Claudine Locascio
Executive Director
I have served as the Executive Director of Japan America Society of Colorado (JASC) since January 2012. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese Studies and International Relations from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, I received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Duke University Nonprofit Management Intensive Track Program. I also studied at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan as a member of the Associate Kyoto Program.
I began my career in international finance with the Industrial Bank of Japan Trust Company and the Japan Desk at Lehman Brothers in New York City before moving to Colorado. I worked with a number of Colorado non-profit organizations between 2002-2012 before joining JASC.
I continue to work towards JASC’s ongoing goal of promoting mutual understanding, relationships and commerce between the peoples of Japan and Colorado. I lead business protocol workshops, Japan cultural etiquette workshops, and serve as a resource for the Colorado-Japan community. I’m thrilled to see the exponential growth of JASC over the past 10 years.
From 2013-2016, I served on the Executive Committee for the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS) which oversees the network of 38 Japan Societies throughout the United States. Currently I am serving on the NAJAS Finance Committee.
I love cooking, baking, reading, yoga, live theater and musical performances and most of all spending time with my husband and two sons.
Miyuki Hirata
Program & Membership Manager
Konnichiwa! I'm Miyuki, hailing from Nagoya, Japan, and delighted to introduce myself as the new Program and Membership Manager at JASC. I have a deep passion for sharing Japanese culture with the global community, having had the pleasure of showcasing aspects like fashion, history, and pop culture to diverse audiences. The experience has been not only about sharing but also about embracing and learning from other cultures.
Languages have been a fascinating part of my journey. I've delved into English, Mandarin Chinese, Bahasa Indonesian, Tagalog, and a bit of Malay. Learning languages goes beyond apps or Google Translate; it's a unique bridge to connect with people and cultures on a profound level.
My linguistic adventures intertwined with work have taken me across Asia and beyond, including enchanting destinations like Indonesia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Exploring these beautiful places and meeting incredible individuals has been a highlight, and I'm eager to discover the next destinations on my list.
Joining JASC is a genuine honor, as I sense a beautiful alignment between my passion and JASC's core mission. Despite recently relocating to Colorado, I've already found a sense of belonging and eagerly anticipate the exciting journey ahead.
Miho Miyazaki
Office Administrator
I am from Yokohama, Japan, and I have been an Office Administrator at JASC since March 2023. I work behind the scenes to ensure that JASC is not only running smoothly but elegantly.
Art, in visual and written forms, are two of my passions, and I am delighted to be able to use my self-taught graphic design skills and linguistic prowess to help me accomplish JASC’s goals.
I have loved studying English since I was a child and have continued to advance my language skills while also taking in American culture. While growing up in Japan, I developed a passion for traveling abroad. After years of traveling internationally and working as a travel writer, I began to think about living abroad permanently, then ended up in Colorado, USA, in 2021 with my husband.
Additionally, I enjoy cycling, going to concerts, walking, thinking, translating, and spending time with my cat.
Junko Goodwin
Japan in the Schools & Japanese Language Manager
I am the owner of Global Kids Education, where I develop Global Citizenship Education programs for local schools, organizations, and international students. Additionally, I am the manager of Japan in the Schools & Japanese Language program for Japan America Society of Colorado.
I serve as a Chair of the Board of Directors for Broomfield Sister Cities Organization. I have held leadership roles in Broomfield and Ueda student exchange programs and developing the community enrichment program since 2016.
My husband and I lived and worked in both Japan and America, raising three children and hosting many exchange students.
I enjoy gardening, hiking, flower arrangements, yoga, and time with my family.
Yuka hicks
Japan in the Schools Outreach Coordinator
Hi, I’m Yuka. I was born and raised in Nagasaki, Japan. After graduating college, I went to school to become a Japanese language teacher. Now, I enjoy teaching Japanese in my spare time. I enjoy active hobbies such as outdoor activities, playing sports, and dancing Flamenco. I was in a running club and learned calligraphy for six years. I was also playing piano and competitive badminton for ten years in Japan.
Due to my husband's job, we have moved back and forth between America and Japan. We have now settled in the beautiful state of Colorado. Since moving to Colorado, I have volunteered for JASC as much as possible and am grateful to be involved. I'm also a member of Nichi Bei Go, which is the JASC Dragon boat team. I have been having a great time with my awesome teammates.
I have just started doing cultural presentations for JASC in schools and community centers, which I am very excited about.
I love traveling. I used to travel to different countries by myself. I have always loved getting to know their culture and share my culture with other people.
Living away from Japan is a continuous reminder of Japan's beauty, and I'm excited to share all about it.
My goal is for people to learn about Japan, even if it's a little. I will be so happy if this triggers anyone's interest in Japan.