Empowering Women Through Community: A Conversation with Kanna Deguchi
In a world where women often juggle multiple roles—professionals, mothers, community leaders—the need for support, mentorship, and advocacy is greater than ever. Enter Kanna Deguchi, an inspiring marketing leader with a passion for empowering immigrant women, particularly in the Japanese and Indian communities. As the Community Marketing Manager at TheraWin, Kanna has dedicated her career to creating safe spaces where women can find solidarity, mental health support, and professional growth opportunities.
At PowerChronicles, we are committed to bringing you stories of women who are reshaping their industries, and Kanna’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
From Japan to the U.S.: A Journey of Resilience
Kanna’s career has spanned multiple industries, from human resources to business development and now marketing. However, her biggest shift happened when she moved to the U.S. with her husband, who was pursuing research at Stanford. The transition was challenging—leaving behind her professional career and stepping into an unfamiliar environment as a mother of a two-year-old.
“I realized how isolating it can be to start over in a new country,” Kanna recalls. “Many immigrant women experience a loss of identity, mental health struggles, and a lack of connection to their communities. That’s when I knew I had to do something.”
Her personal struggles became the catalyst for her passion project: building a support network for immigrant women facing similar challenges.
Championing Mental Health & Community Building
Kanna’s work at TheraWin is deeply personal. She focuses on community-driven marketing initiatives that bring women together through workshops, mental health resources, and networking events. Her goal? To create sustainable systems that offer support, empowerment, and opportunities for women who often feel overlooked.
“Counseling and therapy are not always the first choices for women in Japanese and Indian cultures,” she explains. “We grow up being told to be strong, to suppress emotions, to just deal with it. But mental health is crucial, and I want to change that narrative.”
Her leadership in this space is making a tangible impact, helping women find their voices and reclaim their sense of self-worth.
Finding Her Path in Marketing
Kanna’s shift to marketing wasn’t accidental—it was driven by a desire to create scalable impact. “When I was in university, I led an international student nonprofit, and that’s where I realized the power of marketing. It’s not just about selling; it’s about connecting, influencing, and making a difference at scale.”
After working in sales and HR, she saw firsthand that marketing could drive sustainable change. “In sales, I could call 15 people a day. In marketing, I could reach 10,000.”
Overcoming Barriers & Embracing Leadership
Despite her impressive journey, Kanna admits to battling self-doubt
“I’ve always struggled with confidence. But I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, learning continuously, and uplifting others.”
She credits mentorship as a key driver of her growth.
“I have two mentors—both incredible women who have balanced high-powered careers with motherhood. Their guidance has been invaluable.”
For women aspiring to leadership roles, Kanna’s advice is clear:
“Your biggest competition is yourself. Stop comparing. Focus on growth. And most importantly, build your community. No one succeeds alone.”
Breaking Cultural Barriers
Kanna is also passionate about dismantling cultural biases that often hold women back.
“There’s this unconscious expectation that women should support their husbands’ careers first. My husband and I flipped that script—he takes care of our home and child while I pursue my passion. Why should that be surprising?”
Her goal is to normalize these conversations, ensuring that future generations of women don’t have to fight the same battles.
Women in Marketing: Respecting All Life Stages
Kanna acknowledges that while women’s leadership has increased, the real challenge lies in recognizing the diverse life stages women experience.
“We cannot simply categorize leadership under one word—‘women,’” she explains. “Among women, there are different life stages, and we need to respect and deeply understand each perspective.”
She emphasizes that genuine empowerment comes from policies and workplace cultures that support women in various phases of life, from early career to motherhood to leadership roles.
“It’s not just about hiring more women—it’s about fostering environments where they can thrive.”
The Power of Being Yourself
When asked about her ‘power move’ in the industry, Kanna reflects,
“I’m still figuring out my unique identity in the field. But if there’s one thing I stand by, it’s being unapologetically myself—speaking up, standing out, and leading with honesty.”
Her authenticity, combined with her drive to uplift others, is exactly what makes her a force to be reckoned with.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Women in Leadership
Kanna envisions a future where leadership isn’t defined by gender but by capability and passion.
“We need to stop defining success in gender-centric terms. However, to expand beyond a gender-centric society, we women bring unique strengths to the table, and it’s time we own them.”
Her parting message?
“Change takes time. But if we keep pushing, keep showing up, and keep empowering each other, we’ll get there.”
At PowerChronicles, we are honored to share Kanna Deguchi’s journey—one that embodies resilience, leadership, and the power of community. Her story is a reminder that when women support women, we all rise together.
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