About

Mariko Ito is a Senior Manager for Northeast Asia and Japan Market Representative at AVPN. She works to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and mobilise capital towards social impact across Japan and Asia-Pacific.

With experience spanning philanthropy, international organisations, and ecosystem-building initiatives, Mariko has worked closely with corporations, foundations, government-related stakeholders, and social sector leaders to foster partnerships. Prior to joining AVPN in 2023, she worked at organisations including the United Nations University, the Nippon Music Foundation, and The Nippon Foundation, where she engaged in fundraising, partnership development, programme management, and strategic initiatives across culture, healthcare, and social impact sectors.

Her work focuses particularly on advancing strategic philanthropy, impact investing, and regional collaboration between Japan and broader Asian markets, with a growing interest in ageing societies and health-related initiatives.

Mariko is a certified fundraiser and also holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation in the United States. She earned her Master’s degree from the Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences at the International University of Health and Welfare in Japan, where her research explored healthcare access for refugees and the role of medical interpretation services in fostering empowerment and inclusion.

Known for her relationship-driven and people-centred approach, Mariko believes that meaningful social change begins with trust, dialogue, and unlikely partnerships. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and outdoor activities, and values spending weekends in nature with her husband and son.