Jody served as a Shizuoka JET from 1999 to 2002, teaching at Iwata Nishi Shōgyō Kōkō. Her connection to Japan began in 1992, when she was selected as one of 150 high school students awarded a scholarship through Youth for Understanding. This life-changing experience marked her first trip abroad, sparking a deep interest in Japan and a passion for international travel.

After earning her BA in Japan Business Studies from the University of Hawai’i, Jody joined the JET Programme, further cementing her ties to Japan. Following her time on JET, she returned to San Francisco to launch a career in Higher Education Student Services management.

Drawing from her international experiences, Jody brings a unique perspective and expertise to her work at UC Berkeley- Haas, fostering cross-cultural understanding and empowering MBA students to achieve their goals on a global stage.