 Sing United International (SUI) recently announced the appointment of Judy Sadoyama to its DEI Council, a body charged with ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion remain a sustained priority across the global Sweet Adelines community. In this international role, Sadoyama will help guide DEI strategy, dialogue, and long-term organizational practices, supporting systems that allow every member to participate fully, authentically, and with a genuine sense of belonging. The Council’s work is rooted in Sing United International’s core principles of creating a culture of belonging, diversity, and Inclusion, which recognize that harmony is strengthened when differing experiences, perspectives, and identities are welcomed and respected.
A Lifetime in Harmony A Sweet Adelines member since 1987, Sadoyama brings nearly four decades of experience as a singer, quartet performer, educator, leader, and volunteer to the role. Her journey through a cappella harmony has spanned multiple choruses, including Na Leo Lani, Honolulu Blend Show Chorus, the San Diego Chorus, and the Greater Cleveland Chorus. Judy was also recently installed as Team Coordinator for Honolulu Blend Show Chorus, returning to chapter administration after several years focused primarily on musical leadership and support roles. In addition to her chapter leadership, Sadoyama serves at the international level, currently leading one of SUI’s Song Assessment teams while also serving on the Chorus Toolkit subcommittee.
Listening Across Cultures Professionally, Sadoyama holds a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a specialization in psychology and spent 24 years teaching high school history, psychology, economics, health, and medical terminology at Honolulu’s Farrington High School, where she worked closely with generations of diverse immigrant and multicultural families. That lifelong experience navigating culture, communication, and community deeply informs the perspective she brings to the DEI Council.
“Because Hawai‘i is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, the climate and attitude surrounding race and even gender identity are entirely different from the rest of the United States and the world,” Sadoyama shared. “I want to bring our unique qualities to the organization, while incorporating the perspectives and experiences of my colleagues.” Sadoyama noted that her work with the Song Assessment Committee helped illuminate how differently DEI conversations are experienced across regions and communities, particularly outside of Hawai‘i. She also expressed excitement about contributing a perspective not previously represented on the Council as an American of Japanese ancestry from Hawai‘i.
Representation Matters While optimistic about the Council’s future work, Sadoyama also acknowledged the complexity of DEI conversations in today’s climate. “One of the biggest issues is that DEI has become politically weaponized and is often viewed as a system that unfairly favors minority groups over others,” she explained. “DEI can cut close to people’s core identities, which always makes change far more challenging.” Sadoyama also emphasized that fostering a culture of belonging is essential to the organization’s long-term health and sustainability. “The opportunity to sing is no longer enough to sustain us,” she said. “If SUI wants to retain and grow its membership in the long term, it must keep pace with the ever-evolving interests and needs of potential members. That means ensuring a culture where people feel valued and welcome.” She added that diverse and equitable communities ultimately strengthen creativity, innovation, and member retention across the organization.
Harmony That Is Lived Sadoyama’s vision for the future remains grounded in connection, representation, and organizational growth. “It is my hope that SUI continues to work toward being a truly international organization,” Sadoyama said. “I also hope that more members stop seeing DEI as a way to foster division and realize that it really comes down to what we all want and deserve: a voice that is heard and a culture that listens.” The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council continues to play an important role in helping Sing United International recognize barbershop music’s African American origins, learn from an exclusionary past, and foster a culture where all members feel welcomed and valued. With Sadoyama’s appointment, the organization deepens its ongoing commitment to creating harmony that is not only sung, but lived
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