Janet R. Huston
Why I Am Running for the Board of Directors
As a mixed-race individual, I’ve always had a keen interest in international opportunities. I was born on a U.S. Military base in Inchon, Korea. My mother was born in Pyongyang, Korea and had fled south with her family when the Communists invaded. My maternal grandfather had grown-up and been educated in Japan. While my father was born in America, both his parents had immigrated from Germany. However, growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, the heartland of America, I understand and appreciate the “average family” and their hopes and dreams. After graduating college, I backpacked throughout Europe with a friend and have never stopped travelling since. Being mixed-race, I feel that I bring a unique perspective, “part of all, but fully none”. The mission of Sister Cities is to bring diverse people together. Not only to celebrate our diversity, but to show how much we are alike. I am excited to have the chance to potentially continue what I have started as a member of SCI’s Board of Directors. My tenure on the Board has given me the opportunity to put into action my ideas and visions in positive ways. My entire life has been about navigating, exploring, and embracing our “cultural differences.” I would like to continue as an asset used for global leadership.
Bio
I’m currently on the SCI Board of Directors, including a term on the Executive Committee. I’m currently Co-Chair of the Fund Development Committee. During my tenure, I created the “I Like Ike” Initiative, focusing on funding for youth programing. In supporting these programs, I’ve chaperoned the Youth Leadership Summit, in D.C., and judged our Young Artists and Authors Showcase. I chaired SCI’s successful 2025 “Presidential Inugural Gala”, helping secure as our Host, the German Ambassador and his residence, and currently Co-chair the “SCIlent Auction” for our 70th Anniversary.
With over a decade of involvement with the Cincinnati USA Sister Cities Association (CINUSCA), I became the SCI State Representative for Ohio. I continue serving CINUSCA as Vice-President and Co-Chair of our Cincinnati/New Taipei City, Taiwan Sister City Committee. In this role I help develop new opportunities, such as collaboration with the Ascent Music Festival, sponsoring concerts featuring internationally acclaimed violinist, Cho-Liang Lin.
I’ve also built partnerships between Sister Cities and other local organizations. I established the “Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park Advisory Council”, which oversees one of Cincinnati’s premier Riverfront Parks. I serve as Board Chairman, with our signature event being the multicultural festival, “International Friendship Day”.
Being a Board Member for both the “Cincinnati Horticultural Society” and CINUSCA, I facilitated a partnership showcased through theming that year’s internationally recognized “Cincinnati Flower Show” as “An International Adventure”. As a “Women’s Committee” for Cincinnati Parks member, I brokered a partnership with one of Cincinnati’s largest non-profit events, “The Hats Off” Luncheon. I served as Chairperson of International Outreach for that year’s “Hats Off Around the World” theme.
Skills
I have the experience, education, and abilities to bring together people, ideas, and resources. After serving on the SCI Board, I have a clear vision of the organization and its needs going forward and feel that I can be even more effective in a second term. Professionally, I was the vice-president of merchandizing & design for a national sportwear company. I know how to take projects from idea to realization, all within budget, and for profit. I serve on several non-profit boards, helping these diverse groups raise millions of dollars in combined funds over the last two decades.