Building bridges through sports: U.S. Embassy ‘Go for Gold’ leadership program visits Dodger Stadium
by Erin Edwards
A group of young delegates from Japan were welcomed to Dodger Stadium on Thursday by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) as part of the TOMODACHI U.S. Embassy ‘Go for Gold’ leadership program.
This inspiring initiative, developed in collaboration with the LA84 Foundation, the U.S. Japan Council, and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the sports industry in the United States while fostering international collaboration and leadership development.
The program provides students with firsthand exposure to key areas of sports management, including facility operations, community engagement, and the business of sports. This year’s delegation placed a special emphasis on women in sports, a timely and critical conversation in both the U.S. and Japan. By learning from sports industry professionals in Los Angeles, these young leaders will return home equipped with new insights and strategies to elevate the sports industry in Japan.
A Day of Learning and Inspiration at Dodger Stadium
As part of their immersive experience, the TOMODACHI delegates had the unique opportunity to engage with members of the Los Angeles Dodgers Asian Professional Business Resource Group and hear from a distinguished panel of Dodger professionals. The career panel, moderated by LADF Chief Operating Officer Chaitali Gala Mehta, featured an esteemed group of panelists from the Los Angeles Dodgers, including:
- Jon SooHoo, Team Photographer
- John Choi, Senior Director, Business Analytics
- Tiffany Lam, Manager, Global Partnership Activations
- Alaska Yokota, Inside Sales Representative
Panelists shared their career journeys, insights into their daily responsibilities and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. They also provided valuable advice to the delegates, many of whom aspire to have careers in the sports industry.
One of the key themes of the discussion was the power of relationships and mentorship. Jon SooHoo spoke about his career path, emphasizing how working alongside renowned photographer Andrew Bernstein helped shape his career.
Tiffany Lam shared her experiences transitioning across different sports organizations, from basketball to soccer to Major League Baseball, and how adaptability has been crucial to her success.
John Choi offered a data-driven perspective on fan engagement, highlighting the increasing role of analytics in shaping sports business strategies, while Alaska Yokota reflected on how her background as a multi-sport athlete prepared her for a career in sales and service.
“Making connections with people and making strong relationships is very important,” Takuto U., a delegate, said of what they learned from the panel. “I want to follow my passion and make use of what I learned today.”
Beyond the Panel: A Look Inside Dodger Stadium
Following the discussion, delegates participated in a stadium tour conducted in Japanese, providing them with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of baseball’s most iconic venues.
The tour allowed students to see the inner workings of a world-class sports organization, from the historic field to the press box and clubhouses. It was a chance to witness firsthand how different departments collaborate to create the unparalleled fan experience that makes Dodger Stadium one of the most beloved ballparks in sports.
The visit to Dodger Stadium left a lasting impression on the delegates beyond career insights. From stepping onto the iconic grounds to engaging with industry professionals, the experience was nothing short of inspiring.
“So special, I can’t put my emotion into words. Just amazing, I am so happy to be here,” Yutaro K. said on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Fostering Future Leaders in Sports
LADF remains committed to fostering educational and career opportunities for young people.
The College & Career Accelerator (CCA) is an initiative designed to expose high school and college students to college and career opportunities. The goal is to use our brand to make college & career pathways exciting. LADF continues to champion pathways for the next generation of sports industry professionals.
As the world looks ahead to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, initiatives like this further strengthen the connection between the U.S. and Japan, emphasizing the role of sports in driving social impact and uniting communities across the globe. For the TOMODACHI delegates, their visit to Dodger Stadium was more than just a learning experience — it was a glimpse into the limitless possibilities that sports can provide.
To learn more about the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, visit Dodgers.com/LADF. To receive email communications, subscribe here.
Building bridges through sports: U.S. was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.