55th JASDFW Annual Meeting and Member’s Social
Thursday, June 19 | 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us and celebrate the JASDFW community at our 55th Annual Meeting and Social on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
This event will feature a special keynote presentation by Stefan Boehmer, along with a panel discussion, on “The New Cost Equation: How AI and Tariffs Are Redefining Global Production and Supply Chain Strategy.” Come listen to insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of global production and supply chain management under the influence of new technologies and regulatory changes.
We are excited to honor the dedicated members, sponsors, supporters, and friends who embody the spirit of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. This event will be held at Harwood International’s beautiful new No. 14 Building and is a wonderful opportunity for us to connect, exchange ideas, and build new relationships that further our mission of promoting Japanese culture and friendship in the DFW area.
| Date: | Thursday, June 19, 2025 | |
| Location: | 2801 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201-2692 | |
| Agenda: | 6:00-7:00 pm Registration, Networking, Social 7:00-7:30 pm JASDFW business meeting, election of board members 7:30-8:00 pm Keynote speaker and panel discussion 8:00-8:30 pm Continue networking and socializing |
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| Ticket Prices: | Includes hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and soft drinks
$35 – Members This event is open to the public and requires registration. |
Keynote Speaker
Stefan Boehmer
VP Finance, Körber Supply Chain North America
Stefan Boehmer is a global Finance Executive with 25+ years of leadership across Finance, IT, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Project Management. He has led major transformations at Siemens and Körber, with a focus on efficiency, integration, and innovation. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he brings a strategic, data-driven approach to business.
Stefan is also active in the AI space as Co-Founder of the CAIO Circle, a think tank for responsible and ethical AI. He mentors startups, speaks regularly at conferences, and serves on the Transatlantic Trade Task Force of the European American Chamber of Commerce.
Panelists
Ben Gold
Executive Director at AI CONNEX, AI strategist and consultant
Ben Gold is an AI strategist and consultant with over 20 years of experience in the technology sales sector. He helps organizations navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption and implementation, bridging the gap between technical concepts and business objectives. Ben’s expertise enables companies to harness the transformative power of AI for enhanced efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. His areas of specialization include AI strategy development, change management, talent acquisition and upskilling, ethical AI deployment, and AI-driven workflow optimization. Having worked with a diverse range of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, Ben has gained deep insights into the challenges and opportunities that AI presents across industries.
Yuko Kitamura
Director of Supply Chain, Hitachi High-Tech America
Yuko Kitamura is a seasoned supply chain and procurement leader, currently serving as Director of Supply Chain Operations at Hitachi High-Tech America for 24 years. She holds two key professional credentials: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) and Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.). In her leadership role, Yuko oversees end-to-end supply chain strategies—covering procurement, logistics, inventory, and supply management—for a global semiconductor technology manufacturer. Besides her corporate role, she also serves in the education field as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) teaching the Capstone course for business major students. In addition, Yuko co-founded a non-profit organization called JCW (Japanese Career Women) in 2018 to support Japanese professional women in Dallas, Japan and the world.
Marina Mekheil
Senior Associate Attorney, Schulz Trade Law PLLC, specializing in U.S. Customs laws
Marina Mekheil is a Senior Associate at Schulz Trade Law PLLC, where she advises clients on customs, sanctions, export controls, and trade compliance. Formerly an attorney with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Headquarters, she has extensive experience in import regulations, Prior Disclosures, penalty mitigation, and complex customs rulings. Marina holds a J.D. from American University and a B.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas. Her background includes internships at the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce, enhancing her ability to provide comprehensive legal support for international trade.