Claudine Locascio
Executive Director
I have served as the Executive Director of Japan America Society of Colorado (JASC) since January 2012. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese Studies and International Relations from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, I received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Duke University Nonprofit Management Intensive Track Program. I also studied at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan as a member of the Associate Kyoto Program.
I began my career in international finance with the Industrial Bank of Japan Trust Company and the Japan Desk at Lehman Brothers in New York City before moving to Colorado. I worked with a number of Colorado non-profit organizations between 2002-2012 before joining JASC.
I continue to work towards JASC’s ongoing goal of promoting mutual understanding, relationships and commerce between the peoples of Japan and Colorado. I lead business protocol workshops, Japan cultural etiquette workshops, and serve as a resource for the Colorado-Japan community. I’m thrilled to see the exponential growth of JASC over the past 10 years.
From 2013-2016, I served on the Executive Committee for the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS) which oversees the network of 38 Japan Societies throughout the United States. Currently I am serving on the NAJAS Finance Committee.
I love cooking, baking, reading, yoga, live theater and musical performances and most of all spending time with my husband and two sons.
Olivia Yurika Dark
Program & Marketing Manager
Hajimemashite! My name is Olivia and I am honored to hold the Program and Marketing Manager position at JASC. I am from the Denver Metro Area and my connection to Japan is through my mother who is from Gamagori and her family who still lives there.
My favorite pastime is Shorin-Ryu Karate. In 2022, I had the privilege of being able to study abroad in Okinawa. It was truly a dream getting to live the island life while studying the art I love in its birthplace and learning more about Japanese language and culture. I also got to live with my grandparents for a month. My Ojiichan and I played mahjong almost every day. My best memories in Japan are being with my family and friends because we aren’t able to communicate very effectively, but I always feel supported and loved.
I am proud to have grown up in the foothills of Denver. My favorite part about my hometown is that you can see the perpetually stunning mountains to the west and the beautiful buzzing city to the east. Unfortunately, during the summer of 2021, my favorite views were not visible from my hometown due to smoke and a new layer of smog. This has ignited my passion for environmental awareness, so my career goal is connecting cultures through sustainable business operations. I am so excited to start this pursuit at JASC.
I am incredibly grateful for this community. It has given me a space to feel like both sides of my identity can exist simultaneously. I hope my work will provide this organization with continued growth and success!
Hiromi Mochizuki
Office Administrator
Hello, I’m Hirmoi. I am a happily retired person from Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, a long-time corporate member of JASC. I joined JASC as an office administrator in May. It has been a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of all JASC activities through this position.
I was born and raised in Tokyo and moved to Southern California in the early 1980s. I worked at Nihon Keizai Shinbun (Japan Economic Journal), Los Angeles Bureau, for a few years. Then I worked at Nittetsu Shoji (old Nippon Steel’s subsidiary) America Office for several years before moving to Colorado in 1991. I joined Sumitomo Corporation of Americas’ Denver office in 1993. Its General Manager, Isao “Kami” Kamitani, was President of JASC and very active in all JASC events. Watching his dedication to the local community, I decided to volunteer for JASC’s various events, including Japan Cup Competitions, Charity Golf Tournaments, and Annual Galas. Throughout all my volunteer work, I made lots of great friends. It was my honor to receive a community award in 2024.
I enjoy cooking, especially for young people who come to Colorado as expats from Japan. Many of them miss Japanese food.
I studied the etymology of English at university. So I still have a passion for finding out the origins of English words. One day, right after I moved to Los Angeles from Tokyo, I told my friend that I studied the English etymology, and he commented, “Oh, so you studied bugs!” That was the moment that I learned a new English word, entomology.
I feel happy to work with a wonderful Executive Director, Claudine, and a very kind and warm-hearted Olivia in the JASC office. I hope I can contribute my expertise, passion, and energy to JASC and the local communities.
With my husband, I live in an empty nest in Parker, surrounded by deer, turkeys, rabbits, foxes, raccoons, and lots of birds.
Junko Goodwin
Japan in the Schools & Japanese Language Manager
I am the owner of Global Kids Education, where I develop Global Citizenship Education programs for local schools, organizations, and international students. Additionally, I am the manager of Japan in the Schools & Japanese Language program for Japan America Society of Colorado.
I serve as a Chair of the Board of Directors for Broomfield Sister Cities Organization. I have held leadership roles in Broomfield and Ueda student exchange programs and developing the community enrichment program since 2016.
My husband and I lived and worked in both Japan and America, raising three children and hosting many exchange students.
I enjoy gardening, hiking, flower arrangements, yoga, and time with my family.
Yuka hicks
Japan in the Schools Outreach Coordinator
Hi, I’m Yuka. I was born and raised in Nagasaki, Japan. After graduating college, I went to school to become a Japanese language teacher. Now, I enjoy teaching Japanese in my spare time. I enjoy active hobbies such as outdoor activities, playing sports, and dancing Flamenco. I was in a running club and learned calligraphy for six years. I was also playing piano and competitive badminton for ten years in Japan.
Due to my husband's job, we have moved back and forth between America and Japan. We have now settled in the beautiful state of Colorado. Since moving to Colorado, I have volunteered for JASC as much as possible and am grateful to be involved. I'm also a member of Nichi Bei Go, which is the JASC Dragon boat team. I have been having a great time with my awesome teammates.
I have just started doing cultural presentations for JASC in schools and community centers, which I am very excited about.
I love traveling. I used to travel to different countries by myself. I have always loved getting to know their culture and sharing my culture with other people.
Living away from Japan is a continuous reminder of Japan's beauty, and I'm excited to share all about it.
My goal is for people to learn about Japan, even if it's a little. I will be so happy if this triggers anyone's interest in Japan