TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Welcome Event in Okinawa Region

On June 2, the Okinawa Regional Leaders Narumi Goya and Haruka Morikawa, both alumnae of the TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program, with support from Regional Mentor Mai Taira, held their Welcome Event in Ginowan City focusing on two of the four alumni program pillars: “Connectedness & Sustainability” and “Workforce Readiness”. Just under 20 people were in attendance with a mix of ages and professions.

In the first part of the session, four guest speakers, all mid-tier career professionals from various fields and industries (hospitality, beverage manufacturing, medical interpretation, and public service), each talked about their career paths: their past, present and future. In the Q&A session that followed, topics ranged from career turning points, women’s leadership and empowerment, and overcoming adversities. One of the student participants said that “it was a great opportunity to think about my career path” and another gushed that “[she is] really glad to have such wonderful people around” adding: “I will support and get involved with TOMODACHI more actively.”

Narumi, reflecting on her initial question on how to make such an event happen, said that “professional alumni generously shared their experiences and gave advice to students with issues or concerns. I am not sure how much influence I can bring to others, but as part of the TOMODACHI Generation and as a Regional Leader, I would like to continue learning and create opportunities where alumni can share their values with a diverse audience.”