WLC Conference: 2024 "Dear Young Me"

Dear Young Me

This year’s theme is "Dear Young Me", which we promise will be deeply reflective and thought provoking.  We will delve into and explore personal growth, life lessons, and the wisdom we wish we could share with our younger selves. Through inspiring speakers and engaging fireside chats, we will dive into the transformative experiences that shape who we are today.   This conference offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the path that has brought you here and gain valuable insights to guide your future journey. It also provides an intimate setting to connect with incredible individuals, fostering meaningful conversations and connections.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

   4:15pm ~ Registration

4:30pm ~ Conference

6:30pm ~ Networking Reception

Conference venue: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman  

725 South Figueroa Street - 36th floor

Los Angeles, CA 90017

Admission:

$25 member

$50 Non-members

Speakers / Panelist and Moderator

Sabina Helton, LA Superior Court Judge

Sabina Helton is a judge with the Los Angeles Superior Court.  She was appointed to this position by Governor Brown in 2018.  She currently serves in a Juvenile Justice assignment, serving youth and families from Los Angeles County.  She also runs STAR Court, a specialized court for youth who are identified as being commercially sexually trafficked while being system involved. 

Prior to becoming a judge, Sabina was an attorney with various law firms, including Pillsbury Winthrop, Kelley Drye & Warren, and McGuireWoods.  She also served as in house counsel at Mitsubishi Motors.  She ended her career in private practice as an equity partner at Buchalter LLP.   Her practice revolved primarily around representing Japanese companies in matters ranging from litigation, employment, business contracts and other matters. 

Sabina was involved with the Japanese American Bar Association for many years as a member of the Board of Governors, as Vice President and as the President in 2016. 

Sabina was born and raised in Japan until the age of 16.  She and her husband have two sons.  One is an officer in the Air Force, and the other is an officer in the Navy.  She and her husband enjoy running, traveling, wine tasting and hanging out with their three rescue dogs. 

Julie Norquist Roy -- CMO and Board Advisor in B2B SaaS

Julie Norquist Roy lives in Los Angeles with her French husband and two teenage boys. She has 20 years of operational leadership serving as Chief Marketing Officer for PE- and VC-backed B2B software-as-a-service firms, from early stage to exit (IPO, acquisition, and merger). She is passionate about building go-to-market strategies and developing high-performing teams from the ground up. Most recently, Julie earned a specialization in Sustainable Business and Management from UCLA Extension (June 2024) and is a Climatebase Fellow in Cohort 6 (Fall 2024). In 2024, she launched her consulting firm, Marketing4Impact, to help purpose-driven brands strengthen their go-to-market strategies and amplify their impact.

Chris Patay - Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Chris Patay leads Pillsbury’s Corporate Group in Los Angeles, where he advises companies on mergers and acquisitions, financings, joint ventures, strategic alliances and other significant corporate matters.  Chris advises companies with respect to mergers and acquisitions, investments and joint ventures. He regularly handles cross-border transactions, including representing many Japanese and UK companies in their U.S. acquisitions and investments. Chris also represents both issuers and investors in venture capital transactions involving debt and equity securities.   Chris’ award-winning practice recently earned him ranking in Chambers USA (2020 – 2024) for Corporate/M&A in Southern California. He is also recognized by The Legal 500 U.S., M&A: Middle-Market (2019).  Chris is Vice Chair and Counsel of Japan America Society of Southern California and President and member of the Board of Trustees of Harbor Regional Center.

Chiho Kelly, Managing Director, Assurance Services, Ernest & Young (Moderator)

Chiho Kelly is a managing director in Ernst & Young’s Assurance services and has been with EY for over 21 years. Chiho belongs to the firm’s Japan Business Services, focusing on serving Japanese companies’ subsidiaries in Southern California. Chiho received her bachelor’s in accounting from California State University, Long Beach. She is a US CPA and a member of the America Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Chiho was born and raised in Japan until the age of 18. She and her husband have one daughter, age 10.

She is a member of Board of directors and a treasurer of Japan America Society of Southern California, and currently leads the JASSC’s Women’s Leadership Counts Initiative.

About Women's Leadership Counts

In 2014, the Japan America Society of Southern California's Women's Leadership Counts (WLC) initiative was created as a first-of-its-kind initiative to provide a platform for women in business on both sides of the Pacific to engage in professional and leadership development. 

Together with our partner organizations, business executives and community leaders, the WLC will create a network that inspires action and moves the needle on women's leadership.

WLC's Mission Statement

To provide an inclusive and diverse platform for women in business to engage in professional and global leadership development.

Who Should Attend

Current and future corporate, business, academic, non-profit and entrepreneurial women and men leaders who value the U.S-Japan collaboration and wish to expand their networks.

Why You Should Attend

Sponsorship Opportunities & Benefits

For attractive sponsorship opportunities, please contact Gifforford Saneto at saneto@jas-socal.org