Our Executive Committee

Ryan Tomita is a college student at San Diego State University studying biochemistry and Japanese. He has done multiple exchanges with sister cities in California and worked closely with other sister cities. His main goal is to establish a stronger economic and cultural tie between San Carlos and its sister cities. 

Jarett Nishikawa is a teacher and mathematican who enjoys working closely with the community.  Jarett is active in the San Carlos Sister City Association and the San Mateo Jr. Young Buddhist Assocaition. Through educational programs he aims to create lasting and meaningful relatipnships between sister cities. 

Ami Dong is a high school sophomore at Carlmont High School. Outside of school, she enjoys dancing for the school dance team and helping out around the community. She is passionate about Japanese culture and participated in the San Carlos Sister City Association's 2024 summer exchange program in Omura.  

Born and raised by the banks of the Mississippi in the land of Mark Twain, John completed his BA in Economics, took an MBA then studied International Economics as a Rotary Foundation Fellow in Australia. Most of his working life was as a business owner providing import/export marketing services. For many years he was involved in education and civic affairs, having held both elected and appointed positions in both areas. A military history buff, John is also interested in international politics and travel, having visited 95 countries thus far—his involvement with San Carlos Sister City Association. It goes back well over a decade, and he continues to be active. 

Momoka Dhanuwidjaja is a sophomore at San Diego State University studying International Business with an emphasis in Singapore and a minor in Chinese. She’s particularly interested in intercultural communication and enjoys learning how language, culture, and business connect in today’s world. She is eager to explore opportunities that bring people together across cultures and build meaningful connections.

Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil,, Elaine grew up appreciating Japanese traditions, cuisine and values. Her interest in global cultures deepened through student exchange programs in London and Madrid, experiences that broadened her worldview and later inspired her move to the United States to study project management at UC Berkeley. Professionally, she has built a career in program management, customer operations, compliance, and global operations at Google, and Meta. Her work supporting cross-functional teams across multiple countries aligns closely with the mission of the San Carlos Sister City Association. In addition to serving on the SCSCA Board, Elaine is a Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the City of San Carlos. She is honored to help support programs that foster global connection and deepen cross-cultural understanding.