World Wise Voices: Masami Morigami on Leading with Empathy and Advancing Disability Inclusion

You have spent decades advancing disability inclusion across Japan, the United States, Brazil, and international organizations. What first inspired you to dedicate your career to this work?

Having lived and worked with Mr. Justin and Yoshiko Dart in Washington, DC who have dedicated their lives not only for the Disability Rights Movement but truly to try and create a society for Individualized EMPOWERMENT made me realize that I would also like to take part in such a meaningful cause.  

Looking back on your experiences with organizations such as the World Bank, DPI-Japan, JIL, and NPO MUCHU, what leadership lessons have stayed with you the most?

No matter where I was, one characteristic of leaders always captivated me - that is EMPATHY. The great leaders of the Disability Rights Movement always showed me how they never forget those who are suffering and marginalized the most - and to ensure their advocacy never stops till the last person is empowered. They are truly incredible leaders I wanted to work with wholeheartedly.  

What motivated you to join the inaugural World Wise cohort?

It is time that we should work more collaboratively beyond issues and differences. As my organization tries to outgrow from the typical image of social welfare, and instead focus on making meaningful connections with various sectors and communities,  I wanted to learn more about effective leadership amid diversity, and to enhance our efforts for an inclusive society.

In your experience, why is cross-cultural leadership essential for advancing disability rights and inclusion around the world?

Historically, differences have created fear and prejudice in any religion and culture.  Diversity is much more complex than we claim to know. The Disability Rights Movement advocates to celebrate each individual’s uniqueness and differences. Now, more than ever, society needs to realize that diversity is not a threat ,but enriches our character and quality of life. I believe the Disability Rights Movement can lead society effectively as we learn more about cross-cultural languages and values to bring different sectors and bring communities together.

As a Nippon Foundation Scholar, how do you hope the World Wise experience will strengthen your ability to create positive change for people with disabilities?

I hope to learn from the course as well as from my fellow cohorts about different world views, leadership and cross-cultural diversity. I would like to be able to develop strategies to work more effectively assisting my organization and the Disability Rights Movement to lead in creating a truly inclusive society. 

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Ready to strengthen your ability to lead across cultures and differences? Learn more about Minerva University’s World Wise Executive Leadership Program.