Relational Diplomacy

Co-founded and organizes the annual SNACC conference to bring together Scottish heritage organizations, clans, and groups to share best practices and ideas, including hosting the 21st annual event in 2023.

Conducts research and development for the “Scots Who Built New York's Landmarks” initiative and provides advisory support for related projects such as the Hamilton Garden at St. Nicholas Park.

Developed and launched walking tour maps focused on Lower Manhattan and Midtown East & West as part of 'The Scots Who Built New York' series to highlight Scottish contributions to New York City architecture.

Designates and channels donations to specific charitable projects including Kids Operating Room, The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, the Guards Museum, and Glasgow Hospice, enabling tax-deductible giving by U.S. donors.

Organizes and hosts annual Tartan Week and Tartan Day events, including parades, observances, supper clubs, and performances on Fountain Terrace, to commemorate the Declaration of Arbroath and celebrate Scottish-American contributions.

Hosts annual Burns Night celebrations featuring traditional food, music, dancing, and performances to engage members and guests in Scottish culture, including the 25th annual gala in 2020.

Organizes and promotes community concerts, including lunchtime events at Bryant Park and performances by international groups such as the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra.

Organizes and hosts a range of cultural events including the Crown to Catwalk event, Sunset Pimm’s, Garden Party, Wallace Award, and performances such as the Scottish Ballet at Lincoln Center to promote Scottish arts and heritage.

Runs educational programs for youth, collaborated on the restoration of the John Muir Nature Trail, and organized environmental conferences to promote conservation and innovation.

Deeded a collection of letters, photographs, manuscripts, books, and documents related to its founders, Lord and Lady Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton, to preserve the organization’s historical legacy.

Produces the bi-weekly “ScotsInUS” podcast and hosts monthly live-streamed “Sounds from Scotland” concerts to share Scottish music, stories, and cultural content with a broad audience.

Offers members exclusive discounts, special privileges, and reciprocal memberships through partnerships with Harney & Sons, Brooks Brothers, The Scotland Shop, The Scottish Grocer, The Caledonian Club, and other businesses.

Provides advisory and organizational support for diaspora engagement through participation in the National Tartan Day New York Committee, the Scottish Coalition USA, and the Lord Malcolm Douglas Hamilton Bursary Advisory Committee.

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.