This article was written by Ms. Haruka Kokaze, a JMSA member and recipient of the 2024 Mitsui USA Foundation and JMSA Scholarship.
On January 30, 2026, JMSA welcomed members and guests to its annual Wine and Cheese gathering at Apple Ophthalmology to celebrate the New Year and to host an inspiring Women in STEMM panel discussion. The evening brought together clinicians, researchers, trainees, and community members for meaningful conversation, connection, and reflection, while also offering attendees a chance to learn more about JMSA and ways to get involved.
The highlight of the event was a dynamic panel featuring accomplished women leaders across science, medicine, and research. Panelists shared their professional journeys, challenges, and insights on navigating careers in STEMM while staying connected to community and purpose.
We were honored to hear from Naoko Tanese, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of the Shurl and Kay Curci Foundation, who spoke about leadership in biomedical research and the importance of funding structures that support scientific innovation for the public good. Mika Hayashi, D.P.M., podiatric physician at NYU Langone, shared her experience caring for global patients, supporting women and girls through philanthropy, and balancing medicine with motherhood. Erika Mitsui, M.D., an anesthesiology resident at NewYork Presbyterian Columbia and Chair of the JMSA Resident Committee, reflected on her interdisciplinary background spanning music, humanities, and medicine, and the value of mentorship throughout training.
The panel was moderated by Dr. Mariko Kanai, a postdoctoral scientist at The Rockefeller University and the inaugural Chair of the JMSA Women in STEMM Committee.
Following the panel, attendees enjoyed wine, cheese, and informal networking, creating space for cross generational connections and conversations that extended beyond the formal discussion. JMSA warmly invites members and friends to join the Women in STEMM Committee and help build a supportive network for women across medicine, science, and research.
Thank you to our panelists and organizers, and a special thank you to Kichiemon Asoma, M.D., founder and ophthalmologist at Apple Ophthalmology, for generously hosting. We are grateful to everyone who attended and helped make this evening such a meaningful start to the year, and we look forward to seeing you at future gatherings.
