San Diego–Yokohama Leadership Academy (SYLA)
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Where Leadership Creates Global Impact
As the San Diego–Yokohama Sister City Society prepares to celebrate 70 years of partnership through the Yokohama Festival San Diego, we are proud to announce the launch of the: San Diego–Yokohama Leadership Academy (SYLA)! SYLA is the first leadership ecosystem grounded in sister city principles (people-to-people diplomacy) and Yoga for Leadership framework designed to empower leaders, bridge cultures, foster collaboration, and promote peace by creating customized leadership retreats, workshops and events to:
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Strengthen collaboration between San Diego/U.S. and Yokohama/Japan by developing leadership pipelines and connecting current and emerging leaders
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Foster stronger partnerships between academia, industry, and community organizations
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Create opportunities for talent exchange, mentorship, career exploration, and global learning
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Advance entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, innovation, and social impact initiatives
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Upcoming Program
SYLA Leadership Retreat 2026
Date: November 15, 2026, 1-5:30pm PST
Location: Alliant University, San Diego Campus
SYLA is proud to collaborate with Alliant University as the host institution of its inaugural leadership retreat. This leadership retreat will bring together leaders and executives from Japan, the U.S., and beyond in a structured, customized, and high-impact program grounded in sister city principles and Yoga For Leadership framework. The retreat is part of the broader Yokohama Festival San Diego, a multi-day program including:Reception dinner, Trade show, Half-day leadership retreat.
Leadership Retreat Includes:
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Leadership talks & panels
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Collaborative team-building activities
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Nature-based reflection and and mind-body practices
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Structured networking circles to foster cross-cultural understanding and strategic collaboration
This is a highly curated leadership retreat with limited seats. Join the interest list for priority access when registration opens.