About

Wakana serves as a Manager and currently acts as AVPN’s Interim Representative for the Japan Market. In this role, she works to strengthen AVPN’s presence in Japan, support Japan-based members, and foster collaboration with regional and global partners.

She also serves as a Director at the Social Impact Center of the Japan Fundraising Association, where she contributes to philanthropic research and programs aimed at building the capacity of nonprofit organizations, particularly those focused on advancing women's employment and economic empowerment.

Wakana holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from California State University, Chico. During her undergraduate studies, she spent a semester abroad at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, where she deepened her interest in social development challenges across Asia. This academic experience shaped her ongoing commitment to inclusive and sustainable progress in the region.

Prior to joining AVPN, she worked in the IT industry, specializing in systems operations and IT service management. She holds multiple professional certifications, including ITIL Expert (v3), reflecting her previous dedication to operational excellence and process improvement.

At AVPN, she draws on her international experience and cross-sectoral perspective to promote strategic collaboration and social innovation. Her work focuses on expanding Japan’s role in the Asian social investment ecosystem and empowering mission-driven organizations through knowledge sharing and partnership development.