<Event Report>

Exploring DE&I and Women’s Authentic Life Paths — JWIBA Summer Summit 2024

Revealing Gender Disparities Among Japanese Expatriates and Diverse Career Paths in Silicon Valley

On September 6, 2024, the NPO Japanese Women’s Initiative in the Bay Area (hereinafter referred to as JWIBA), which connects Japan and Silicon Valley and opens up the future of women’s careers and DE&I, held the second Summer Summit titled "JWIBA Summer Summit 2024 Embrace Your Own Entrepreneurship — Connect and Take a New Step in Silicon Valley."

The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and a project presentation by JWIBA volunteers. The project revealed new findings regarding gender disparities among Japanese expatriates, DE&I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) challenges, and diverse career paths in Silicon Valley.

This release provides a report on the event and a summary of the project presentation.

In today’s world, where career development is diversifying, it is becoming increasingly important for individuals to take initiative in building their own careers and ways of living, and to flexibly adapt to change by acquiring an "entrepreneurial mindset."

The "JWIBA Summer Summit 2024" was held under the theme of "Entrepreneurship" and "Connection," aiming to be a space where participants could explore and expand the possibilities of authentic careers and lifestyles through connections in the innovative hub of Silicon Valley.

Event Highlights

Opening Remarks: JWIBA Co-Founder Ryoko Hirano shared the significance of JWIBA becoming an NPO.

Keynote speech: "Developing entrepreneurial talent in times of rapid change"

In his keynote speech, Dr. Richard Dasher spoke about the entrepreneurial mindset required in modern society and its importance. He noted that women entrepreneurs are essential for promoting diversity and innovation and called on the audience to build new value networks.

Survey presentation: "Survey on career development of Silicon Valley Expatriates"

Although gender equality is increasingly emphasized in Japan, a significant disparity remains among overseas expatriates, with 85.2% being men and only 14.8% women (*1).

JWIBA conducted a survey of 42 men and women who had expatriate experience in Silicon Valley and repatriation, aiming to clarify the realities of career development during and after expatriation and to provide insights for women to thrive post-repatriation.

For detailed results, please refer to the Survey on Career Development of Silicon Valley Expatriates.

*When citing this research, please be sure to credit "JWIBA

Survey presentation: "Diverse career cases spanning Japan and the U.S. and Approaches to Turning Points"

In a time of growing career diversification, designing one’s own career is becoming essential. The next presentation, "Diverse Career Cases Spanning Japan and the U.S. and Approaches to Turning Points," aimed to support women struggling with career transitions by revealing the diverse paths of over 50 Japanese expatriates.

The survey focused on three phases prone to challenge: "starting a career in the U.S.," "changing job types or work styles," and "life stage transitions." Through real challenges and best practices, insights for career development were offered.

Case studies included those who moved to the U.S. with a partner and joined a local company, those who transitioned from postdoctoral researchers to startup employees, and those who relocated as expatriates with small children and later launched their own startups. The presentation incorporated the concept of "planned happenstance" and shared insights on balancing personal life and career.

For detailed results, please refer to Career Transition: Diverse Career Cases Spanning Japan and the U.S. and Approaches to Turning Points. (Available only in Japanese)

*When citing this research, please be sure to credit "JWIBA."

Panel Discussion "Entrepreneurship for Your Life"

Panelists included Yoko Matsuoka (Yoki), Executive Officer and Head of Panasonic Well, Panasonic Holdings; Nancy Yamaguchi, attorney at Morgan Lewis and a member of the CFIUS Working Group; and Toru Takahashi, General Manager of Japan Airlines, San Francisco Office. They held an active discussion under the theme of "Entrepreneurship for Your Life."

Ms. Matsuoka shared the entrepreneurial mindset she gained through her career, emphasizing the need for the ability to research what people seek, trust one’s instincts, and develop resilience to rise from failure. Ms. Yamaguchi discussed the challenges faced as a woman and stressed the importance of never giving up. She highlighted that taking risks and problem-solving are essential for entrepreneurial success. Mr. Takahashi reflected on his experience working with people of different cultures and religions, underscoring the courage to accept differences. He noted that harnessing the passion of talented individuals is key to entrepreneurial success.

For women struggling with career changes, Ms. Matsuoka stressed the importance of passion and exploring new options carefully. Ms. Yamaguchi emphasized having a positive attitude and the value of support networks. Mr. Takahashi conveyed the importance of maintaining a global perspective without losing one’s grounding.

Closing Remarks: JWIBA Co-Founder Makiko Kawabe emphasized the value of JWIBA and the importance of building community.

In the following networking session, many participants joined discussions in themed groups such as innovation, career rebuilding and reskilling, and parenting. The event concluded on a high note.

JWIBA will continue to strengthen efforts like this event to help create a society where diverse women can shine in their own way, and contribute further to the advancement of DE&I and innovation in Japan.

About JWIBA

JWIBA forms a community of women connected to both the San Francisco Bay Area and Japan. Our mission is to: support and encourage one another to grow our individual careers and lives; empower women’s careers; and promote DE&I and innovation in Japan.

Through annual summits, regular meetups and workshops, and research on the realities and perceptions of women with experience in Silicon Valley, JWIBA connects the Bay Area and Japan to foster a society where women can pursue authentic lives and careers, ultimately supporting DE&I and innovation.

(*1) Based on data from North America. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Statistics on Japanese Nationals Overseas (2018).