History
Founded in 1981 in the spirit of President Eisenhower’s People to People Program, Sacramento Mayor Phil Isenberg, Matsuyama Mayor Tokio Nakamura, and numerous elected officials and citizens in both countries established the sister city nonprofit organizations. Our counterpart from Japan is the Sacramento Matsuyama Sister City Corporation which was also founded in 1981. Since then, each city has hosted through this cultural exchange program citizens ranging from junior high and high school students, scouts, rotary members, visiting educational, medical and business professionals, elected officials, and members of our distinguished Matsuyama sister city counterpart.
The Corporation
The Corporation is led by a volunteer Board of fifteen Directors, including five Officers. Directors serve staggered three-year terms, while Officers are elected annually. There are no term limits for either role.
Ex-Officio Members
The Mayor of Sacramento, the President of the Sacramento Camellia Society, the President of the Sacramento City Unified School District, and representatives from California’s 6th and 7th Congressional Districts.
Special Honorary Members
Former Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo.
In Memoriam
We honor the lasting legacy of our founding and institutional members, whose vision and dedication helped shape the foundation of our organization. Hiroko Ninomiya of Japan, Sacramento attorney Virginia S. Mueller, former MSSCC President Ralph T. Sugimoto, Jr., and former Sacramento Mayor Anne Rudin.
Board of Directors
Officers
Stephanie Mizuno - President
Stephanie was introduced to the sister city program in 2013 as Operations Manager in the Sacramento City Council’s Office, and serving as the Mayor’s protocol officer. She facilitated official meetings, assisted delegations, and coordinated with the Sacramento Sister Cities Council. After retiring in 2021, she joined the MSSCC Board and became Board President in 2025. Stephanie has visited Japan multiple times and holds a deep appreciation for the Japanese culture and people.
Fusako Mizushima - Vice President
Fusako, born and raised in Japan, has lived in Sacramento since 1970. She became involved with the Matsuyama-Sacramento Sister City relationship in 1981 through a Boy Scout exchange. This led to the first scout visit to Matsuyama in 1984. Since 1986, she has served as a dedicated board member and officer, helping strengthen ties between the two cities. As the 45th anniversary approaches in 2026, she remains an active advocate of the program.
Nancy Woo - Secretary
Nancy began volunteering in 2007 with the Organization of Chinese Americans and soon became Chapter Treasurer, a role she still holds. She has supported numerous cultural and advocacy initiatives and volunteers with Asian Resources Inc., ACC Senior Services, My Sister’s House, and MSSCC. Currently serving as MSSCC’s Secretary, Nancy brings strong organizational skills, a passion for cultural exchange, and a deep commitment to community service.
Mary Caniglia - Treasurer
Mary retired in January 2024 after a 50-year career in accounting and financial management. A graduate of CSU Sacramento, she is known for her financial expertise and commitment to community service. She has supported many nonprofits and currently serves as Treasurer of MSSCC, ensuring the organization has a foundation of strong fiscal stewardship. Mary’s dedication to cultural understanding and international exchange makes her a valued member of the MSSCC board.
