WASHINGTON, DC (February 16, 2010) — With an economy in slow recovery and jobs and the American workforce dominating the national discussion, the link between business and society is more relevant than ever as The Hitachi Foundation announces the appointment of its 2010 Mita Business in Society Fellow.
The Mita Fellowship is awarded annually to a young business leader identified through a rigorous nationwide search conducted in partnership with Net Impact. This year's Mita Fellow, Swedish-American Emma Leggat, was selected for her professional experience within the private, public and nonprofit sectors and demonstrated commitment to using the tools of business to better society.
"This year's fellowship was extremely competitive, an indication that future business leaders are increasingly committed to advancing the role of business in society—our core mission," said Barbara Dyer, President and CEO of The Hitachi Foundation. "The Mita Fellowship is our way of recognizing that commitment, while ensuring The Hitachi Foundation continually draws young talent and fresh approaches to help achieve that mission."
2010 Mita Fellow Emma Leggat
Joining the Hitachi Foundation staff for 11 months, Leggat will be closely involved with all of its programs, including the recently launched Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs Program, created to uncover and shine a spotlight on the most innovative social entrepreneurs in America.
"The economic turmoil of the last year demonstrated how the actions of just a few businesses can reverberate across all tiers of society," Leggat said. "I am excited to be working with The Hitachi Foundation to uncover, support and advance strategies to ensure that impact is a positive one."
Through her MBA studies, Leggat focused on entrepreneurship and business strategies to better serve the poor. Most recently, she worked with the San Diego Public Library Foundation to forge private-public sector partnerships for mutual gain and lasting community benefit. Previously, as a corporate communications consultant in New York City, Leggat led community relations and corporate social responsibility strategies for various global clients. In addition to her professional experience, Leggat has committed to making a positive impact in her community through volunteerism, working with such organizations as nonprofit micro-lender ACCION San Diego and San Diego Hospice.
The Mita Business in Society Fellowship was made possible by a generous gift from the family of the late Hitachi, Ltd. Chairman and founding Honorary Chair of The Hitachi Foundation, Katsushige Mita. The mission of the fellowship—grounded as it is in the advancement of business and societal partnership—carries on the philosophy of leadership advanced by Mr. Mita. Taking command of Hitachi, Ltd. at a time when relations between the United States and Japan were strained, Mr. Mita helped shape a new definition for global corporate citizenship.
