U.S. Cherry Blossom Program

Quick recap of an unforgettable week of professional development, sisterhood, and diplomacy 🌸 From the @darmuseum and @statedept to embassies and reading at local schools, these amazing women represented their states, territories and countries all while becoming best friends along the way and continuing to build relations with our strong partner and friend Japan 🌸 @cherryblossomprogram We were reminded that some of the greatest peace has been forged by women and the Cherry Blossom Program is a testament to this as it was First Lady Taft and Japanese Ambassador’s wife who frontlined the gifting of the Cherry Blossoms. While the cherry blossoms emerge with a predictable grace each spring, the landscape of international relations is rarely as certain. Much like the Sakura itself, the bond between nations is multifaceted. The cherry trees are a constant reminder that peace requires constant cultivation. Today, the friendship between the United States and Japan is defined by strength and deep respect and reaffirmed annually by the blooming of these gifted trees. While formal treaties are signed in mahogany offices, lasting peace is often cultivated through the shared cultural stewardship that this program and the Queen’s Goodwill Trip to Japan represent. 🇺🇸❤️🇯🇵🌸

Some things are worth coming back to!🌸

Northeast Roadtrip PT.1 - Boston, MA📍🚗 • • • • #boston #cherryblossom #roadtrip #sony #landscape

The streets turned cherry for the National cherry festival parade. #washingtondc #washingtondcphotographer

Kwanzan Bloom 2026 NYC! #cherryblossom #rawflowers #macrophoto #peakbloom #spring

Cherry Blossom Program 2026 🌸 • • • It was an honor to be the photographer for the 2026 Cherry Blossom Program. The program brings together the fun in new experiences and friendships with the elegance of DC, while highlighting the important bond shared between the US and Japan. Congratulations to all the delegates selected to participate this year.

🌸 34 degrees… but spring was still in the air. ✨ Cold weather, but warm hearts. Still thinking about this moment… 🌸 Washington DC, 2026 Cherry Blossoms felt like a dream I didn’t want to wake up from. Standing there, surrounded by beauty, I was reminded how God will give you moments of peace right in the middle of everything. 🤍 Life doesn’t always come together the way we expect… but there are still moments worth holding on to. 🤎 Even when things feel uncertain, my faith reminds me that I’m never walking alone. 🙏🏽✨ He continues to carry me—through every season, every moment, and every step along the way. ✨ Grateful for experiences like this. #WashingtonDC #CherryBlossoms2026 #TravelReels #luxurytravel#gratitude

When you see a cherry blossom tree in the evening. At the Sands Point Preserve. #sandspointpreserve

Missed the Parade? We’ve got you! Relive the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by @eventsdc from wherever you are. Your front row seat is still waiting. Catch the broadcast: 🌸Saturday, April 18 11:00 AM - KXLT-FOX (Rochester-Mason City-Austin, MN) 11:30 AM - WJLA-ABC (Washington, DC) 12 noon - WPNT-MNT (Pittsburgh, PA) 3:00 PM - KYMA CBS (Yuma-El Centro, AZ) 4:00 PM - WCTX-MNT (Hartford & New Haven, CT) 5:00 PM - KOIN-CBS (Portland, OR) 6:00 PM - NVCW-CW (Las Vegas, LV) 8:00 PM - KRCW-CW (Portland, OR) 11:00 PM - KYLE-MNT (Waco-Temple-Bryan, TX) 🌸Sunday, April 19 11:00 AM - KXII-CBS (Sherman Ada, TX/OK) 11:00 AM - KPAX-CBS (Missoula, MT) 11:00 AM - KTVQ-CBS (Billings, MT) 11:00 AM - KXLF-CBS (Butte, MT) 11:00 AM - WCBI-CBS (Columbus-Tupelo,MS) 11:00 AM - KRTV-CBS (Great Falls, MT) 11:00 AM - KXLH-CBS (Helena, MT) 12 noon - WXIN FOX (Indianapolis, IN) 3:00 PM - KFYR KMOT-NBC (Minot Bismarck,ND) 4:00 PM - KGJT MNT (Grand Junction,CO) 5:00 PM - WYTV dt 2-MNT (Youngstown, OH) 6:00 PM - ZNWS-NEWS (Washington, DC) 7:00 PM - KKAX-LP-AMG (Phoenix/Prescott,AZ) 7:00 PM - WFNY-AMG (Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY) Click the LINK IN BIO for the FULL national syndication list which runs through June 30!

Thank you and congratulations to our WSS VP of Corporate Engagement, Maria Giannopoulos (@greekmaria ), for her leadership and fantastic work managing the 2026 Cherry Blossom Program (@cherryblossomprogram )! In addition to her role on the WSS Board, Maria serves as Vice President of Events for the National Conference of State Societies, the umbrella organization for all state societies in Washington, D.C. In this role, Maria has done an amazing job planning activities and leading the 2026 Cherry Blossom Program (@cherryblossomprogram ) delegates, young women representing US states and territories, across Washington, D.C. this past week for a series of once-in-lifetime educational, cultural, and professional development opportunities. Maria led this year’s delegates through visits to embassies, the US State Department, the White House, the Japanese Ambassador’s residence, a professional development panel at the US Capitol, and so much more. Thank you, Maria, for all your hard work to make this program a success!

Congratulations to Maryland’s Caroline Campbell on her selection as the 2026 United States Cherry Blossom Queen!🌸 The annual NCSS Cherry Blossom Gala caps off the weeklong Cherry Blossom Program and highlights the strength of Japan-US friendship. 🇯🇵🇺🇸

Darling, I just love spring, don't you? The fresh breeze, flowers blooming all around, and the smell of cherry blossom in the air. Just divine. 🌸 #joan