Date
12.12.2022 (Mon.)
Time
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Location
JAPAN HOUSE Salon, Level 5
Fee
Free
As one of the most diverse regions in the United States, Southern California has seen inspiring efforts by governments, businesses, and non-profits to embrace and promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to strengthen society as a whole. While there are still challenges and unfinished works ahead, many new and ongoing projects are a source of inspiration.
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Foundation is proud to present a special event series exploring initiatives and perspectives on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Southern California with MUFG Bank, Ltd.
After a successful first edition hosting prominent leaders speaking to the state of DEI efforts in the region, the second program highlighted the role of food as a valuable bridge between communities in the diverse landscape of Los Angeles. For this celebratory event, participants from the African American, Armenian American, Japanese American, and Peruvian American communities presented their respective cuisines, particularly those that are part of holiday gatherings.
Program Schedule
- 5:00 PM | Opening Remarks
- Yuko Kaifu
President of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles - Consul General Kenko Sone
Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles - Rui Koike
Chief of Staff for the Americas at MUFG Bank, Ltd.
- Yuko Kaifu
- 5:00 PM | Presentations
- 6:15 PM | Interval
- 6:30 PM | Networking & Reception
Speakers
Listed in presentation order
Takahiro Narui
Owner of Taka’s Japanese Catering
Since arriving in Los Angeles in 1991, Chef Takahiro has worked in some of the most notable restaurants in the city including JiRaffe Restaurant, L'Orangerie, and Lucques Restaurant. In 2004, he joined the opening team for Mix.
Following his time there, Chef joined Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa at Matsuhisa, where he became Pastry Chef and Kitchen Chef over the course of nine years. Today, he shares his own style of food featuring the best local and seasonal ingredients using Japanese and French cooking techniques.
Milagros Lizarraga
Peru Village L.A. President & CEO and Chair of PVLA Urban Planning, Economic and Cultural Development Permanent Comm
BA in Communication Sciences – University of Lima. Resides in California since 1990. Experience in cultural management and community activism in a variety of settings.
Experience in: Real Estate, Journalism, Audiovisual Media, Performing Arts, and Special Education. Co-founder and member of different organizations in California. She has held positions of: President and CEO: Peru Village L.A. President: Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council. 2nd Vice President: Peru USA Chamber of Commerce.
Walther Adrianzen
Owner & Executive Chef of CevicheStop
Walther Adrianzen grew up in Lima, Peru, a city that sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, a geography similar to Los Angeles. Over the years, he worked in the kitchens of top restaurants in Los Angeles adding new capabilities and more knowledge.
Together with his wife Diana, they built their own food cart and started selling just two ceviche dishes: the Classic with fish and the other with Blood Clams. In 2021, they opened CevicheStop, a fine-casual full service restaurant, in Culver City.
Janette Robinson Flint
Executive Director of Black Women for Wellness
Janette Robinson Flint holds the executive director position of Black Women for Wellness, a woman centered community-based organization working on reproductive justice issues as they impact Black women & girls.
Ms. Robinson Flint is also part of the Los Angeles Coalition for Reproductive Justice, California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom and In Our Own Voice; National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda with the intention of lifting the experiences and voices of Black women in pursuit of health and well-being.
Silva Katchiguian
Author & President of Armenian International Women’s Association
Silva Katchiguian believes in the valuable role that AIWA has in creating a powerful future for aspiring girls and women and she works passionately to raise awareness for a range of women’s issues to elevate, inspire, encourage and impact the undeniable advancement of women.
Ms. Katchiguian is also involved with the Armenian Apostolic Church through the Western Diocese for over 20 years. She currently serves on the Diocesan Council of the Western Diocese and is vice chair of their Stewardship Committee.
Ani Keshishian
Chief Brand Officer of Anoush Catering
Ani is the Chief Brand Officer for both L.A. Banquets & Anoush Catering, where she works to ensure that all of the company’s employees feel like members of the family. Putting together a close-knit team keeps the business operating smoothly and more importantly keeps her motivated.
“Without a hardworking, loyal and dedicated team, I can never be successful.” She actively participates in the SAK Foundation, a charity established by her family to better the lives of impoverished children in Armenia.
This program was the second of the DEI Series. The third one will be held in March 2023 (date TBD).
Partnering Organizations
Armenian International Women’s Association (AIWA)
Black Women for Wellness
Japanese Business Association of Southern California (JBA)
Peru Village L.A.
U.S.-Japan Council
Catering Provided by
Anoush Catering (Armenian)
CevicheStop (Peruvian)
Taka’s Japanese Catering (Japanese)
Vegan Food by Chef Tiana Gee aka Tee (African American)
Presented by
Sponsored by
Supported by
