HOPE Talks - Speaker Profiles

Lowell is one of the founders of HOPE Japan and serves as the Asia Pacific Director for HOPE International Development Agency. He is a published writer and when not found advocating sustainable development and poverty alleviation; he is an avid long distance cyclist. Lowell lives in a carbon neutral and solar powered log house in the hills outside of Nagoya. He speaks on subjects including Social Enterprise, CSR, and Micro Credit, and enjoys motivating people to make a difference.

As HOPE's Executive Coordinator, Elise brings heart and insight to overseas projects and liaises with institution donors in Japan. A speaker of four languages, Elise worked in Senegal for three years with JICA and communicates with authority to students and women’s groups on issues facing the world’s poor.

Erin is Chair of the board of HOPE Japan, and is able to convey a passionate understanding of the projects of NPO HOPE Japan. Aside from her involvement in the governance side of the organization she has been an active volunteer and has traveled to Cambodia and Ethiopia to view first hand HOPE's projects that focus on the provision of clean and safe water, sustainable living, primary health and sanitation and the environment. Erin is presently finishing her postgraduate work at Nagoya University's Graduate School of International Development and expects to be awarded her Master's degree in the spring of 2010.

A specialist in Language learning & teaching for students at Nagoya Gakuin University and the cochlear implantees, Professor Masuda is on the Board of Directors of NPO HOPE Japan. He has led groups of students to Cambodia and is currently training to run in Marathon Des Sables in 2010 in aid of clean water projects. He is an effective and creative communicator and has many great stories: like how he gets about in an old Mercedez Benz powered by recycled tempura oil.

President of Oak Lawn Marketing, Harry is an experienced and successful corporate leader. He is well positioned to comment on individual empowerment within the Japanese society, not only for self-improvement but also community engagement. Harry is active in Martial Arts, and has a family of five children who are all leaders in their respective sports. Harry is a thoughtful and effective leader who believes in the importance of people taking responsibility for their lives. 

Paul, a Canadian who speaks fluently in the Kansai dialect, brings passion and tenacity to his role as Chairman of HOPE Kansai; he speaks eloquently about the importance of clean water and how residents of Japan can make a difference. He has seen first hand the difference that clean water makes. Paul is Director of West Japan for Wall Street Associates in Kansai and is Chair of the Mayor Advisory Council for foreign businesses.

Jon is Chairman of the HOPE Dinner in Tokyo and is a HOPE Trustee. During business hours he is a full-time Chairman or Director of several Japnanese, Asian and North American companies. As a seasoned corporate leader, he shares insights as to how companies and NGOs can create synergies that result in both profits for the company and the betterment of the community. Jon lives in Gunma among a community of people who are committed to appreciating the natural environment and taking responsibility for our actions.