#Women Leaders #Ishinomaki #Crossfields #Ishinomaki Farm

Next Generation Women Leaders Program by Crossfields

NPO Crossfields, based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, is set to launch a unique program in the summer of 2026 aimed at cultivating the next generation of women leaders. The initiative will take place in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, and bring together participants from various companies focused on promoting diversity and inclusion (DE&I) within organizations. The program's core mission is to produce female leaders who can drive organizational change by engaging in a hands-on field study at Ishinomaki Farm, a local organization committed to fostering inclusive practices.

Given the pressing need for increased female managerial representation in many Japanese companies, existing challenges such as the absence of role models and the prevalence of male-dominated organizational cultures continue to hinder progress. Crossfields believes that developing female leaders requires more than just acquiring managerial skills; it demands a reframing of traditional organizational norms and a commitment to creating new values through diverse perspectives. This program is designed to help participants relinquish preconceived notions about their organizations and cultivate a stronger sense of leadership.

Key Components of the Program

The program features two main aspects that support participants in their leadership development:

1. Experiencing Diversity on the Ground: The Ishinomaki Farm, where the program will take place, is an organization dedicated to creating sustainable systems that connect agriculture and community life. This unique setting allows participants to witness how individuals with disabilities play a central role in the organization and can experience inclusive operational practices firsthand. Throughout the program, participants will engage in dialogues with local women leaders, such as Yuka Takahashi, who spearhead initiatives in their communities. This cross-border experience, aimed at tackling complex challenges without clear solutions, will empower participants to develop new perspectives as they return to their organizations, equipped to drive transformative change.

2. Cross-Organizational Collaboration: Participants from different companies will share concerns and aspirations relevant to their similar career stages, facilitating an environment of mutual support and growth. By building a network that extends beyond their own organizations, aspiring leaders can gain courage and camaraderie, essential for driving transformation in their respective workplaces.

The program is seeking participating companies for its summer 2026 launch, particularly those addressing DE&I and next-generation leadership challenges. Interested HR or Diversity representatives are encouraged to reach out for more information.

Program Details

• - Location: Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture (Ishinomaki Farm and others)
• - Session Schedule:

- Pre-session in Tokyo: July 21 PM
- On-site session: July 29-30
- Post-session in Tokyo: August 27 PM

• - Target Audience: Female employees on the verge of promotion to managerial roles, regardless of their department.
• - Capacity: 12 to 20 participants (up to 3 from a single company), minimum of 12 participants required.
• - Participation Fee: 250,000 JPY (excluding tax) per person, plus travel and accommodation costs.
• - Registration Deadline: April 24, 2026
• - Contact Email: [email protected] (Contacts: Harasaka, Okazaki)

Through this initiative, Crossfields aims to empower more women leaders to soar into society and drive solutions to pressing challenges.

About NPO Crossfields

Crossfields is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing domestic and international social issues by connecting business professionals with social enterprises. They facilitate hands-on engagement in social problem-solving through programs like