During my tenure at Out Leadership, I contributed to two pivotal projects that directly supported the organization's mission. First, I played a key role in executing the "Out Leadership US Summit," a comprehensive three-week event series featuring 10-15 events with member firms. My responsibilities included coordinating event logistics at various venues and actively engaging with employees from these firms. The series served as a vital platform for over 500 participants, facilitating meaningful discussions aimed at transforming workplace cultures across 70 organizations. By fostering dialogue and networking opportunities among LGBTQ+ leaders and allies, the series directly aligned with Out Leadership’s mission to convene, connect, and develop leaders within the community. Secondly, I conducted a thorough competitor analysis to enhance our organization's outreach and impact. This analysis involved evaluating strategies employed by other organizations in the LGBTQ+ advocacy space to identify best practices and opportunities for expansion. By leveraging these insights, Out Leadership can strategically position itself to forge new partnerships and amplify its influence across a broader spectrum of organizations committed to fostering inclusive workplaces. Both initiatives significantly advanced Out Leadership’s mission by fostering dialogue, facilitating connections, and providing strategic insights to promote diversity and inclusion within corporate environments. Through my contributions to these projects, I actively contributed to Out Leadership’s goal of empowering LGBTQ+ leaders and allies worldwide.

For this role, I effectively applied skills acquired through my MBA program in several key areas. Firstly, drawing from my Strategy Formulation and Economics of Strategic Behavior courses, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape within DEI, supporting organizations. This involved understanding client needs, assessing competitor offerings, and devising strategic recommendations based on industry best practices. Additionally, my experience in the Small Business Consulting Program equipped me with practical insights into providing strategic recommendations, particularly in human capital management. This background enabled me to swiftly integrate and apply relevant insights to deliver actionable recommendations tailored to organizational needs. Furthermore, my coursework and practical exercises have honed my relationship-building skills, which proved instrumental in expanding our network with membership firms. These connections are crucial for fostering robust client relationships and supporting the development of effective DEI initiatives. Overall, leveraging these skillsets — strategy development, consulting expertise, and relationship building — has not only enhanced my effectiveness in addressing organizational challenges but also contributed significantly to advancing the mission and goals of my current employer in promoting DEI.

During my internship, I faced the task of quickly jumping into supporting onsite events while learning the working dynamics of the organization. I was fortunate enough to be a part of a supportive and welcoming environment, which made my experience enjoyable and productive. Secondly, due to the short duration of my internship — only six weeks — I had to swiftly integrate and analyze a vast amount of information about the DEI landscape. This involved understanding client needs, evaluating competitor strategies, and formulating recommendations within a tight timeframe. It was also crucial for me to deepen my understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community in the United States. With over 500 anti-trans bills and varying legal and societal landscapes across states, staying updated on these developments was critical. It required continuous learning and adapting to rapidly changing circumstances to effectively contribute to meaningful initiatives and conversations within the organization.

My experience has left me with a profound realization of the incremental but important changes we make every day in shaping society. Originating from the Stonewall movement nearly four decades ago here in NYC, the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights underscores the importance of continuous effort and advocacy. Witnessing firsthand the efforts of individuals and organizations in advancing inclusivity in the workplace highlighted both the progress made and the challenges that persist. I've learned that meaningful change often stems from persistent, behind-the-scenes efforts that may not always receive recognition but are pivotal in driving societal transformation. This experience has reinforced my commitment to contributing to social enterprise initiatives, particularly in bridging cultural divides between Japan and the US. I aspire to leverage my background and experiences to foster greater understanding and collaboration, promoting inclusive practices across borders. Moving forward, my goal is to continue supporting initiatives that promote DEI. I am eager to apply the insights gained from this internship to contribute effectively to these efforts, advocating for positive change in both corporate environments and broader societal contexts.