TOMODACHI Social Innovation in Seattle (SIIS) Program Concludes
The TOMODACHI iLEAP Social Innovation in Seattle (SIIS) Program invests in the next generation of Japanese social entrepreneurs and community leaders aged 18-25, who are prepared to make a positive difference in Japan, the United States, and around the world. Scholars are selected from a highly competitive, nationwide pool of applicants to participate in a five week experiential leadership training in Seattle, Washington. At the core of the program, Scholars work on a Team Project with prominent businesses like Microsoft and Goodwill, and receive business mentoring from recognized Japanese American leaders in the Seattle community. Scholars also take classes in leadership and entrepreneurship, conduct site visits to social businesses and organizations, and live with an American family as a homestay. This year’s students were able to attend a 3/11 commemoration at the Nisei Veteran’s Hall, sing with Japanese Consul-General Omura at a Songs for Hope event, as well as meet-up with Ambassador John Roos at Geodesic Capital.
After three years and nearly 75 graduates, this program has been truly transformational for the young Japanese participants. One student noted, “…I learned this very powerful idea: social entrepreneurship does not start from social issues; rather, social entrepreneurship is connected to who I am and how I wish to be in the world. After learning that lesson, (I) am discovering my own answers…and I am seeing how it can lead to answers for how I can contribute to creating a better world for all.” The long-term vision of iLEAP, is to have 300 SIIS graduates by the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 who not only embody the program’s ideals of civic duty but also consider themselves part of the “TOMODACHI Generation” that will lead Japan into a more globally minded future,” states iLEAP Founder Britt Yamamoto. This program culminated with a graduation ceremony for the participants. View the speech by Yuki Iwai, the participant speaker at the Graduation Ceremony.
