Cherry Blossom Alumnae (CBA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization comprised of former court members of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Program, whose mission is to give back to the Japanese American community through volunteerism, education, cultural appreciation, leadership and financial support.
In addition to volunteering and supporting local Japanese American communities, CBA organizes cultural activities such as expert sushi making. CBA also hosts an annual conference for the broader Asian American community with inspiring speakers, including journalist Jan Yanehiro, actress Tamlyn Tomita, and director/writer/actor Lane Nishikawa. CBA emphasizes leadership and training skills and has hosted events such as an engaging career discussion at Twitter headquarters and Karen Kang explaining why Asian Americans need a personal brand with her book, Branding Pays.
With only three Japantowns left in the United States (San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles), it is even more important today to retain our Japanese American culture and traditions, and pass it along to future generations.