Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation remains committed to supporting the U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship and the community of people dedicated to bolstering it.
The Foundation sponsored a private table at the Japan-America Society of Washington D.C.’s virtual Capital Gala, held on November 17th. The Mansfield table was open to select supporters of the Foundation, providing them the opportunity to participate in this well-attended event and connect with their peers. Current and past Mansfield Fellows joined Foundation staff and Senior Fellow Sean Connell to discuss upcoming Foundation programs and the state of U.S.-Japan relations. Ambassador James Zumwalt, Chair of the JASWDC Board of Trustees, also visited the table to thank the Mansfield Foundation for its support and to discuss future areas of cooperation.
That same week, the Mansfield Foundation was also a promotional partner for the U.S.-Japan Council’s Public Symposium. The 2020 Public Symposium took place virtually from November 17th to November 19th and aims to strengthen the U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship through dialogue. USJC hosted a wide range of more than 30 speakers and experts, including Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama and U.S.-Japan Network for the Future Member David Janes. Mansfield was proud to be a promotional partner for the panel on Cultural & Educational Exchange, moderated by Paige Cottingham-Streater, the Executive Director of the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission and former Deputy Executive Director of the Mansfield Foundation. Other topical sessions focused on topics such as women in leadership, philanthropy, NPO sustainability, and baseball diplomacy.
The Mansfield Foundation is honored to be a member of the vibrant U.S.-Japan relations community as we and our partners deal with the global pandemic.