FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Kaylynn Yankovich
National Cherry Blossom Festival
910.409.8882
National Cherry Blossom Festival Selects 2023 Goodwill Ambassadors
Washington, D.C. [March 1, 2023] — The National Cherry Blossom Festival today announced that five candidates were selected for its 2023 Goodwill Ambassador Program. A highly regarded Festival program for more than 20 years, the Goodwill Ambassador Program selects young people to promote cross-cultural friendships throughout the Festival and beyond. Most of those recruited currently study or have studied Japanese language and culture.
Exhibiting a true passion for international relations and community involvement, Goodwill Ambassadors serve as cultural liaisons and official Festival representatives as they help welcome, educate, and engage Festival visitors of all ages.
The 2023 Goodwill Ambassadors are:
Isabel Asker, Georgetown University (2025) — Isabel is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese and is joining the Festival to share Japanese customs and culture with a larger audience.
Sasha Jovanovski, Georgetown University Master’s Program (2024) — Sasha is pursuing a Master of Science in linguistics and is passionate about cultural exchange.
Nodoka Katsura, American University (2025) — Nodoka is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in global international relations and has career goals to help small Japanese companies expand to America.
Chitrali Parashar, Georgetown University Master’s Program (2024) — Chitrali is pursuing a master’s degree in Asian studies and has career goals to work in Japan for intercultural consultancies.
Lana Mae Vanta, George Mason University (2022) — Lana Mae is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in global affairs and is passionate about learning about other cultures and building relationships with community leaders.
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About the National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the world’s great celebrations of spring. The 2023 Festival, March 20-April 16, will include four weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Leadership Circle Sponsors for the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival are Events DC and Amazon. Add the 2023 Festival and signature events to your calendar, and visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org or call 877.44.BLOOM (877.442.5666) for more information. Get the latest updates via email, and be sure to follow the Festival on Facebook (@CherryBlossomFestival), Instagram (@CherryBlossFest), Twitter (@CherryBlossFest) and YouTube (@CherryBlossFest).
