Jessy LeClair - Executive Director & Hayley Valk - Managing Director of Programs and Operations - Japan Society of Boston (JSB)

Jessy LeClair and Hayley Valk embarked on new roles at JSB this summer as Executive Director and Managing Director of Programs & Operations, respectively. They both have strong connections to Boston and Japan, and bring experience with community building, program management, business development, and operations. Get to know them below, and find their full profiles on our Staff page.

Jessy LeClair (left) and Hayley Valk at JSB's Networking Event at The Foundry in March 2025

Jessy, you previously supported JSB as Communications Manager and are returning seven years later as Executive Director. What experiences have you gained that you bring into this new role?

Jessy LeClair (JL): During my time away from JSB, I worked at CIC leading their Japan Desk team, which is focused on building bridges between the innovation communities of the US and Japan. The CIC Japan Desk mission is closely aligned with the Japan Society of Boston and that job allowed me to continue to hone my skills at bringing communities together and making introductions to spark lasting personal connections. I also worked closely with stakeholders in Japan, including Japanese universities, companies, central government agencies, and local government groups. I learned how to run projects effectively across international borders, and I am excited to bring that experience to JSB to broaden the reach of our activities and community.

Hayley, meanwhile you are new to JSB. What has been your impression so far?

Hayley Valk (HV): I’ve started processing memberships, and though I haven’t had the chance to meet many members yet in person, I’m enjoying getting to know them through the notes included in their membership applications. Among our members, I’ve come across a high schooler who just started learning Japanese and dreams of studying abroad, a family who has been traveling to Japan for over 50 years, an MBA candidate who recently relocated to the Boston area from Tokyo… It’s exciting to see the diversity of experiences within this community that’s united by our shared passion for the Japan-Boston connection.

What are you each most excited to be involved with at JSB moving forward?

JL: I am looking forward to building programs and activities to serve our community. I am excited to find ways to use the experience from my previous job, which introduced me to many Japanese startups working on cutting edge technologies. In addition, personally, I love Japanese food. I am a licensed Japanese vegetable sommelier, and in my own kitchen, I enjoy cooking with many Japanese fruits and vegetables. I am looking forward to connecting with other people and learning about their expertise related to Japan.

HV: I’ve spent the past several years working in innovation between Japan and Boston, so I’m interested to continue bridging that space. I’m also very excited for cultural programming. In college I studied Japanese arts and had a formative experience interning for the Performing Arts program at Japan Society in New York, so I’m thrilled for my career to take me back to related programming work at JSB.

You’ve each lived in Japan for several years. What are some of your favorite places to visit?

JL: For school and also work, I traveled around Japan, including business trips to Tokyo, language school in Yokohama, a study abroad trip to Kanazawa, and more. However, Kyoto will always be a special place to me, as it was the first place that I lived in Japan. I love exploring the back streets of Kyoto to find hidden cafés. I also appreciate Kyoto’s longstanding textile industry. A few years ago, I discovered a tucked away shop in Kyoto selling sewing needles and pins, which apparently used to supply needles for making the royal family’s kimono. I never say no to a trip to Japan, and Kyoto will always be at the top of my list of places to visit.

HV: Kyoto was also my first home in Japan during a year of study abroad, so it has a special place in my heart. Another of my favorite cities in the Kansai area is Kobe, which I visited often when I lived in Hyogo Prefecture. Boston tends to be compared to its sister city, Kyoto, but I also found Kobe to be reminiscent of Boston because of the scale and location on a harbor. Kobe has interesting multicultural influences in the architecture and cuisine due to its history as a port city, and it’s in a beautiful spot nestled between mountains and the sea. It’s also a great place to sample sake!