When first presented with the opportunity of being a Cherry Blossom Princess I was hesitant.  The title, the wardrobe restrictions, the lack of notoriety (information from previous participants) turned me off from the program.  However, upon seeing the opportunities I would be faced with I changed my mind. I decided the program would provide me with unbelievable networking possibilities and would be a wonderful learning opportunity. With one day left in the program I am pleased to say I know I made the right decision.  I have met so many strong women through this experience and attained so much valuable and applicable advice and I cannot recommend this program enough. As an artist interested in the business side of the industry, I know that all young women can profit from this experience.  

Kaitlin Barker, Louisiana 2017

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Stephanie Czerniecki,

New Jersey

2017

The CBPP has been the most rewarding, humbling and empowering experience. This program is much more than being a princess for a week, it is developing leadership skills, learning how to serve as a diplomat, how to conduct proper networking, learning about other cultures and much more.  I recommend this program to everyone. 

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Margaret O'Meara,

Virginia

2017

Eating sushi at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador, dancing in the ballroom of the Russian Embassy and meeting amazingly strong and successful women from across the country and world are all memories I will cherish forever.  Going into this week, I had no idea I would come out of it feeling as empowered and encouraged as I do now. This truly was a professional and cultural development program that makes strong women stronger by celebrating our accomplishments and character.  I am so proud to be Virginia’s 2018 Cherry Blossom Princess and advocate for this incredible program.

Hayley Leach,

Kentucky

2017

The CBPP has been incredibly beneficial.  I have lived in Kentucky my whole life. Although I have met people from other cultures and backgrounds, my experiences have been limited.  This program not only allowed me to interact with young ladies from all over the United States it also allowed me to interact and learn about other cultures.  The experiences a the Embassies and Cultural Centers allowed me a greater depth of knowledge and understanding about other people and places. The friendships and experiences will always stay with me.  I am so grateful that I did this program. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering it. 

The CBPP provides tremendous opportunities like no other. Crammed within one week we learned about other cultures, especially Japan’s, building connections and friendships among our states, territories and countries.  I would strongly encourage anyone and everyone to take part in this program. Through it I have gained the opportunity of networking with my state's legislature and the possibility of interning in DC for the summer. I would like to thank the South Dakota State Society for this opportunity.

Katrina Zdanowicz,

Indiana

2017

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Sarah Schweitzer,

South Dakota

2017

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The CBPP provides tremendous opportunities like no other. Crammed within one week we learned about other cultures, especially Japan’s, building connections and friendships among our states, territories and countries.  I would strongly encourage anyone and everyone to take part in this program. Through it I have gained the opportunity of networking with my state's legislature and the possibility of interning in DC for the summer. I would like to thank the South Dakota State Society for this opportunity.