President: Rob C.
Profile coming soon
Vice-President: Steve Sundstrom
- JET: Shiga-ken, 1998-2000 (ALT)
- JETAA Officer: since July 2011
Describe what you do as an officer on the JETAA Board
As an officer on the board, I support all JET alumni to get in touch upon their return and stay connected with our community. As Vice-President, I work closely with the President and other officers to guide our chapter and ensure that we are working effectively. I also work with JETAA International, the USA organization and the other chapters to coordinate and promote our activities.
What is one goal you have in the coming year as an officer?
I aim to continue the development of our online presence and exchange with other chapters. Also, as a resident of the west suburbs of Chicago, I hope to hold more events with fellow alums in my area, including families, and offer support to any alums with ideas of their own they’d like to see materialize.
What is your favorite Japanese “thing” near where you live now?
As an avid connoiseur of gobo (burdock root), I’m glad it’s available at the Japanese supermarket, Mitsuwa. Also, one of my very favorite events of the year is the Ginza Festival held at the Midwest Buddhist Temple in Old Town neighborhood of Chicago every August.
Treasurer: Thomas Osugi
- JET: Hokkaido, 2005-2007 (ALT)
- JETAA Officer: since 2009
Describe what you do as an officer on the JETAA Board
Creating and maintaining yearly budgets for 20+ activities and events for the organization of 700+ members in the Chicagoland area.
Raising funds for the organization through grant writing and collecting funds from alumni.
Organizing monthly volunteer events at a local asian retirement community.
Assisting other boards members (e.g. brainstorming ideas, executing events and cleaning up afterwards)
Advising on technology decisions for website and communications.
What is one goal you have in the coming year as an officer?
One goal I’d like to achieve would be to grow our volunteering efforts in the Chicago community. We have a lot of amazing members in our organization, and we can use that help people. For example, at Heiwa Terrace, I’d think it’d be great to do try out some new activities, perhaps a talent show or a game night. My secondary goal would be to win a volleyball championship for the JET Setters.
What is your favorite Japanese “thing” near where you live now?
I love going to Mitsuwa, the very Japanese supermarket, out in Arlington Heights. My ritual is to eat some spicy miso ramen, and then go buy ingredients for a Japanese dish. I like trying new recipes every so often. Also I like buying snacks and bottled green tea.
Secretary: Shannon Copp
- JET: Shiga-ken, 2006-2008
- JETAA Officer: since 2010
Describe what you do as an officer on the JETAA Board
As secretary, I prepare the monthly webletter and take minutes at the meeting. Currently, I am also updating the website as well as managing the Facebook page and Twitter account.
What is one goal you have in the coming year as an officer?
I want to continue to improve our social media presence and increase the amount of content and resources we provide on the website.
What is your favorite Japanese “thing” near where you live now?
There’s a tiny student-run grocery store on the Southside called Open Produce that carries a surprising amount of hard-to-find Japanese foods, like furikake, sweet nori, and inari tofu pouches. Every time I go in, they seem to have another random natsukashii item!
Events & Outreach Coordinator: Elizabeth Gordon
- JET: Iwate-ken, 2003-2005
- JETAA Officer: since November 2011
Describe what you do as an officer on the JETAA Board
I organize events such as the annual new year’s celebration!
What is one goal you have in the coming year as an officer?
To get more JET alumni involved.
What is your favorite Japanese “thing” near where you live now?
Kokoro Japanese Restaurant on Wells in River North.
Activities and Job Fair Coordinator: Dan Martin
- JET: Shiga-ken, 2007-2009
- JETAA Officer: since November 2011
Describe what you do as an officer on the JETAA Board
As the activities and job coordinator my role encompasses a broad spectrum however I’m officially in charge of organizing the Annual Job and Networking Fair here in Chicago. I also am in charge of organizing social events such as our on-going JET Setters Volleyball team, the occasional Karaoke night as well as assisting in organizing events like trips to King Spa, the White Day Yakiniku and the occasional Happy Hour.
What is one goal you have in the coming year as an officer?
One goal that I have for this coming year is to try and create an even stronger support system for JET Alumni in terms of JETs seeking employment and possible networking opportunities. One of the first steps is to improve upon last year’s Job and Networking Fair in hopes of creating a more effective event for all parties involved.
What is your favorite Japanese “thing” near where you live now?
To be honest I have two places that are currently really enjoyable for me when I think of Japan:
The first is Murasaki Lounge downtown which is a one of a kind Sake lounge very similar to what you find in Japan. It has an amazing selection of real Sake from all over Japan as well as some distilleries throughout the US. The atmosphere has a pretty ambient feel on most evenings with lounge/subtle house music playing in the background which creates a chance to sip on some tasty Sake, eat some Otsumami and converse with friends.
The other place is Gyu-Kaku which is a Yakiniku restaurant that has been open for just over a year and is amazing in quality and taste. The ambiance is just like Japan and the food is delicious. You can find a wide variety of cuisine, Kirin on tap and you can even drink Chu-Hai! I would highly recommend a reservation and sitting on the third floor for a more traditional feel.
Publicist: Jessie S.
Profile coming soon
