Vice President, Development and Strategic Initiatives
Go For Broke National Education Center (GFBNEC) today announced that Janis M. Tanji Wong has been named Vice President of Development and Strategic Initiatives for the national nonprofit organization. She brings to GFBNEC more than 25 years’ experience in leadership and management in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, as well as in strategic planning, development, marketing and communications.
In her new role, Tanji Wong will oversee a comprehensive development plan for GFBNEC as it expands its educational and community programs and raises its national profile. She has worked extensively as a consultant helping nonprofit organizations plan their strategic growth, increase revenues and extend outreach to new constituents. Previously, she served as director of project development for Inspire Charter Schools; director of marketing and development for the Japanese American National Museum; director of membership and marketing for Town Hall Los Angeles; and associate director of marketing for the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.
A native of Los Angeles, Tanji Wong holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a concentration in developmental disabilities from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is active in supporting educational, civic and community organizations, including the Hillsides Board of Directors; City Scholars® Foundation Executive Council; San Marino Pasadena Philharmonic Committee; MICA Parents Council; and Friends of SMHS VAPA, Inc. She lives in San Gabriel, Calif. with her husband, Victor, daughter Sara (UCLA, 2019) and son Ethan (Maryland Institute College of the Arts, 2021). In addition to her community activities, Tanji Wong enjoys travel, reading, sports and spending time with her family.
“I’m honored to be at GFBNEC and I am looking forward to working with the Board, staff and our veterans and their families to further strengthen GFBNEC’s impact and outreach. Personally, it is a privilege to play a role in continuing the important dialogue about the courage, humility, sacrifice and patriotism of our Japanese American veterans,” Tanji Wong said. “As a fourth-generation Japanese American, understanding the lessons and legacy of the Japanese American story has helped shape my identity within the larger, multi-cultural American landscape. It will be exciting to provide new educational opportunities to younger, more diverse audiences.”
Dr. Mitchell T. Maki, GFBNEC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, welcomed Tanji Wong and noted that her background in planning, fundraising and project management will be a welcome addition to the organization’s team. “Janis’ experience and community engagement will help position GFBNEC for its next phase of growth,” Maki said. “We look forward to connecting with new public and private partners and communities as we bring our story of democracy, valor and equality to younger generations.”
About Go For Broke National Education Center
Go For Broke National Education Center (GFBNEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that educates the public on the valor of Japanese American veterans of World War II and their contributions to democracy. Our goal is to inspire new generations to embody the Nisei veterans core values of courage, sacrifice, equality, humility and patriotism. Founded in 1989, GFBNEC maintains the Go For Broke Monument and the interactive Defining Courage exhibition in downtown Los Angeles, as well as extensive oral histories and archives, education and training programs, and other initiatives. For more information, please visit www.goforbroke.org.
Media Contact:
Pauline Yoshihashi
Strategic Communications
For GFBNEC
323-683-8191 Direct
pyoshihashi@earthlink.net