
Q: Can you share your experience meeting USJC President Audrey Yamamoto and the various events you’ve organized with the Japanese Consulate and the Japan-US Society? Specifically, what was it like being the first regional representative in the U.S. to collaborate with the Japanese Consulate for an alumni event in New England?
I didn’t initially realize we’d be the first to work with the Japanese consulate, but it happened by chance, which is one of the great things about TOMODACHI. I connected with an alumnus who introduced me to the consulate, and after exchanging emails, we began collaborating. It was nerve-racking at first, but the consulate staff were familiar with American culture and very supportive. Building relationships with mission-aligned organizations like the consulate and the Japan Society of Boston has been a highlight of my role. It’s been rewarding to collaborate on strengthening the US-Japan relationship, and I’m grateful for the connections I’ve made with leaders like USJC President Audrey Yamamoto and the Boston Consul General.
Q: In what ways do you believe the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework can continue to evolve to better support the needs of its alumni, especially in the context of the current global challenges?
Applying agile principles beyond tech is crucial for me to keep the alumni framework flexible and responsive to changes. Tracking and analyzing metrics helps me make data-driven decisions and develop effective engagement strategies, whether through social media or other content. I believe integrating the regional framework with the US-Japan Council could strengthen alumni connections and encourage greater involvement. With our motivated network across the US and Japan, I see a great opportunity for closer collaboration to significantly enhance US-Japan relations.
Q: Looking back at your journey with TOMODACHI, what advice would you give to current and future alumni who are interested in taking on leadership roles within the program?
I’ve already seen people from my program, like Mason and Yukari, taking on leadership roles in TOMODACHI, which has inspired me. I’d advise staying in touch with your program peers since you never know where those connections might lead. Also, keep up with TOMODACHI news and announcements—there’s so much happening that you might miss otherwise. I reengaged after some time and discovered incredible opportunities. Sign up for newsletters, follow social media, and reach out to fellow alumni. Attending events or conferences can introduce you to amazing people and open up new possibilities!
This interview was conducted by Eliana Pisons on August 26, 2024. Eliana is currently a TOMODACHI program intern.
