The future of associations isn’t just about adopting new technologies—it’s about building cultures where people can thrive. In this episode of the Association Adviser Podcast, host Christine Shaw sits down with Wendy-Jo Toyama, CEO of the American Epilepsy Society, to discuss what it really takes to create future-ready organizations.

Wendy-Jo has more than 25 years of leadership experience across associations and is known for championing creativity, equity, and belonging within the workplace. Her award-winning work has transformed teams, strengthened DEI efforts, and guided organizations through major disruption.

In this conversation, Wendy-Jo and Christine explore how associations can evolve their cultures intentionally. They unpack the realities of modern workforce expectations, from hybrid teams to accessibility to empowering people to bring their full selves to the mission. You’ll also hear lessons Wendy-Jo brings from her years in healthcare associations and why agility and creativity are essential as disruption accelerates.

You’ll learn:

• What the strongest association cultures have in common.
• How hybrid workforces can stay connected and collaborative.
• Where DEI is headed next—and how to prepare your organization.
• How accessibility and neurodiversity strengthen both teams and membership.
• Lessons from the healthcare field that any association can apply.
• Ways to build more agile, collaborative, and creative teams.

About our guest:

Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA, FASAE, CAE, is the CEO of the American Epilepsy Society and a long-time leader in medical and professional associations. She has previously led the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, and served as a senior vice president at the American Dental Association. Wendy-Jo is known for her commitment to belonging and justice, having chaired multiple ASAE committees—including the Research Foundation Research Committee and the Diversity & Inclusion Committee—and leading the AANHPI Association Community Group. A Fellow of ASAE, she has been honored with the 2025 Key Award and the 2024 Woman of Influence Award.

Resources:

Recommended Reading: The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups

Explore more on how to create a culture of engagement and performance. 

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

Connect with American Epilepsy Society & Wendy-Jo Toyama:

LinkedIn: @AES & @WendyJoToyama

Visit: https://aesnet.org/

Connect with Us: 

LinkedIn: @NaylorAssociationSolutions

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