Katsuhiro “Kats” Furuyama
Ascend N. California Co-President
Kats has been a member of Ascend for over eight years, first stepping into a leadership role in 2019 as N. California Co-Vice President of Student Affairs and, shortly after, Vice President of Membership. He is the HR Business Partner at Robert Half International, a global talent solutions firm and parent company of consulting firm Protiviti. He is passionate and dedicated to serving as a collective voice for Pan-Asian communities and giving back with various philanthropic efforts such as Ascend Cares: Feed Our Hospital and Feed Our Future. Outside of work, he enjoys running full marathons, cycling, and cooking.
Current Residence: Dublin, California
Birthplace: Hyogo, Japan
What led you to join Ascend?
I joined Ascend
● To network and meet new people
● Give back to the community and help build future Asian leaders
● Advocate and let our voices be heard
What’s one important thing you’ve learned through Ascend?
Research from the Ascend Foundation captures the inequity and gaps within the executive parity index amongst Pan-Asians and other races. I believe we are strong as a community and can work to move the needle forward.
December 2019 Ascend NorCal Holiday Party at PPQ Dungeness Island - San Francisco
What do you value about your cultural heritage and why?
Filial piety is to be good to your parents, to take care of them, and to be a good person. This is not just towards parents, but also outside the home, to bring good to the family name and ancestors, and to show love, respect, and support.
What is your favorite motto you live by?
“You’re not where you are in your career without someone helping you along the way. When you reach a certain point in your career, give back. Help others and pull them up in their career.”
Is there a public figure you admire?
Simu Liu for breaking barriers and being a trailblazer.
“Our parents are entitled to our eternal gratitude and unconditional love but not our dreams. Our dreams are not a shadow
of our parent’s dreams.” - Simu Liu
What’s your favorite place to visit in NorCal?
Tennessee Valley in the Marin Headlands
Kats at Fort Baker enjoying the panoramic views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.