Breaking free from being an educated bystander. Supporting Japanese women in action to bring change and innovation to Japanese society
Graduate Profile
Fish Family Foundation
Ms. Atsuko Toko Fish
Ms. Atsuko Toko Fish has been involved in social development activities for many years and is currently serving as a board member of the Fish Family Foundation, established in 1999 in Boston. Her focus is on developing women leaders in Japan, revitalizing communities and nurturing the next generation, and understanding and promoting multiculturalism. In addition, she also supports activities to solve low-income and immigrant issues in the Boston area, as well as initiatives focused on Japan. In 2006, Ms. Fish started the Japanese Women's Leadership Initiative (JWLI), and in 2012, she received the Foreign Minister's Commendation for her contributions to promoting mutual understanding between the United States and Japan. In 2013, she was the recipient of the "Champions of Change” award by the White House in recognition for her accomplishments in supporting Japanese women and restoration activities after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Ms. Fish established the "Champion of Change Japan Award" in hopes further empowering Japanese women and developing female role models. In the fall of 2008, Ms. Fish was conferred by the Emperor of Japan the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for her contribution to the advancement of Japanese women’s leadership.
Background
I attended the Dale Carnegie Course in the 1970s. At the time, the course was held in Roppongi in English. I enrolled in the course as I wanted to improve my English skills. Looking back, I realize the leadership skills I developed through Dale Carnegie Course may have helped strengthen the challenging spirit I already had.
Challenges and Results
After my marriage, I moved to Boston. In Japan, I had worked for an advertising company and a sports promotion company, so I looked for a job in Boston, but I could not find one. So I wrote a letter to the Governor of Massachusetts, suggesting business opportunities with Japan, and he asked me to submit short- and long-term proposals. As soon as I submitted my proposal, I had an interview and was hired on the spot and was told to start working the next day. I learned that America is a free country where dreams come true regardless of your education or upbringing, as long as you have the ability, strategy, and vision.
Solution
I was able to write to the Governor of Massachusetts and get a job through my leadership skills by taking action, trying without fear of failure, and clarifying my vision and strategy.
Message
Japan is rapidly experiencing a declining birthrate and aging population. Thus, women’s advancement in society will provide important economic support. Women no longer need to be only behind-the-scenes. Japanese women should also take action to build a better society, without fear of failure and without being an educated bystander. The time has come when the voices of women in the social sector can lead to policy proposals and change the world. Please learn about JWLI's activities and join our initiatives to make a difference through action. We would like to establish a platform, JWLI ECOSYSTEM, to contribute to creating a better society.
Please find out more about JWLI (Japanese Women's Leadership Initiative) activities here.
What is the Dale Carnegie Course?
The Dale Carnegie Course is based on the 30 Human Relations Principles developed by Dale Carnegie, known for his bestselling books "How To Win Friends and Influence People" and "How To Stop Worrying And Start Living," based on many years of experience, and is centered on the Five Drivers (Building Confidence, People Skills, Communication Skills, Leadership Skills, Stress Management) necessary to achieve success in life.
If you want to learn how to speak effectively, strengthen your interpersonal skills, manage stress, and cope with a rapidly changing work environment, the Dale Carnegie Course is the answer to all your challenges. The course can be taken either face-to-face in the classroom or online (we call it LIVE On Line).