Mariko Osada

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di12aWV3LW91dHB1dFtkYXRhLXRvb2xzZXQtdmlld3Mtdmlldy1lZGl0b3I9Ijc3ZDVmNmI5MGMzNGIzMWJjMmUwN2I5OWUyM2QwMGE2Il0gID4gLnRiLWdyaWQtY29sdW1uOm50aC1vZi10eXBlKDFuKzEpIHsgZ3JpZC1jb2x1bW46IDEgfSAud3B2LXZpZXctb3V0cHV0W2RhdGEtdG9vbHNldC12aWV3cy12aWV3LWVkaXRvcj0iNzdkNWY2YjkwYzM0YjMxYmMyZTA3Yjk5ZTIzZDAwYTYiXSAuanMtd3B2LWxvb3Atd3JhcHBlciA+IC50Yi1ncmlkIHsgZ3JpZC10ZW1wbGF0ZS1jb2x1bW5zOiBtaW5tYXgoMCwgMWZyKTtncmlkLWF1dG8tZmxvdzogcm93IH0gIH0g

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Japan, Full-time MBA (Class of 2021)

COO

Stellar Science Foundation

Pre-MBA: Investor Relations Manager

Mitsubishi Corporation

Championing Diversity and Innovation at Stellar Science Foundation

This March, we celebrate International Women’s Day by spotlighting some of our most inspiring alumni from the NUS MBA program. With this series featuring five remarkable women, we celebrate their achievements and hope to inspire a dialogue on female empowerment. Each story showcases the resilience, determination, and innovation of women who have navigated the challenges and opportunities of business and beyond.

Alumni spotlight: Mariko Osada

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, our series celebrating inspiring women from the NUS MBA program continues. Today, we spotlight Mariko Osada(Class of 2021), now the COO of the Stellar Science Foundation (SS-F) in Japan. Transitioning from her role as an Investor Relations Manager at Mitsubishi Corporation to leading a non-profit focused on “people-centric science,” Mariko exemplifies the drive and innovation of NUS alumni. What’s more, Mariko’s ability to juggle the demands of motherhood while completing her MBA demonstrates her remarkable resilience and time-management skills. At SS-F, Mariko advocates initiatives that support women in science, demonstrating leadership that not only breaks barriers but also paves the way for future generations of women in STEM. We talk to Mariko about her views on diversity and innovation.

Introduction

As we recognise International Women’s Day, our focus turns to Mariko Osada, whose leadership and initiatives at the Stellar Science Foundation (SS-F) are extending the boundaries of science and technology. Her journey, marked by significant contributions and innovative strategies, is an inspiring example of what is possible when women take the lead.

Leading Change in the Science Sector

The Stellar Science Foundation, founded in 2021 in Tokyo, Japan, aims to identify emerging researchers and offer comprehensive support for their research endeavours. It also seeks to establish a framework that fosters groundbreaking innovations. Mariko, the Executive Co-founder of the Stellar Science Foundation (SS-F), is keen to emphasise its ‘people-centric’ approach.

“In our mission at SS-F, we underscore the importance of ‘people-centric science,’ advocating for diversity and inclusion in all areas of science and technology. Our organisation is not limited to healthcare; we extend our efforts across numerous scientific fields, prioritising human-related research,” Mariko articulates. She emphasises the foundation’s dedication to nurturing early-stage scientific research that promises disruptive technological advancements, laying the groundwork for transformative innovations. “It’s a foundational belief of ours that without invention, significant innovation is unattainable. We’re committed to supporting both phases to achieve meaningful progress.” Her commitment to fostering early-stage scientific research with potential disruptive technological breakthroughs is instrumental in setting the stage for path-breaking innovations. “We firmly believe that significant innovation cannot exist without invention. Our dedication lies in bolstering both these aspects to drive impactful advancements.”

This commitment is evident in the Foundation’s various initiatives, such as offering grants for innovative projects, orchestrating mentorship programs that connect budding scientists with experienced industry veterans, and facilitating collaborative innovation platforms. Through these endeavours, SS-F seeks to cultivate a supportive ecosystem that backs the current cadre of scientists and inspires forthcoming generations, ensuring that the quest for knowledge and the development of novel solutions remain central to the scientific domain. Mariko’s vision is to nurture an environment where scientific inquiry and innovation flourish, unconstrained by conventional limitations and driven to address humanity’s most pressing issues.

Mariko’s leadership at SS-F, particularly her efforts to champion women in science, is a powerful reminder of the impact that determined, innovative women can have in STEM and beyond, paving the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps.

Addressing Gender Disparities in Science

Mariko highlights a concerning statistic that positions Japan at 125th out of 146 countries in the gender gap index. This clearly indicates the country’s struggle with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives. This reality underscores an urgent need for systemic transformation—a mission Mariko and SS-F are deeply committed to.

“Addressing this significant disparity isn’t just a matter of policy change; it’s about shifting cultural norms and expectations. At SS-F, we believe we can be at the forefront of this transformation. Our team, characterised by its youth, diversity, and cross-disciplinary expertise from business, science, and design, is uniquely positioned to challenge the status quo. We’re not bound by traditional hierarchical structures, which allows us to approach problems with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions,” Mariko asserts.

This vision for change is particularly resounding as we celebrate International Women’s Day. Through Mariko’s leadership, SS-F embodies the inclusive and forward-thinking approach that can drive real progress in gender equity. It serves as a model for other organisations in Japan and globally, demonstrating how diverse teams can lead to more creative solutions and a more inclusive society. Mariko’s efforts to leverage SS-F as a catalyst for change highlight the critical role that leadership and organisational culture play in bridging the gender gap and fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.

Mariko passionately describes the innovative approach SS-F takes to foster inclusion: “Our core activity involves organising retreats for top scientists, where we encourage them to bring their families, including their children. This initiative is about taking tangible steps towards inclusivity, providing parent scientists with the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions without sacrificing their family time.” This approach resonated well within the scientific community, offering professional development and family-friendly environments.

A Personal Drive for Women’s Empowerment

In her influential role at the Stellar Science Foundation (SS-F), Mariko Osada champions a vision that intertwines the empowerment of female scientists with the personal narrative of her journey as a mother. She observes that the landscape of scientific research and innovation can only be fully diversified with women in decision-making roles, emphasising, “The integration of women’s perspectives in science is crucial but remains challenging unless women are empowered to lead.” Mariko is driven by a profound commitment to highlight and support the work of female scientists, aiming to bring their efforts to the forefront from a uniquely female perspective. This endeavour is profoundly personal and reflective of her mission to foster environments where women’s contributions are recognised and valued.

Mariko’s narrative is further enriched by her reflections on balancing motherhood with her academic pursuits, particularly during her MBA at NUS. The support system in Singapore, including assistance from NUS and having a helper at home, played a crucial role in her ability to manage her responsibilities as a mother alongside her studies. However, the transition back to Tokyo revealed stark contrasts, where societal expectations and the lack of a similar support network made the balancing act significantly more challenging. “Navigating the complexities of motherhood and professional ambition in Tokyo, where cultural norms impose additional barriers, underscores the need for systemic change,” Mariko recounts.

Through Mariko’s journey, the intertwining challenges of advancing women’s roles in science and navigating motherhood are laid bare. Her leadership at SS-F and personal experiences embody a powerful call to action for creating more inclusive and supportive structures for women in all spheres of life. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Mariko’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need to empower women in their professional fields and personal lives, ensuring they have the support and recognition to thrive in both.

From Corporate to Non-Profit: A Personal Transformation

Reflecting on her career shift, Mariko credits her MBA experience as a key influence: Mariko Osada’s transformative journey from envisioning her role at the Stellar Science Foundation to realising it, with the strong influence of her MBA experience, underscores the profound impact of education and community in driving personal and professional growth. “Before embarking on my MBA, I had envisioned founding this company. Opting for a specialisation in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, I immersed myself in classes and consulting projects aligned with my vision, which proved immensely beneficial,” she reflects. This journey was not just about academic enrichment but also about the invaluable relationships fostered during her MBA. “The friendships I made, the diverse perspectives I was exposed to, and the unwavering support from fellow mom MBAs were invaluable. These experiences have profoundly influenced my approach and thinking.”

Mariko’s experiences underscore the critical role of education and community in empowering women to pursue leadership roles and effect meaningful change. They highlight the importance of creating spaces where women can support each other, share diverse perspectives, and collectively push the boundaries of what is possible. As we acknowledge the strides made towards gender equality, Mariko’s story reminds us of the work that remains and the potential that education and solidarity hold in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.