Hi! I’m a third-generation Japanese American Sansei. My family name is unusual, even in Japan. Munemitsu, 宗 光, means source of light or rooted in light in Japanese kanji. 

I am currently an author and speaker for my book, “The Kindness of Color.” It is the true story of two immigrant families who came to Southern California for better lives, only to face their own separate battles against racism in the midst of World War II. One family came by land from Mexico and the other by sea from Japan. Little did they expect their paths would meet and lead to justice and desegregation for all California school children in Mendez, et. al v. Westminster (1947) - seven years before Brown v. Board of Education (1954). The book website is www.thekindnessofcolor.com and has more information on this true story and free resources for readers and educators. 

I see myself as an advocate for kindness, cultivating kindness in my life and as an author and speaker. My hope for the book is that it will be a source of light and hope, even in the darkest times and inspire many toward kindness with one another. 

I’m a graduate of the University of Southern California (BS/MBA) and Biola University (MA, Spiritual Formation).  I spent over 20 years in a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) corporate career as Vice President, Main Meals, for ConAgra Foods/Hunt Wesson, managing brands like Hunt’s, Healthy Choice, Manwich, Fisher Nuts, and Wolf Brand. I also worked at Mars Inc.(Pedigree dog food)  and The Clorox Company (Kingsford Charcoal, and Hidden Valley Ranch). 

As I transitioned from corporate to not-for-profit organizations, I served my church from 2002-2012, leading the capital campaign at Mariners Church, Irvine, where I have attended since 1995. Following that, I served with the Generous Giving team for 10 years from 2011-2021 facilitating conversations of biblical generosity in the US and globally. I was a spiritual director 2013-2023 at Biola University Center for Spiritual Formation, and continue in private practice since 2015.  I also currently serve on the boards of A3 leadership (formerly Asian Access), the Bible Project, National Christian Foundation California, and Malachi 3 Foundation.  

Janice is also a member of the US Japan Council whose purpose is to strengthen ties between Japan and the US through a network of diverse leaders across a variety of sectors.

A native of Orange County, California, I grew up on a strawberry farm and worked on the farm from age five through high school. My hobbies include going to USC football games, pilates classes, and gardening, especially growing sweet pea flowers and roses.  With lightweight luggage on wheels, friends on other continents, and an up-to-date passport, I’ve been blessed to travel for pleasure and ministry to over 50 countries.