Cultural Exchange for Mutual Understanding

Conducts intercultural communication initiatives as its primary program activity.

Operates as a culture exchange organization, facilitating cross-cultural engagement and exchange activities.

Hosts undergraduate Italian women in New York City and sends Italian-American women to Rome on alternating years for immersive professional and educational experiences; established in 2007 in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Conducts virtual and in-person programs—including plays, concerts, museum tours, wine tastings, film screenings, cooking classes, author talks, and career conversations—from regional to national levels to promote the accomplishments of Italian American women and expand knowledge of Italian and Italian-American culture.

Offers membership benefits including access to scholarship and cultural exchange programs, discounted cultural events, networking opportunities, mentoring, and a quarterly newsletter featuring member highlights and organizational news.

Connects young professionals and college students with established experts in their fields to enhance career development and professional growth.

Awards four to six scholarships annually to Italian American women pursuing higher education, supporting their academic and professional advancement.

Provides community updates and thought leadership on issues affecting Italian American women, including honoring accomplished professionals to counter stereotypes and elevate visibility.

Develops platforms to enhance U.S.-Japan understanding, fosters deep mutual respect between the peoples of the United States and Japan, and operates programs in international relations, social systems, civilization studies, and art and design to advance intellectual dialogue and cultural exchange.

Co-convenes invitation-only and private gatherings to discuss refugee education, talent pathways to Japan, and the role of philanthropy in supporting these efforts.

Provides financial support for the development of Next Generation Fellowship Programs, community-building initiatives among International House of Japan members in North America, program enhancements, strategic partnerships, and publications through I-House Press, including historical and scholarly works on Japanese studies.

Launched and maintains JapanHands.org, a digital platform that connects leaders, organizations, and the public engaged in U.S.-Japan affairs, including a comprehensive calendar of hundreds of Japan-related events across North America and beyond.

Hosts in-person and high-level dialogues such as "Strategic Frontiers: Japan-U.S. Leadership in a Fragmenting World" during UNGA Week 2025 and a tea diplomacy discussion at Grace Farms in 2026, fostering intellectual exchange on bilateral leadership and diplomacy.

Produces and publishes research outputs including virtual roundtables on the Global Philanthropy Environment Index, video readouts on G7 summit implications, Insights Reports on global trust and cross-border leadership, and historical brochures on key figures and initiatives.

Provides multi-year support for young American leaders through the Next Generation Fellows Program, covers initiation and membership costs for participation in the Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Program, and launched a Senior Fellows program under the North America–Japan Philanthropy Alliance.

Offers a classroom-based American Culture Program that includes guest speakers and trips to explore U.S. history, politics, literature, music, and art.

Organizes cultural and educational exchange programs such as seminars, lectures, youth summer and winter camps, language courses, and school exchange projects to promote cross-cultural understanding.

Offers English-language courses for adults, young learners aged 12-18, and children aged 3-10 using a technology-enhanced teaching system.