The Team

Daniel Cox, Chair

With strong business and leadership skills, Dan is helping to nurture Mirai no Mori as we become a more sustainable organization, so that we may continue to empower as many youths as possible.

• From: Seattle, Washington, USA
• Board director since: March 2015
• Background: A serial entrepreneur based in Japan, Daniel is founder and CEO of Better World KK, a venture incubator and renewable energy developer, and KK Sherpa, a resort operations and turnaround advisory firm.

The most rewarding aspect of being a part of Mirai no Mori is knowing that we are creating life-changing experiences for these regular youths who find themselves in difficult circumstances, and helping youths understand that their circumstances are only temporary, and that English and self-reliance can have an impact on their future as adults.

Jeff Jensen, Vice-Chair & Co-Founder

With a unique ability to connect with children through outdoor experiences, Jeff has shaped Mirai no Mori programs from the start through his distinct character and expertise.

• From: Banff, Alberta, Canada
• Board director since: March 2013
• Background: Growing up in the Canadian Rockies, Jeff honed his skills—from a very young age—in all major mountain disciplines, such as winter mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, and whitewater river sports. He is co-founder and COO at Nomadics Inc., an outdoor gear distributor/retailer and event management company.

Being in a position to influence and support marginalized youths is what it is all about for me. That said, Mirai no Mori has become so much more: I am proud to say, we are a team of amazing people and organizations; from the continual participation of institutions and care-workers that support our programs to the irreplaceable staff, volunteers, corporations, and organizations without which we would not exist. It is humbling to be a part of it all.

Hilda Chan, Board Member

Hilda helps Mirai no Mori in annual and program planning through her experience in different career roles, expanding awareness for this project through her business network and provides strategic directions with her passion to give back to communities.

• From: Vancouver, Canada
• Board director since: December 2022
• Background: Hilda took on a new role with KEEN Japan, a global footwear brand based in Portland, Oregon, as APAC Regional Managing Director where she overlooks Asia markets. KEEN is known for its programs that give back to communities by promoting responsible outdoor participation.

Kozue Oka, Executive Director

As Executive Director, Kozue is committed to the sustainable, intentional growth of Mirai no Mori, ensuring we create a true “home away from home” for the children we support.

• From: Yokohama, Japan
• Executive director since: April 2015
• Background: Born and raised in Japan, Kozue has always believed in the power of nature. After studying Outdoor Education in Sweden for a year, she joined Mirai no Mori as an intern in 2013 to understand the challenges of children in care, ultimately combining her love for the outdoors with her dedication to helping these children make their dreams come true.

“My favorite memory with Mirai no Mori is hearing one of our graduates say that her life became 100 times more fun and fulfilling after joining us. Knowing that she now wants to give back in her own way truly warmed my heart.”

Lori Henderson MBE, Auditor

In addition to her skills as an auditor, Lori’s experience as executive director at the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) has benefited Mirai no Mori tremendously, bringing the team together to accomplish our mission.

Kanako Osawa, Auditor

Kanako is admitted to the Daiichi Tokyo Bar Association and the New York State Bar in the United States, and has been practicing law for over 20 years. She helps Mirai-no-Mori to continue to grow and to operate in a healthy and sustainable way.

Gabriela Nakano, People & Culture and Communications Manager

Passionate about giving back from a young age, Gabriela first joined Mirai no Mori as an intern, and is currently in charge of People & Culture and Communications departments. With a deep belief in the power of role models, her aim is to unlock the untouched potential of every camper through fun and community, creating lasting impacts in their lives.

Ana Warigoda, Program Manager

Born in Brazil and a long-term resident of Japan, from Okinawa to Tokyo, Ana has a dynamic background in education and multicultural program management. She first joined Mirai no Mori as volunteer staff, and saw her own core values being put into practice in our programs. As Program Manager, Ana aims to keep program logistics running smoothly, ensuring we can amplify our reach and support for the youth we serve.

Kannon Tozzi, Administrative Manager

Prior to Mirai no Mori, Kannon spent years traveling the world with a performing arts group, empowering thousands of children across diverse cultures. These experiences deepened her belief in the impact of everyday human connection. In 2026, Kannon joined the team to carry that spirit forward: fostering community, spreading positivity, and ensuring seamless operations behind the scenes so the Mirai no Mori mission can shine.

Toshi Yuta, Operations Manager

From his personal experience of spending time in various parts of the world, Toshi truly believes that diverse experiences bring a positive outlook and enrich life. He joins Mirai no Mori team with this belief to create unique and diverse experiences for the children.

Taeko Ino, Project Manager

Taeko, who was a member of an outdoor activity club during university, joined a care home as a care worker, where she encountered Mirai no Mori. She saw campers, LITs and graduates grow while making the most of the Mirai no Mori community. In order to continue to explore the possibilities for children’s growth, she joined the Mirai no Mori team in 2025, aiming to deepen our partnerships with care homes while using her experience and wisdom from over 20 years in the field working as a care worker.

Robert Williams BEM, Adviser

Originally from the United Kingdom, Rob is a financial services professional whose career spans the UK, South Africa, and Japan. In 2012, Rob founded the Knights in White Lycra (KIWL), an amateur cycling team that raises funds through sporting events for disadvantaged children in institutional care. As an adviser since 2018, Rob finds it incredibly rewarding to watch Mirai no Mori grow year by year and to see KIWL’s fundraising efforts come to fruition at camps, directly bringing smiles and better opportunities to the youth.

Sarajean Rossitto, Adviser

Originally from New York, Sarajean has dedicated her life to working with nonprofits and NGOs, specializing in training and capacity building, corporate social responsibility, and funding coordination in Japan. Driven by Mirai no Mori’s potential to support marginalized groups, she serves as an adviser committed to helping the organization evolve into a sustainable, full-fledged nonprofit.