Staff
Theresa A. Kulczak, Executive Director
theresa.kulczak@japanindiana.org
Theresa Kulczak has served at the Japan-America Society of Indiana since 1988 as one of its founding staff and as Executive Director since 1990. Theresa has worked with the Japanese for almost thirty years and brings a rich background of experience to JASI. She maintains a wide network of contacts in Indiana, the U.S. and Japan. Her understanding of Japanese culture, as well as her firsthand knowledge of Japanese business, have helped foster recognition for JASI as a major forum for U.S.-Japan relations in Indiana.
Previously, Kulczak lived in Japan for six years (1981-1987). For three years she was an account executive with an Osaka advertising agency, Asia 21, supervising the Middle East advertising accounts for Sanyo Electric Trading Co. She also helped establish the first Far East Office of Converse, Inc., in Osaka. While living in Niigata Prefecture, she taught English in university, corporate and conversation settings. A native Hoosier from Indianapolis, Kulczak graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Public Relations. She is fluent in Japanese and has studied French and beginning Polish. In 2007 she was the Midwest representative to Japan's Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's Roundtable on Japan-U.S. Exchange. In 2004 the Foreign Ministry of the Government of Japan awarded Theresa the Commendation of the 150th Anniversary of the U.S. Japan Relationship. She is the only non-Japanese director on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Japan Chamber and she serves on the Advisory Board of the World Trade Club of Indiana. She is an officer of the Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club and a member of the Central Indiana Wilderness Club.
Tamayo Fukumoto, Community Coordinator
tamayo.fukumoto@japanindiana.org
Tamayo Fukumoto brings a bright personality, a strong business background, and excellent communication skills to the Japan-America Society of Indiana. In the position of Japanese Community Coordinator, Tamayo facilitates the Society's communications with the Japanese community, administers JASI's seminars in Japanese and coordinates the Society's volunteers and Japanese cultural events. She serves as an information resource for inquiries in both Japanese and English.
Tamayo arrived in Indiana from Tokyo in the summer of 2005. Her prior work experience in Japan included over ten years' Public Relations and Sales Promotional responsibilities with two Tokyo-based multi-national companies: NCR Japan, LTD, and Nippon Ericsson. Tamayo earned her bachelor's degree in Policy Management from Keio University. In her free time Tamayo enjoys reading, traveling, and Flamenco music and dance.
John Lajiness, Program Coordinator
john.lajiness@japanindiana.org
John graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan in 2004 having majored in Elementary Education. He then spent two years teaching English in Yurihonjo City of Akita Prefecture as a participant on the JET Program from 2005-2007. After returning to Indiana, John joined the Society staff in March of 2008 and is responsible for coordinating JASI programs, membership communications, and general administrative functions. He is fluent in Japanese and excited to be part of the bridge between Japan and Indiana.
