Executive Board

Mr. Shin Koyamada
Co-Founder and Board Chairman
CEO, The Shinca Group

Originally from Japan, Shin is a prominent American actor known for his roles in The Last Samurai and Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior. In addition to his acting career, he is a producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Since 2005, he has served as the Chairman and CEO of The Shinca Group, where he oversees a diverse portfolio of companies across various industries. As a producer, Shin has developed and produced numerous international films, television shows, video games, comics, and anime through his media and entertainment ventures. He is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts through the Koyamada International Foundation (KIF), where he has served as Chairman since its founding in 2008 in the United States. In addition to KIF, Shin holds board positions with several international organizations, including StarAngel International (SAI) and the Japan-U.S. Sister City Association (JUSSCA). An accomplished athlete, he holds multiple black belts in various martial arts disciplines and is actively involved in numerous international sports organizations.

___________________________________________________

Ms. Nia Lyte
Co-Founder and Board President
CEO, Muy Latina Group

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Nia is the CEO of Muy Latina Group, a vibrant organization dedicated to amplifying Latina voices. With over 20 years as an advocate for women’s empowerment and leadership, she has inspired thousands of women leaders worldwide, speaking at numerous global events hosted by international NGOs. Nia is also a TED Talk speaker, producer, and the author of The Power of Your Inner Beauty, available in English and Japanese and distributed through major retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon. In addition to her book, she has produced a range of creative works, including comic books such as The Dreamhoppers and digital stickers under her brand. As the Co-Founder and President of the Koyamada International Foundation (KIF), an international NGO with chapters in 11 countries, Nia leads global initiatives and partnerships with affiliate organizations to promote empowerment and cultural exchange on a global scale.

___________________________________________________

Mr. Paul Candland
Board Director
Board of Directors, Dentsu Group and Yamaha Corporation

Paul is the Board Members of the Dentsu Group and Yamaha Corporation in Japan. Previously, he has served as the President of Asia at The Walt Disney Company since July 2014. Mr. Candland has been President of The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. since June 1, 2007. He served as the Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. since April, 2002. He has been with The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Limited for almost a decade, joined as General Manager of the Disney Store chain. He has worked in Japan for the last 15 years and is fluent in Japanese. He served as the Managing Director of Disney ABC International Television and Disney Channel Japan, where he was responsible for launching Disney Channel Japan in 2003. Prior to joining Walt Disney Company Japan, Mr. Candland was at Pepsi-Cola Company for over ten years from 1987 to 1998. In 1994, he was named President of Okinawa Pepsi-Cola and subsequently served as the Japan representative for Pepsi-Cola International.