As Women’s History Month approaches in March, Japan Society is excited to host an insightful event addressing a timely and relevant topic that is on the minds of many. While progress has been made in creating more inclusive work environments for women, individuals from diverse backgrounds, and other underrepresented groups, the question remains: how far have we really come? How has the landscape of women’s empowerment and workplace diversity evolved over the past decade, and what innovative strategies are companies adopting to foster even greater inclusivity? This program brings together industry leaders to explore the significant advancements in workplace diversity and women’s empowerment and provide insights into the future plans and goals for achieving a more equitable workplace.
Speakers
Wendy Cutler, Vice President and Managing Director, Washington, D.C. Office, Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI); former Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative
Kathy Matsui, Co-Founder and General Partner, MPower Partners; former Vice Chair of Goldman Sachs Japan and Chief Japan Equity Strategist (Participating Virtually)
Moderator
Joshua W. Walker, Ph.D., President & CEO, Japan Society
Agenda
6:30-7:30 pm: Discussion and Q&A Session
7:30-8:00 pm: Reception
Admission
This event is only available to Japan Society corporate members. Admission is free with advance registration required. Please note that seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis.
About the Speakers

Wendy Cutler
Vice President and Managing Director, Washington, D.C. Office, Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI); former Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative
Wendy Cutler is Vice President at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and the managing director of the Washington, D.C. office. In these roles, she focuses on leading initiatives that address challenges related to trade, investment, and innovation, as well as women’s empowerment in Asia. She joined ASPI following an illustrious career of nearly three decades as a diplomat and negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), where she also served as Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. During her USTR career, she worked on a range of bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade negotiations and initiatives, including the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, U.S.-China negotiations, and the WTO Financial Services negotiations. She has published a series of ASPI papers on the Asian trade landscape and serves as a regular media commentator on trade and investment developments in Asia and the world.

Kathy Matsui
Co-Founder and General Partner, MPower Partners; former Vice Chair of Goldman Sachs Japan and Chief Japan Equity Strategist (Participating Virtually)
Kathy is Co-Founder and General Partner of MPower Partners, Japan’s first ESG-integrated global venture capital fund. Kathy is the former Vice Chair of Goldman Sachs Japan and Chief Japan Equity Strategist. Her groundbreaking ‘Womenomics’ research spurred the Japanese government to promote gender diversity, and she has advised corporations on governance and diversity best practices. She published her book, How to Nurture Female Employees, in 2020. Kathy serves as a director for the Japan Venture Capital Association. She has an MA from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and an AB from Harvard.
The U.S.-Japan Women Leaders Initiative is generously supported by Hotsuki Family Foundation and Advocate sponsors.
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Business & Policy Forum is generously supported by Japan Society Global Leaders & Corporate Partners.
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CORPORATE PARTNERS



Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.

Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

- Tuesday, March 4, 2025
- 6:30 pm
- In-Person Event
- Registration