Stacy Johnson Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Missouri State University faculty members Dr. Linshan Jiang and Stacy Johnson got an idea during a Writing Circle event sponsored by the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL).

Johnson was intrigued when Jiang mentioned she would be hosting an event featuring activist Shiori Itō. Jiang is an assistant professor in the Department of History. Johnson is a licensed clinical assistant professor in the Social Work program.

“We began discussing how meaningful the experience could be for social work students,” Johnson said. “From there, we collaboratively developed an outline designed to create a deeper and more meaningful learning experience for students.”

The result? The social work and history programs collaborated to bring Itō to Missouri State’s Springfield campus for a two-day speaking event April 20-21, 2026.

Itō is a Japanese journalist and filmmaker whose work focuses on gender equality and human rights issues. She published her memoir “Black Box” upon which the documentary is based, in 2017. Time magazine named her one of its “100 Most Influential People” in 2020.

Close up of young woman standing at the front of a classroom — Shiori Itō listens as a student shares their story.

Students take lead in coordinating event

Two young women giving a presentation in a classroom — Breauna Cater (L) and Hannah Byers co-facilitate Shiori Itō’s informal talk to Missouri State’s social work students.

First, Itō spoke to Jiang’s Modern East Asia students April 20. Over 60 people attended that event. During that session, Itō defined the Me Too movement and explored its history and repercussions in Japan and China. She also took questions from Jiang and the audience.

The next day, April 21, Itō met informally with Johnson’s social work students, fielding questions and listening to their observations. Seniors Hannah Byers and Breauna Cater co-facilitated the discussion. Both are majoring in social work, and Byers is president of the Social Work Club.

“Our facilitators, Hannah and Breauna, did an amazing job,” Johnson said. “We intentionally wanted the experience to be student-led in order to promote engagement, reflection and active participation.”

“It was a great honor meeting Shiori Itō,” Byers said. “Listening to her story of resilience and courage inspired me to be a better advocate and future social worker. I look forward to sharing her powerful story with others.”