Pacific Edge Q1 2023

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Naomi Hazelton

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Chase Nuuhiwa

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Emily Holmes

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Pacific Edge magazine is a quarterly publication available through subscription, direct mail and at bookstores throughout Hawai‘i. The views expressed within Pacific Edge magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of management and ownership. Pacific Edge magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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Inspiration, Innovation, and Grit.

Three key concepts that every business-leader—be it a young entrepreneur or seasoned veteran—draws upon to maintain their company’s competitive edge. As such, these are three consistent themes we highlight throughout every issue of Pacific Edge Magazine. In a recent conversation with several of our most loyal readers and supporters, it came to our attention that Pacific Edge Magazine was the catalyst that gave them the confidence to start their own businesses and venture into the often-unknown territory of entrepreneurialism. Our features about colleagues, who have made the same leap and faced risk head-on, provided these new business owners with the hope “they could do it, too.” It is this very message we aim to communicate through both our magazine and business networking events, social media

platforms, and our upcoming television shows featuring Hawai‘i’s amazing women who approach life and work with tenacity, grace, and transparency. At Pacific Edge Magazine, we believe vulnerability equals great strength! With this in mind, we are excited to announce that we just completed five Pacific Edge Magazine Women in Businesses TV programs, which aired on KITV4 in 2022. You can now view them on Pacific Edge Magazine’s Facebook, YouTube and at PacificEdgeMagazine.com, under the “video tab.”

We are excited to announce four more television programs in conjunction with KGMB9 featuring some amazing women in businesses. For more information, visit the PacificEdgeMagazine.com website and social media channels via Pacific Edge Magazine Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! These new segments will also be streamed live on both KGMB’s channels and PEM’s website. We are celebrating our 18-Year Anniversary in true PEM style with a fabulous issue soirée and networking event. Not only will we be recognizing the outstanding achievements of some of Hawai‘i’s most successful and innovative companies, but we will also be celebrating 18 years of our publication and the founding of Element Media, Inc. For more information about the event and how you can attend, visit our website at PacificEdgeMagazine.com. Save the date for Sept 7th at The Kahala Hotel & Resort for the annual red carpet business achievement Awards Gala. Visit our site for nomination categories and more information at PacificEdgeAwards. com. We hope you enjoy the photos of our journey in Hawai‘i’s amazing businesses community.

As the uncertain economy of 2020 has ended, we will continue to bring you stories of inspiration and innovation. Yet Pacific Edge Magazine is more than just pages of a quarterly publication. We are a community and forum for business professionals of all ages to gather and to learn, but most of all—to share hope.

Mahalo & Aloha,

NAOMI HAZELTON Founder, Editor-in-Chief, CEO, Pacific Edge Magazine Women Owned & Family Owned

Our HPU ‘ohana is committed to mentoring the next generation of women leaders, uplifting them to realize their dreams and goals. Our innovative programs empower students to fulfill the growing needs of a changing world.

Aloha, Pono, and Kuleana are the values of Hawai‘i Pacific University.

to Hawai ‘ i Pacific University’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel Jan Boivin and all the “Women in Business” honorees!

//ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Candes Meijide Gentry

FORMER MISS HAWAI‘I, ACTOR, ENTREPRENEUR

Today, Candes is first and foremost an inspiring example to her 10-year old son, Poet, and dedicated partner to Big Island agricultural farmer and steward, Steve Shropshire.

With community service as a guiding life principle, Candes dedicated 2022 to launch EAT PONO with Poet. What started as a mother/son cookbook quickly blossomed into a budding community movement committed to Source Local, Eat Nutritiously and Live Sustainably. Highlighting the importance of supporting local farmers, questioning our food choices, making it hip to be healthy and trending at-home composting as cool again! And now, Candes is inviting you to support their family mission, by launching The Eat Pono Fund at The Hawaii Community Foundation, while also developing a keiki curriculum called The ‘Āina Guardian Program to be offered to schools throughout Hawai‘i, encouraging kids to take a simple pledge to better steward their ‘āina and their growing bodies with conscientious choices.

With endorsements from Blue Zones Projects Hawaii and HMSA’s Island Scene, EAT PONO, is committed to supporting community initiatives that are rooted in providing engaging, educational opportunities for keiki; empowering them to choose healthy alternatives for their families, steward the planet, and perpetuate time-honored farming, fishing and hunting practices for future generations to also live more sustainably.

So what inspires Candes to elevate each new day? Perhaps it’s her sunrise swims, or her S.M.A.R.T goal-setting mantra; perhaps it’s how she adapts The Power 9 philosophy by BZP Hawaii or the way she intentionally ends her days in the kitchen laughing, learning and nourishing alongside her family as the sun fades into the horizon. What is clear is that Candes is aware of her responsibility to teach her son Poet, and his peers alike, the importance of prioritizing sustainable stewardship with the hope that EAT PONO can inspire other families to do the same for their own ‘ohana.

“As parents, we do our best to raise our children with the best nutrition, but it’s inevitable that we default into rushed multitasking, often at the expense of our health. If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s the importance of intentional family time, immune-

boosting wholesome meals, taking care of our community, sourcing local, exercise, and yes, rest,” said Candes Gentry. “EAT PONO was inspired by the relentless questions of my 9-year-old son Poet, who encouraged me to slow down and live mindfully when it comes to what we consume in our home and how we live our lives to protect culinary traditions and sustainable practices.”

So what can we expect from Candes in 2023? A vibrantly inspiring woman, mom, friend, executive, athlete, artist, author and, well, now a compost advocate!

You may know her as a former Miss Hawai‘i (1999); as a daughter of one of O‘ahu’s earliest visionary real estate developers and philanthropic families; perhaps you have seen her shine on the theatrical stage; or have witnessed one of her many marathon, Ironman or Xterra finishes, inter-island channel crossings, or perhaps you have benefitted from her scholarships at the Shidler College of Business.

Louise Ing

How do you define success?

Having a purpose-driven life, staying engaged, being relevant, and using one’s powers for good—at home, in our work, in the communities where we work, and play.

One way I’m currently trying to live that definition is by serving a second stint as Chair of the Child & Family Service board. My first stint was 31 years ago when I was reportedly the first woman board chair and probably considered a “next generation” board member. Now, I am the opposite of “next generation” but I’m glad I have still been called upon to support CFS’ important work in strengthening Hawai‘i’s families in need.

What do you hope to see in your industry in the next 10 years?

I want to see law firms and organizations achieving, embracing, and taking the lead in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and beyond.

A pandemic-era housecleaning reminded me that achieving such a goal is a lifelong pursuit. When travel quarantines kept us at home for 10-14 days, my son Kurt Zwald found my really old, forgotten, handwritten law school application essay drafts. I wrote about my reasons for wanting to pursue a legal career: “[m]y personal experiences as a female and Asian in American society at a time when basic changes in social attitudes and opportunities for fuller participation in society are occurring, . . . at the same time, subtle and not-so-subtle biases still exist” plus having worked post-college in a male-dominated field “remind me that it is my generation which will introduce a significant number of women into the decision making processes in society.” And we did! One example: our Honolulu office, formerly Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing and now part of the global law firm

Dentons, has always enjoyed a genderbalanced and diverse legal team and ownership structure. Dentons' most recent class of new lawyers and new partners in the U.S. have been the most diverse ever. Yet, the legal profession in general has a ways to go. A 2022 Report on Diversity in U.S. Law Firms, notes that “[w]hile the legal industry continues to make measurable gains in the representation of women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals in the associate and summer associate ranks” the data shows law firms have not made “the progress one would expect from an industry that has been focused on the issue of diversity for over 3 decades.” Work is still needed to break down “systemic barriers that prevent these individuals from” rising to partnership and leadership positions in law firms.”

What do you love most about your job?

As a business and employment litigation lawyer, there is never a dull moment. Even though I’ve been in practice for over four decades, there is always something new to learn, a new problem to solve for a client, a new personal and professional challenge in being an advocate. True, there are long hours and stressful situations but what keeps me going in working are the people I encounter: Colleagues I respect, like, and learn from and clients who need help solving a problem or righting a wrong. Every encounter is an opportunity to learn, build a network, and develop connections.

What do you do for fun?

Spending time with family and friends, finding a neat dining experience, seeing the world and learning about other cultures and communities, dancing hula with my YWCA hula sisters on Sundays, enjoying the beauty of Hawai‘i, catching up with our children at opposite sides of the globe, son Kurt and wife Kim Ang in

Boston where Kurt works for the Red Sox and Kim is a physical therapist in a Boston University neurology program, and daughter Julia Sitch in Korea, teaching English and pursuing her passion for dance.

Describe your ideal day.

• Always be in a learning mode.

• Be visible, speak up, advocate for others who could use the help, amplify their voices.

• Have support networks for inspiration, empowerment, getting energized, staying humble.

• Strive to make every interaction or encounter count.

A few years ago, the board member Carol Isozaki presented a mini “Plan to be Amazing” session at a board retreat for Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream nonprofit directors. Carol’s Plan to Be Amazing teachings, reminded me of the importance of striving to be visible, adding value and bringing energy, positivity, empathy, and one’s best self to every meeting and communication—not just “phoning it in.”

“Through mindfulness and deeper selfawareness of how they make others feel, leaders can create higher-performing teams and partnerships that are more fulfilled and engaged with their work.”

Carol recently hosted an online book talk with Deb Liu, author of “Take Back Your Power – 10 New Rules for Women at Work.” It’s still on my nightstand, but one of my favorite takeaways from the talk is to choose a word and live it for a year. My word for 2023 is “amplify.” I am making that public to remind myself to live that word for 2023.

PRESIDENT & CEO

ADVANTAGE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER (AHCP)

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE

ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I-MANOA

NANCY ATMOSPERA-WALCH SCHOOL OF NURSING

Dr. Nancy Atmospera-Walch

How would you introduce yourself to a stranger?

Aloha! I am Dr. Nance, a proud mom, a happy wife, a loving sister, a doting grandma, and a magnificent friend. My stress reliever is shopping, and I love going out —this keeps me forever young! Ultimately, I identify myself as a creator —from my family to my business and to experiences with nonprofit organizations and friends. How about you?

In the next 10 years, what do you hope to see in your industry?

My short-term vision is that more nurses decide to become Nurse Entrepreneurs. I believe nurses have the skill set to be some of the best entrepreneurs—from being able to diagnose pain points, determine and create solutions, being able to lead during incredibly challenging life and death situations, being able to triage and make decisions and act quickly.

Nurses are inherently trained to become powerful entrepreneurs and I believe nurses can do so much more to help people after their clinical bedside experience or an employee. My longterm vision is that we will see those same women nurse entrepreneurs and nurses in leadership, c-suite and executive roles on boards of healthcare companies and organizations making sweeping strategic decisions that impact the industry at large.

What do you love most about your job?

I am gifted with the opportunity to make a direct positive difference in so many people’s lives. My clients (patients and caregivers) are the most kind and generous people I have had the chance to work with and are constantly letting me know how appreciative they are of the work my team and I are able to do for them. They will drop off food at my

office, hug me so tightly, and tell me that they are going to church to pray for me that I will live a long life.

I also love that I am able to make that impact on my client’s lives through my decisive actions and independent thinking. Having my own company, I can determine what is best for my clients and not have to fight with bureaucracy and unnecessary barriers to quality patient care.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

Nurses are constantly underestimated and undervalued in the healthcare professions. Doctors often will not view us as their peers even when we may have several years if not decades more experience than they do. This can negatively impact patient care when our opinions are not heard or ignored, especially when nurses spend the most time with patients.

The issue is compounded by the overarching shortage of nurses across the world. Nursing is incredibly hard work and while it is an extremely rewarding profession it can be difficult to want to enter or stay in the profession if you don’t feel seen, heard, or valued. When there is a lack of skilled nurses this results in inadequate care for patients and ultimately patients’ overall experience and health outcomes.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career?

I have been blessed more than most to have two loves of my life. My career and my family. There have been times where I have had to choose one over the other and those have been difficult decisions for me, especially when the other feels neglected or not like the priority. When I have had to choose, I make sure the time I spend with each is quality over quantity and I work hard to be fully present and engaged.

What has been the biggest reward?

I am incredibly grateful to the nurses who have guided and mentored me throughout my life. At this point in my career, I truly enjoy being able to pay that mentorship forward and to have the ability to philanthropically support other aspiring nurses and organizations that support nursing.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

There was a time early on in my career when I was burnt out from the long hours and lack of appreciation for the incredibly hard work I did as a nurse. I decided to leave the nursing profession and bought a travel agency because of my love for travel. While I was successful at running the agency, I learned quickly that nursing is my true calling and I always say that if I were born again, I would choose to become a nurse again because the skills I have learned from being a nurse translates into any other profession.

What makes you stand out as a leader?

I am Chief Executive Officer for a reason. I am able to execute on any project I choose to take on and I will deliver it better and faster than was expected of me. I lead with my heart and act with my brain—bringing compassion, kindness, and empathy to my decisive actions. As a nurse, one of your main roles is to be the patient’s advocate, and I carry that responsibility through to everything I do. My staff and clients know that I will always put their best interests first and will fight for them. I also believe everything is a learning opportunity, especially our mistakes, which are opportunities for us to better ourselves.

In the next 10 years, what do you hope to see in your industry?

I hope that students will select problems to tackle and solve in life, caring about the generations to come as if they are caring for their own family and friends. I hope they persevere through difficulty, attempting to use their knowledge and values-based experiences to take on tough challenges. In Hawai‘i, that could involve the formulation of strategies to prevent brain drain, ensure affordable housing and fair wages, and instill accountability as stewards for our precious land and other resources.

I also hope to see a higher education environment filled with students from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and interests. In higher education, diversity furthers the values of academic freedom and equal protection. A diverse student body can help to enhance critical thinking skills and self-confidence, promote integration, diminish stereotypes, hone leadership skills, improve the ability of students from all backgrounds to participate in an educational community, and prepare students to work in an increasingly diverse society.

Specifically, for Gen Z (aka, “Coronials”), I hope these students will dig deep, step up to civic responsibilities, show some grit, and thrive. Gen Z has normalized their feelings of anxiety; the long-term repercussions of this have yet to be seen.

What do you love most about your job?

I love that we are educating generation after generation and that we are doing so intentionally with the values of aloha, pono, kuleana, and ‘ohana in mind. I welcome the weight of this responsibility. Our students will need critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and grit to navigate, and we are farmers to that potential.

I also love that I am surrounded by lifelong learners and that student success is at the heart of everything we do.

Jan Boivin

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL & BOARD SECRETARY HAWAI‘I PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

Our emerging adults are questioning the return on investment for a degree when the need for post-secondary education has never been stronger. In an era of innovation and digitalization, with vast amounts of information literally at their fingertips, our students still need mindful interpretation of information and safe places for discourse.

Today’s youth must catalogue and consider so much more information, often from less-than-credible sources. There is a mass of problems and tension weighing on their shoulders; in an educational environment we are here to help shoulder that weight, act as interpretive guides and mentors, and help set high expectations while communicating our belief that our students can accomplish those expectations. In the higher education environment, our students learn to solve real life problems, build lasting relationships, have ownership and accountability, make connections, and acquire a-ha moments through experiences.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you've made for your career?

Nothing comes to mind. For everything I do in furtherance of my profession— whether in education, the law, or public service—I look through the eyes of my own children. I think about what impact an action may have on them, on Hawai‘i, and on the world. I will follow my true North and strive to add value in life. I am so grateful that this path has not involved feelings of sacrifice on my part.

What has been the biggest reward?

Paying it forward and empowering learners has been the biggest reward. I can contribute to learning directly as a lecturer and a mentor. I can also contribute as an administrator by way of programs and policies. Either way, my soul is fed when I see moments of realization, traction, and progress. Whether it was contributing to the creation of a STEM conference for

women of color and a corresponding camp for girls, or coordinating a compliance education program for nonprofits during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been rewarding to know that through education we can overcome challenges, improve lives and systems, and leave a habitable and hopeful world for our children.

What makes you stand out as a leader?

I am not sure that I stand out. There are so many quality leaders at all levels of an organization, with everyone doing so much for our collective well-being. I tend to lead from the back but will be out front in the face of confrontation or criticism.

If I had to lean into the premise of this question, I suppose I would say that I appreciate the unique gifts everyone can bring to the table and I enjoy drawing out these strengths. If you speak in Strengths Finder terms that is dubbed, “individualization.” I appreciate our innate differences, styles, and motivations and believe this will lead to enhanced discourse and problemsolving. I also look at long- and shortterm goals simultaneously, and love to envision and map out better futures with others. Practically speaking, that means I like to draft future annual or multi-year reports in past tense so the acquisition of these goals is as vivid and as hopeful as possible while still leaving room for interpretation.

I also have hope that we can create a better future. Giving up is not an option.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

During law school, I accepted a summer internship at a federal agency in Washington, D.C. I recall going to the cafeteria and needing to get back to the office right away. A pair of employees were walking slowly up a set of stairs so I ascended to the left of them and took the stairs two at a time. I recall a man muttering, “You know, in this country we walk on the right.” His female colleague—about a generation older— said, “Shh, don’t say that.”

It may have been the immediate chastising given by the female colleague. Or perhaps it was my green disposition in the face of perceived authority figures. I swallowed my objection and moved on.

This is not the worst example of discrimination that I have faced in life, but I did regret my silence. I learned that sometimes you need to find courage to speak up in the moment. Sometimes your voice will help another. That single moment also taught me about internal locus of control versus external locus of control; sometimes silence can give the upper hand to an external factor when you need to control your own destiny.

I will follow my true North and strive to add value in life. I am so grateful that this path has not involved feelings of sacrifice on my part.”

THE ART AGENCY

The Art Agency is a locally-owned, minority, woman-owned business that specializes in connecting commercial clients with talented local artists. Their mission is to bring beauty and creativity to every space, and to support the growth and success of our community's artists.

EMILY CARL

After a successful retail career, Emily Carl was inspired by a fellow artist to return to her lifelong passion for painting. Changing professions can be daunting but her advice is, “Pursue it and don’t listen to that voice in your head that says you can’t”.

STACEY WILLIAMS

Fine Art photographer Stacey Williams has spent years traveling the world shooting dramatic and breathtaking images in pursuit of the ‘perfect shot’ by mastering techniques including drone and still photography.

NADIA FAIRLAMB

Stepping into artist Nadia Fairlamb’s studio, deep in the valley of Waimanalo, one gets a sense of Zen amid sprays of paint, wood and resin. Her broad palette of art technique has enabled her to create unique and beautiful works across many mediums.

The energy, resilience and initiative to succeed

“We have a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We want people who aren’t afraid of very ambitious goals and tough challenges.”

Shelee Kimura President and CEO Hawaiian Electric

Gabrielle Richter PRESIDENT ACCEL EVENTS & TENTS

How would you introduce yourself to a stranger?

Hi, I’m Gabrielle. President of Accel Events & Tents. Momma and wife. Canadian grateful to be living and working in Hawai‘i with my family for the past six years.

In the next 10 years, what do you hope to see in your industry?

I hope Hawai‘i continues to elevate itself as a world-class event destination. The pandemic brought the event vendor

ecosystem together in a way we’d never seen before. I want us to harness that newfound collaboration to strengthen our industry’s collective talent, to further attract economic activity to the islands.

What do you love most about your job? My job has taken me to every corner of the islands and allowed me to work with incredible people. Last year we serviced over 4,000 weddings, graduations, celebrations of life, and other deeply meaningful events at breathtaking

venues across Hawai‘i. It’s sincerely a professional privilege to help Hawai‘i gather and celebrate.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career?

I’ve always worked in hospitality and events; these are year-round operations often with peak activity over weekends. The reality is that schedule is challenging for any family life. I try to prioritize instead of the pursuit of the elusive “balance.” It works MOST of the time, but sometimes it’s frankly a flop. My family supports me and knows I genuinely love what I do. I hope that inspires them in their own career pursuits.

What has been the biggest reward?

Rebuilding our company out of COVID. While Accel is 25 years old, the repeated shut down of the event industry was deeply crippling for a company with the warehouse and fleet infrastructure we maintain. When I started at the company two years ago, we were down to 10 employees and, slowly, we’ve been able to rebuild to over 100 again. Scaling has been deeply challenging but seeing us back to full operations again today feels tremendous. I’m proud of our team for getting us there!

How have you grown and pivoted in the past five years?

I’ve spent most of my career as an event planner and a venue manager. Pivoting to a vendor position—at the height of the pandemic—was both terrifying and exhilarating. I’ve actually been a customer of my own company, so I felt I could contribute a unique client experience to its management. I hope that translates as we continue the evolution of a bespoke customer and operational experience for our clients.

I want us to harness that newfound collaboration to strengthen our industry’s collective talent...”

Joy Kimura

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR

HAWAII LECET

How do you define success?

I define success as being in a position of financial and professional security that allows me the opportunity to give back to others and the community. It’s extremely rewarding to be able to help others, and I try to lead by example to instill the importance of charity and philanthropy in my children.

What do you hope to see in your industry in the next 10 years?

The construction industry is constantly evolving. Within the next 10 years, I’m hoping that increasingly sustainable methods and materials will be used, which will make construction more environmentally friendly. Hopefully, technological advances will also provide innovative tools, systems, and techniques which will make construction faster, safer, and more efficient.

What do you love most about your job?

Construction is very diverse and has many different components. I love the fact that I’m always learning!

Since I started working for Hawaii LECET, I have learned about building codes, different types of construction (industrial, residential, commercial, infrastructure), the various work that different construction trade unions are responsible for, safety and compliance requirements for service, maintenance and public works construction projects, etc. I have also met many wonderful people, some of whom have taken the time to mentor me and teach me important aspects of this industry.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

At the moment, supply chain issues and rising material costs are challenges that are affecting the construction industry. Supply chain issues are a problem since some materials are not readily available. Currently, cement is in short supply which has led to rationing here in Hawai‘i. Low inventory nationwide has led to stockpiling, which increases the already high cost of construction materials. Permitting delays and rising interest rates also lead to uncertainty and increased costs.

What are some words of advice for an exit strategy?

I like this quote by Richie Norton: “Exits are great, but it’s better to do it as a choice, not a consequence of bad moda operandi.”

What do you do for fun?

I always enjoy spending time with my family and friends. When I have time to myself, I like to golf. I find it relaxing to be outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air. Since I started golfing, my ability to focus, concentrate, and attention to detail have strengthened. I also enjoy gardening. Right now, I’m trying to grow different types of miniature teacup roses.

Describe your ideal day. I’m always on the go, so my ideal day would start by sleeping in, followed by a breakfast of Cheetos and Coke and spend the rest of my day at home bingewatching Netflix.

What are some surprising lessons you learned in becoming a leader?

I never thought of myself as a leader, but I was able to grow into leadership positions by helping others. A few years ago, I joined Soroptimist International of Honolulu (SIH), a nonprofit organization that helps women and girls achieve economic empowerment through education. This year, as President-elect, I was responsible for service projects, which was new for me. I wasn’t sure if my first service project would be successful, but our school supply drive collected a record-breaking $6,000 in cash donations and supplies, which were donated to the Institute for Human Services. I have found that by helping others, I’m able to learn the necessary skills to become a leader and grow personally and professionally.

As you reflect back on your life and career, would you change anything personally or professionally?

My daughter recently asked me a similar question and I told her I wouldn’t change anything. Even though our family went through a period of hardship and adversity, it taught us resourcefulness, resilience and perseverance. All of us would not have achieved our level of success without the lessons gained from those experiences. However, if I could go back in time, I would honor my intuition. There are many instances in the past where I followed logic over my intuition and my intuition was always correct.

I have found that by helping others, I’m able to learn the necessary skills to become a leader and grow personally and professionally.”

How do you define success?

Success is being a dynamic thought leader and role model for others and having a positive impact on the global and local communities that I am part of. Being a servant leader who strives to do good for society through my accomplishments and someone who balances work life and family life with dedication to both.

What do you hope to see in your industry in the next 10 years?

Working as a senior strategic advisor in the energy, environment, and ESG policy areas, I hope to see Hawai‘i continue to be a world leader in sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion. From our corner in the Pacific we are leading on clean energy, healthcare, and environmental policies.

We come from an indigenous Native Hawaiian host culture with deep respect for the land, people, and community. There is a very multicultural, multiethnic mix of people in our state, and that diversity brings richness. We live by the Native Hawaiian values of stewardship of land and caring for people.

Having more women leaders in key positions in business and government will make a positive difference too. Women are good strategic thinkers and effective listeners and collaborators who can accomplish strategic actions. Resilience requires being able to pivot, revise, reset, and improve actions for desired outcomes.

What do you love most about your job?

I enjoy being a problem solver who helps address challenges for an organization and works in growth industry areas with innovators and entrepreneurs. Meeting interesting people from all over the world and learning about their cultures and communities through my consultant work is also very rewarding.

Lorraine H. Akiba PRESIDENT/CEO LHA VENTURES

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

First are climate change impacts that are not good for the environment, people, and the economic bottom line. It can disrupt supply chains, workforce, and critical infrastructure. As more activist investors influence board management, it is critical for organizations to undertake measurable actions to decarbonize operations and reduce environmental impacts to their supply chains.

The other key area is social. It is important in every sector that companies don’t just talk about aspirations—they must tangibly demonstrate diversity and equity. Today’s customers are prosumers and social media has become a powerful tool with significant impacts. Consciousness has been raised around justice and equity. It is a national issue that needs to be addressed.

What are some words of advice for an exit strategy?

If someone feels the need for a change in what they are doing professionally, then it’s good to handle such a transition as you would any other important work project. Diligently prepare and plan for it. Maximize other career opportunities with contacts in your network, analyze your career alternatives, and assess what unique skills you have that will be best utilized in the identified new endeavor.

What do you do for fun?

I am an enthusiastic ballroom dancesport competitor just like in the television show “Dancing With the Stars.” Competitive ballroom dancesport is great exercise for your body and mind and a healthy way to de-stress. I have always done dancing and love all types, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, salsa, hula, and Afro-Cuban dance.

Describe your ideal day. My ideal day is one that starts with productive accomplishment of tasks and powering through emails, meetings and conference calls for clients and organization boards that I serve on. I like to balance my day with focusing on personal health and physical well-being after work is done.

Having time to take a dance class or working out at the fitness center recharges me with positive energy in mind and spirit, and good thoughts. I then have the evening spent with family to share the highlights of our day over dinner at a favorite restaurant and relaxing at home with our pet ‘ohana.

What are some surprising lessons you learned in becoming a leader?

An unexpected lesson learned is most people are not solely driven by personal financial gain in undertaking difficult work. Often the strongest motivation for achieving good outcomes for projects that I have led is good teamwork and making people feel appreciated for their professionalism, diligence, and hard work. Also setting an example as a team leader is the most important factor in realizing optimal productivity and results.

As you reflect back on your life and career, would you change anything personally or professionally?

No. During one’s lifetime, there will be positive highlights and challenging experiences. My view is we learn from the negative experiences and mistakes made to become a stronger and better persons for having gone through them. All the things I have experienced in my career and personal life have made me who I am today.

What are two of the most important milestones of your career?

My career as a complex commercial and business litigation attorney gave me the skill sets as a leader to come into a crisis

situation and turn around a critical challenge for the better. Such as when I was the first female Director of Labor for the State of Hawai‘i and addressed the deep economic recession from 1995-1998 which included plant closings, dislocation of workers in agriculture and tourism industries, and reductions in force in the public sector. We were able to leverage federal and state resources to assist dislocated workers, re-train community members for new jobs in economic growth sectors and facilitate sustainable development in new growth sectors like information technology.

As a Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commissioner, I was the only commissioner from Hawai‘i ever to serve on the Board of the National Association of Public Utility Regulatory Commissioners where I contributed at the national level on utility and regulatory policy matters. This national leadership role also involved me in global energy policy and regulatory work with international countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America, and with multilateral organizations like USAID, the U.S. State Department, Asian Development Bank and Inter-American Development Bank which I continue today in my consultancy practice.

How have you grown and pivoted in the past five years?

During the last five years, I have focused on building a strong and supportive network for women through my involvement in national and local professional organizations that empower and enable women to succeed. Having accomplished many of my career goals as a woman professional over the years, I am now dedicated to being a mentor to other women just starting their careers and helping them to achieve leadership positions in business and government.

Women Entrepreneurs Encouraged To Think Bigger About Financing.

HAWAII IS A GREAT PLACE FOR WOMEN

ENTREPRENEURS. The U.S. Census Bureau shows our state is number one in the nation for the percentage of women-owned businesses. And what’s more, women business owners are major contributors to our economy.

Central Pacific Bank’s Susan Utsugi understands this well and is a leader in promoting women entrepreneurship.

“Statistics show that while more than 40% of businesses are owned by women, revenue levels do not scale as quickly as their male counterparts,” says Utsugi. “Capital fuels growth, and what we're finding is that access to capital can sometimes be an obstacle. It's not that they aren’t getting approved at the same rate as men, but based on research we see, women entrepreneurs are more cautious about taking on debt because of the perceived risks debt can bring. As such, we recommend they consult with a banker early on to get the best financing program for their needs.”

Utsugi admits that taking out a loan can feel daunting, and so there is hesitation. Or when applying for a loan, many scale back on the amount that they really need.

“But at the end of the day, debt to fund smart growth is a good thing,” Utsugi explains. “We encourage business owners to work with their banker to advise how best to do so, so they will feel comfortable, equipped and confident as entrepreneurs.”

In its continued efforts to support women entrepreneurs, CPB has developed the WE by Rising Tide program, which provides tools on financial management for access to capital, as well as access to markets and access to networks. The program is in partnership with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and

Leadership, funded by CPB Foundation and aio Foundation. The program is currently underway in its second year with 19 women entrepreneurs.

To learn more about CPB ’s business services, visit cpb.bank/ business-banking. To learn about WE by Rising Tide, visit risingtidehawaii.com.

- SUSAN UTSUGI, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND BUSINESS BANKING DIVISION MANAGER, CENTRAL PACIFIC BANK

“Women entrepreneurs work really, really hard. It's gratifying to help them achieve their goals and dreams.”

Shelee Kimura

PRESIDENT & CEO HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY

In the next 10 years, what do you hope to see in your industry?

Nationally, the electric utility industry is starting to be looked upon as an important nexus for societal transformation to combat climate change—to both prepare for it and slow the current trajectory.

Hawai‘i has been moving in this direction for over a decade, and last year Hawaiian Electric voluntarily set a goal to reduce our carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. This goes beyond the U.S. economy-wide target of 50 percent. We see this as a down payment to kick-start the decarbonization of the rest of Hawai‘i’s economy. We have also proposed plans to improve the resilience of our grids to be ready for more frequent and severe storms.

However, on both fronts, everyone plays a part in the rate of success we will have because it requires alignment of public policy, customer choices and behaviors, community priorities and equitable and affordable pathways to get to the end goal. Everyone can be and must be a part of this and success means no one gets left behind.

In this decade, we all have to act, not just plan and study. We have a window of time to both change the course of climate change and prepare for what is already in motion, but science tells us time is running short. The key is that we all have to have the resolve to do our part and work together.

What do you love most about your job?

I love that I have the opportunity to lead Hawaiian Electric in this critical time, to work alongside others who inspire me every day and to work collectively toward a stronger and more sustainable future for Hawai‘i. We serve almost every family and businesses in Hawai‘i, and we have big goals to achieve that will improve the well-being of the people, economy, and natural resources of our state. That’s both humbling and fulfilling.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

In Hawai‘i, one of the biggest challenges is we have many priorities with finite resources. For example, we need largescale solar farms. We also need more affordable housing, agricultural lands so we can grow our own food and also land that’s preserved for conservation. That’s why we need to look at more holistic planning and at the big picture to find a way this all fits together rather than being limited by either/or choices.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career? What has been the biggest reward?

Some would say that I have made sacrifices for my career, but I would reframe that. I have made sacrifices for the work that I believed could play a part in shaping Hawai‘i’s and my children’s future, outcomes that I thought had a meaning much bigger than the work itself. One of the greatest sacrifices I have made is time. I believe time is one of life’s

greatest treasures and we must be very careful how we spend it.

At any point in your life, you want to be able to look back and feel good about how you spent your time. With that in mind, I often questioned the time I spent on work that took away from family time, yet always believing that my work was ultimately benefiting my family. The biggest rewards are actually the little hints in life that you’re making the right choices. A recent example is when I found out that my 18-year old daughter had to write an essay about her most inspirational teacher and it would be about “Mom.” Or when a young dad told me he shared my story with his daughter so she can see what’s possible for a local, public school girl. It’s those kinds of things that are the greatest rewards.

As you reflect back on your life and career, would you change anything personally or professionally?

I wouldn’t want to change anything, really. Everything happens for a reason. The mistakes I’ve made have shaped me, made me wiser, drove me to be better, and allowed me to laugh at myself even though some mistakes require a bit of time to get to that point! The many choices and decisions I make each day, especially after those missteps, define my long-term success in work and life.

One of the greatest sacrifices I have made is time. I believe time is one of life’s greatest treasures and we must be very careful how we spend it.”

Julie Yunker

DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY, GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

HAWAII GAS

In the next 10 years, what do you hope to see in your industry?

It’s such an exciting time to be in the energy sector! Particularly as someone who embraces change, I love the transformation to a decarbonized future. At Hawaii Gas, due partly to our isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, innovation has long been the company’s mantra. A little-known fact locally: HG is a global leader in the use of hydrogen in our pipeline fuel mix, a carbon neutral fuel that’s been an integral part of our business for decades. We continue to develop our hydrogen and renewable natural gas initiatives and see it as a major part of our clean energy future. Our SNG is another example—recycling a byproduct that had no useful value and creating synthetic natural gas over 20 years ago, long before recycling waste products was commercially viable. When you live and work on an island, you figure out how to make it work.

What do you love most about your job?

I’m one of those people who embraces change. I get bored otherwise! The energy and utility sectors are in the midst of major and vitally important change, and I’m honored to be at some of those tables. Being there as we cultivate new renewable energy innovations, as we take a hard look at our sustainability and figure out what changes we can make, what markers we need to meet, advancements that can be made to meet the state’s clean energy goals, and so much more. In life, sometimes it’s only in hindsight that we realize we were in the midst of something major. In energy and environment right now, we know it in real time. We’ve got to get this right.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work for a wonderful female CEO who has really supported me in leading the charge for developing and releasing the first annual Sustainability Report by Hawaii Gas. It’s definitely been one of the biggest and most important projects I’ve ever undertaken, and I’m incredibly proud of the company and the final report we’ve released.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career?

I’m like most of us. I’m balancing life and family and career and still trying to keep all the balls in the air at all times. Early in my career when we lived in San Diego, I received a huge promotion, which of course I was thrilled about. But it soon became obvious I couldn’t do it all. My son, now 15, was still very young, and my career was dramatically and adversely impacting our family life. So I did what I knew was right—I stepped down from that promotion to have more of me for my family. I’ve never regretted that decision. All these years later, I know now what I didn’t know then. Our careers have a long runway, often paved by the women who’ve come before us. We may not be able to do everything all at once, but we can make meaningful and important impacts in both our jobs and our families.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

It’s not a failure per se, but a life event. While I was on the Big Island for a business conference, our house on O‘ahu burned to the ground. My husband called me of course, to report that he, our son, and our dogs were fine, and I caught the first plane home. My initial reaction was similar to my husband’s—we’re all fine. I’m fine. We’ve got this. But it was a lot to process, and I wasn’t the same high-functioning professional or wife or parent than I normally was.

During that entire period, so many women friends, including my core group of amazing girlfriends and my newly fostered sisters in the Patsy Mink

Leadership Program reached out, offered help, introduced valuable resources, and sometimes just made me laugh. I realize now those “amazing women” helped me navigate one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced. Women know. They understand. And even in the most elevated, prestigious leadership positions in the state, we are still moms and wives and sisters and daughters.

As you reflect back on your life and career, would you change anything personally or professionally?

This is something I think about all the time—what would I have done differently. You can constantly think about how you could have done this or that better. But this is one where I stop myself and look around at the life I have built. I have a wonderful husband, and amazingly smart, resilient and well adjusted son, great friends and a wonderful community. I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth with a great job that constantly challenges me. If I had done things differently, I wouldn’t be here now. Being in Hawai‘i has really made me appreciate where I am now and the importance of giving back.

What scares you about the future?

I’m a big believer in leaving the world better than we found it. I’m outdoorsy— water sports, hiking, camping—and I’m constantly awed by nature, its resiliency, and its fragility. I worry that the divisiveness that seems to have taken over much of the world in recent years is doing so much damage to our natural resources, our common purpose, and our shared commitment to leave this place better than we found it.

I realize now those ‘amazing women’ helped me navigate one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced.”

AlohaHP Has Arrived

Aloha Hospitality Professionals (AlohaHP) is ushering staffing solutions into a brighter future.

As Hawai‘i’s premier, next-level staffing agency, AlohaHP is active in the three verticals of hospitality, customer service/ administration, and warehouse. It’s also a prominent woman-owned business spearheaded by the hardworking and accomplished Kat Lin-Hurtubise. “We’re proud to be a company that provides warm hearts, rather than warm bodies,” says Hurtubise, founder and CEO of AlohaHP. “At AlohaHP, we’re committed to empowering and inspiring our temporary staff members through our premier resources and unique growth opportunities.”

Today, the company has recruited, trained, and inspired over 10,000 people from all over the world to seek excellence in their placements while introducing them to career paths they might have otherwise never pursued. It’s AlohaHP’s novel approach to temporary staffing that sets this business apart and above its competitors within the marketplace. By positioning at the forefront not only their relationship to their clients but also their relationships

with their temp staff, AlohaHP is changing the way staffing solutions operate—to significantly improved results.

“There are so many reasons clients seek our services, from curbing upfront labor costs to increasing their productivity,” says Steve Scher, Chief Operating Officer of AlohaHP. “AlohaHP is proud to serve as a one-stop shop that handles all aspects of temporary staffing, including payroll, HR, and day-to-day staff management. We are committed to hiring exceptional humans for exceptional companies.”

To provide their clients with top talent, AlohaHP utilizes one of its many vital assets—its intranet-based sourcing and recruiting process. The AlohaHP Intranet is a fantastic resource that affords opportunities for its team members to advance, grow, and learn from each other in their quest to become the best version of themselves. Along with the Intranet, staff are trained weekly through the Aloha Academy on the “10 Golden Rules of Aloha,” which prepares them to encounter new labor opportunities and put their best foot forward wherever they choose to work. It's this access to a wide network

of support, education, mentorship opportunities, and development programs that gives their staff a leg up while ensuring excellence for their clients.

AlohaHP is also bringing its serving heart approach to the wider community through HAND UP!, a unique Community Partnership Program designed to strengthen Hawai‘i’s workforce by providing a hand up through temporary and permanent job opportunities. Partnering with workforce development nonprofits across Hawai‘i, AlohaHP is committed to serving as a hand up for talented and caring people to return to the workforce empowered, confident, and inspired.

Born and bred in Hawai‘i, AlohaHP is proud to bring the aloha spirit to the mainland and beyond with its new endeavor NxtGen Staffing, which utilizes the successful model Hurtubise has crafted, tested, and honed. As AlohaHP looks to the future with a bright and clarified focus, they remain committed to leveling up by drawing out greatness from everyone on their team.

Julie Nakayama

VICE PRESIDENT AND CFO KYO-YA MANAGEMENT COMPANY

How would you introduce yourself to a stranger?

Building connections with people is important to me. I’m a believer that true, genuine connections are made without titles. I love meeting people and the best part is discovering a shared interest or experience, which in turn, leads to a friendship.

In the next 10 years, what do you hope to see in your industry?

The sustainability and stability of the hotel industry are essential. We can achieve this when everyone in Hawai‘i is able to work together towards a common goal. It is our kuleana to inspire travelers to discover the true essence of beauty. By connecting with our host culture and local community on a deeper and emotional level, tourists can learn about themselves while positively impacting the destination through sustainable tourism practices which include job creation, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental conservation for our future generations.

Kyo-ya is committed to protecting the environment through our sustainable business practices, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and localized purchasing to provide our guests with luxurious accommodations and signature service while conserving our precious natural resources. We have implemented energy and water efficiency projects at our properties since the late ’90s. From LED lighting upgrades to PV panels to a cogen plant at the Sheraton Waikiki. We remain committed to buying as much local food for our restaurants. We aim to be a responsible stakeholder in Hawai‘i’s quest toward sustainability.

What do you love most about your job?

I don’t see it as just my job—it’s my career. It’s knowing that what we do at the hotel matters, especially when you do things the right way. With the Kyo-ya ‘Ohana, it’s about being respectful and striving to be true to the Kyo-ya values,

which are to take care of your employees and be good stewards of the land.

I’m proud that I have a seat at the table for a lot of the major decisions that happen at the hotel. When you see how your personal values reflect those of the Osano Family, you feel good about your career. I’m extremely proud to be part of the Kyo-ya ‘Ohana. My husband can attest to the fact that I do truly love coming to work each day.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

Creating a generational and respectful visitor. The kind of visitor who has come here with their grandparents and parents, and longs to bring their children and grandchildren. This is what has made Hawai‘i great…when we are able to create generational visitors, combined with a generational workforce.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career? Without a doubt, it’s trying to constantly find that balance between being a wife and mother, and being a leader in the hotel industry. It’s that delicate balance of not feeling guilty of wanting it all to be successful, while making sacrifices to be there for your family.

What has been the biggest reward? My family is my biggest reward. But even bigger than that…it’s my family that allows me to be successful at work— because I know they support me. This is rooted in Kyo-ya’s deep belief in its people, especially those who have given many, many years. Each time I meet a Kyo-ya retiree, I make it a point to go up to that retiree’s family members and thank them for sharing them with us.

A good example was a recent retiree from Sheraton Maui who spent 58 years with us. I asked her what her keys to success were, and she responded, “…loving your work family as much as your own family.”

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

Failure reminds you to remain humble. Even when something goes seemingly perfect, there’s still something else to improve.

It’s important not to focus on the past. It’s in the past for a reason. You can only control what lies ahead of you, and try to move forward. You cannot ever change the “would’ve” and “could’ve,” but you can choose to focus on how you plan to do better each day.

What makes you stand out as a leader? Even with 25 years in the hospitality industry, I value continuous learning and improvement for myself and those around me. I strive to build strong and trusting relationships with all the people around me—up, down, left and right. That means starting every communication not with my qualifications but our goals. I want everyone to know that we succeed and fail together. I try to put myself in others’ shoes. And try to look at things from their point of view and seek to understand. I think it’s that pursuit of the why—why they feel that way and the how—how we can make things better.

I’m thankful to be working at a company that supports women in leadership. It's a privilege to be able to continue to build on what Mr. Osano believed in: The legacy of our people and our hotels. Leadership is the stewardship of the lives entrusted to you. The higher you go in a company, it’s about finding joy in others’ successes, which in turn makes you and the company successful. When success breeds success, you’re able to build loyalty together. It’s also about being authentic. You want to be that leader who people aspire to be…realizing that everything you do communicates values, goals, and aspirations.

Kelsey Poaha

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

HI CLASS DENTAL LEARNING CENTER

How do you define success?

Whether it involves my work, my community service or my personal life, I define success by asking myself these questions:

• Do I enjoy what I do and do I do it well?

• Am I the best person I can be?

• Am I making a difference in someone’s life in word or deed?

If the answer to all these questions is a yes, I have succeeded in my purpose.

What do you hope to see in your industry in the next 10 years?

Having good dental health is essential and vital to a healthy life. Developing healthy habits in our oral hygiene routine can prevent future ailments in our general health.

I hope to see a future where dentistry is affordable, where people will understand the importance of taking preventive measures in their daily oral care, and seeing the dental community continue to thrive with innovative technology to achieve efficient procedures while providing patient comfort.

I also envision our future generation excited to discover a career in dentistry where they can play a key role in creating the confidence in someone’s smile.

What do you love most about your job? There is nothing better than seeing confidence bloom in our students.

Many of our students come to us shy and unsure whether they have what it takes to be employed in the dental field. Our program teaches not only dental assisting skills, but we work to develop

and grow good character and work ethic in our students. We believe in their great potential to succeed.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

Dental service can be expensive and as a result people will neglect their dental care. Through private and public effort, we need to get to a place where excellent dental care is affordable to everyone. It’s about education, awareness, and committed care providers.

Another challenge is having well-trained staff. The struggle with newly hired inexperienced employees affects the timeliness in dental procedures. This is where I believe our program is able to provide valuable skill sets to our students to equip them for employment.

What advice would you give yourself? “Extraordinary things can happen in the space between who you are and who you are becoming.”

I once read this passage that resonated within me: You evolve into who you are meant to be, and every change, every experience you have, sews together the fabric of your life.

The advice I would give myself is: “You have a story to tell. Trust your ability, trust your mind and your strength to be limitless and in the end it will reveal someone truly remarkable who has made a difference in this world.”

What do you do for fun?

I love traveling and exploring the world. I enjoy the excitement in researching my destination and experiencing all of my planned activities.

Here at home, fun for me is simple. It’s as simple as a walk in the park, lunch with a friend, or going to the movies with my two boys.

Describe your ideal day. I begin with prayer, seeking to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and having wisdom to know the difference.

Balance is so important to fulfill my purpose. Fulfillment comes when I reflect back on my day, finishing the things that need to be done, enjoying a fun activity with my two boys and making memories with people who are dear to me.

And then of course, there’s coffee and a spa day…

What are some surprising lessons you learned in becoming a leader? Great leaders are servants who are accountable to inspire, empower, and have compassion for others.

A few lessons I learned about being a leader:

• Boundaries are very important and should include the magic word NO.

• Time management includes selfcare without the guilt

• Effective communication is essential. You waste more time trying to resolve an issue that stemmed from poor communication.

• I’ve also learned that great leaders don’t always have to have all the answers. They just need to know how to go about finding it.

You have a story to tell. Trust your ability, trust your mind and your strength to be limitless and in the end it will reveal someone truly remarkable who has made a difference in this world.”

CONGRATULATIONS, JULIE NAKAYAMA!

KYO-YA HOTELS & RESORTS CELEBRATES

JULIE NAKAYAMA, VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF

FINANCIAL OFFICER, ON HER RECOGNITION AND DEDICATION TO OUR HOTELS AND THE COMMUNITY.

Julie honors Kyo-ya Hotel & Resorts’ Core Values of Pono, Ho‘oilina and ʻ Ohana every day.

Elevate your self care.

MASSAGE

HYDROTHERAPY BODY WRAPS

ÉMINENCE ORGANIC FACIALS

PRO FACIAL PEELS

HYDRAFACIAL

NATURAL & GEL NAIL CARE

WAXING & THREADING

CUT, COLOR & TREATMENT

You deserve it.

A tranquil oasis in the heart of downtown Honolulu

Linda Jameson Myers

VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT ASSETS SCHOOL

What are some of your recent career achievements?

I am proud of Assets School’s Transforming Lives Center which opened to the community in June. It is Hawai‘i’s first private school-based full resource center for K-12 students who are homeschooling or attending a public, private, or charter school. Our Clinical Director assesses struggling students for dyslexia, and other language-based learning differences. The Center was funded by a grant and annual operations are funded by new grants. It took a year to build it out from start to finish, which was fast given we were in the height of the pandemic. Once completed, we held a blessing and grand opening.

We have been impressed by the number of parents and grandparents who are noticing their children or grandchildren are not where they should be and seeking answers. We were concerned hundreds of students fell behind academically during the pandemic. We wanted to be part of the solution. Once a family has insight into their child's learning profile it becomes a tool for them and the child’s teachers. One style of teaching does not fit all children. It’s important for families to find the right environment and education for their children.

I am also proud of Assets School’s 65th Anniversary one-hour television show I wrote, produced and directed to educate the community about learning differences. We are grateful to The Queen's Health Systems for underwriting the cost of the show.

Did your career in the news help you to decide to create the show?

Yes, I was a news producer for many years before becoming an anchorwoman and news reporter in California and Hawai‘i. I really enjoy producing and being behind the scenes but every aspect of being in a newsroom is exciting.

How did you transition from news to philanthropy?

I transitioned from news into a career in corporate communications, community relations, and business development for a technology firm. I was blessed to be part of two exciting cutting-edge companies when the tech sector was just taking off in Hawai‘i. First, I had the honor of being part of the Science & Technology International – U.S. Navy Airship Program. I traveled with the airship as it performed eye-in-the-sky operations and managed all the community relations, public relations, and official visits from Virginia to San Diego. The second firm was Trex Enterprises Corporation which specializes in millimeter-wave imaging. As the Vice President of Business, I negotiated projects and product sales with government agencies and defense firms which required a lot of travelling.

A friend shared with me information about a position at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children. I thought it would be great to put my skills in business development toward a notfor-profit organization and rally behind helping children. It was a fantastic new chapter—philanthropy. As the Senior Director of Development, I was fortunate

to be part of a dynamic team raising $35 million for Kapi‘olani’s new Diamond Head Tower. It is an amazing place where miracles take place every day.

What drives you?

I have always been driven to make a difference. It was rewarding reporting on historical events, to promoting technologies that saved lives or protected our nation, to now helping families afford Assets School by raising millions of dollars for tuition assistance and capital improvements.

What advice would you give a young person?

Follow your dreams and do not give up. It takes a lot of work but if you love what you do, it will not feel like work. Introduce yourself to people you admire or are in the position you desire to be in. Ask them to mentor you. Keep learning by reading, listening, and observing. Do not be afraid of change because with change comes growth and opportunities. Volunteer in your community or for your favorite charitable causes. You will meet wonderful people all striving to make a difference. There is a wonderful poem by Linda Ellis called “The Dash.” I highly recommend reading it from time to time.

Overall, it is important to stay balanced with your career goals, your family, and your health. You perform best when you are rested, eat healthily, and have exercised daily. Book your time to exercise as if it was an important meeting. When you find your career path and are balancing your family, you are a role model for your children. It might not feel like it at the time, but you are!

Lastly, always smile, share your gratitude daily, and read this quote:

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lisa Paulson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MAUI HOTEL AND LODGING ASSOCIATION

What are two of the most important milestones of your career?

Important milestones in my career have been while serving as the Director for MHLA. The first was when I was nationally recognized as a leader in workforce development while serving on the Advisory Board for the National Academy Foundation (NAF). Workforce Development for our youth continues to be a passion of mine. I believe strongly in providing opportunities for our youth in mentorship, internships, certificate training and scholarships. Providing for our youth now will lead to a brighter future for all of us.

The second milestone is being recognized as a thought leader for the industry. I have always had the goal to take my knowledge of policy engagement and advocacy and be a keynote speaker/ panelist for industry meetings and trade conventions. This June, I will be a featured speaker at the PRSA Travel and Tourism Conference. I hope this is the first of many engagement opportunities.

How have you grown and pivoted in the past five years?

A lot has happened over the last five years for all of us. For me, I tried to switch careers right before the pandemic arrived. I had to reinvent myself and try to get back to the work I enjoyed, and was blessed to play a role in assisting the industry from the governmental side during the height of the pandemic.

I knew then, as I do now, that helping and advocating for others is truly my life’s calling. During all the above transitions in my career, I had time to look inward and spend time working on my spiritual growth. Now, I am very blessed to be back in my role as the Executive Director for MHLA and working towards my certification as a meditation teacher.

What do you feel about spirituality?

Spirituality is necessary. I want to see the world as a kinder and better place. So, I focus on myself being a better person, especially after the pandemic made the world so much harder. We have seen so much fear and hatred being normalized that it really made me want to help the world. We all have dharma (life’s purpose). My dharma is to help others.

What are some misconceptions people have of your current role?

There is a misconception that I represent only big money, but my job is actually to represent the people who work in the hospitality industries that provide for families to live and thrive here on Maui. Many people don’t know how important it is to advocate for the hospitality and visitor industries. For there are many bills that if turned into laws, would hurt people’s ability to stay on island or provide for their families.

What do you hope to see in your industry in the next 10 years?

I would like to see a visitor industry that is more collaborative with the government and the community, ensuring revenues generated by the industry are used for infrastructure, and government leaders craft better legislation to protect jobs, the environment, and our communities. It is my hope that with our current efforts in educating the community and government leaders about the benefits of our industry and in supporting efforts for better destination management, the industry will be seen in a positive light. A foundation for additional opportunities can be set to diversify our economy through film, health and wellness, and alternative energy.

What are some hard lessons you had to learn in becoming a female leader? Growing up, we were taught women were not equal in business realms and although things are much better today, I still see different rules for men than women.

Why did you choose to live where you do? My husband and I chose to live in Paia because we are water people and we always loved windsurfing. The north shore of Maui is one of the best windsurfing coasts in the world and it is not too far of a commute to work.

What are some of your daily routines? I meditate every morning and work in my garden. At night, I like a glass of wine as I wind down and finish my work.

Did you always want to go into this line of work?

No! I was in music, sang opera and worked with an orchestra in my early adult life. I received a certificate in nonprofit management from UCLA thinking I would be helping nonprofits of the art world. But on Maui, there weren’t as many opportunities for that goal. So, I followed the health and nonprofit industries and fell in love with advocacy along the way.

Spirituality is necessary.

I want to see the world as a kinder and better place.”

Janet Kwong

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

HAWAIIAN BUILDING MAINTENANCE

AND HBM RESTORATION

What do you define success as?

Whether it’s my career or my personal life, I typically set out a vision for what I want to achieve. Success means accomplishing these goals while embracing all the lessons learned throughout the journey.

What do you hope to see in your industry in the next 10 years?

I hope to see continued growth in our industry. I anticipate finding synergies in the work we do, allowing our company to expand our service offerings to new and existing clients.

What do you love most about your job?

I love the team camaraderie we’ve built at the company. Our company’s success is defined by the contributions of our employees.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

As with other industries, one of the biggest challenges is finding and retaining good employees, as people are at the core of our services. There is tough competition out there for good people.

What are some words of advice for an exit strategy?

When ending an existing relationship with a client, we try to remain professional and help the client through a smooth transition. Hawai‘i is a small community and you may end up working with the same individuals again in some other capacity.

When leaving an employment, you should always try your best to ensure a smooth transition as well. Wrap up existing projects, document important processes and procedures that are handled exclusively by you, and train your successor or supervisor on key tasks to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. How you handle your exit will leave a lasting impression.

As you reflect back on your life and career, would you change anything personally or professionally?

When I look back, I wish I could have taken more risks in both my professional and personal life. Growing up, I had always been more of a cautious person, playing it safe. As I’ve gotten older, I now see the benefits of taking calculated risks, which is sometimes needed to achieve one’s goals.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy traveling with my family and friends to explore new adventures. Engaging in good conversations over a delicious meal is always a treat. My competitive spirit comes through during family game nights over classics like Pictionary and Taboo.

Describe your ideal day

My ideal day starts with being in a bustling foreign city and exploring the sights, foods, and traditions of the local culture.

What are some surprising lessons you learned in becoming a leader?

It is important to listen to others as they have different perspectives that could be insightful. In the end, if there are differing opinions, the leader will need to make the tough decisions.

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Marianne Martin

GENERAL MANAGER WHALERS COVE MANAGEMENT

How do you define success?

Before Covid, I probably would’ve had a totally different answer but after such an incredibly long shut down and watching so many businesses go UNDER, not sure about Kaua‘i but I believe almost 50 percent of the small businesses closed for good. I believe getting through that and managing to keep most of our staff would be defined as a success.

What do you hope to see in your industry in the next 10 years?

In the next 10 years, we hope taxes do not increase like they have. We hope to see development curtailed until infrastructure can support new accommodations.

What do you love most about your job?

This sounds crazy simple but it’s true. The best moments at Whalers Cove are when we check our guests in and take them to their condo. They see the view and the reactions are amazing.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

I think staffing shortages are impacting our industry and every industry on the island. Today I witnessed a mother telling her son the cost of living was so high on the island of Kaua‘i that she really recommended he look at options on the mainland even though he wanted to stay here.

I believe reports show that each year Hawai‘i is losing more and more residents due to the high cost of living and that affects every business that’s trying to hire. We have to find a way to lower the taxes in Hawai‘i so that more residents can afford to live here.

What are some words of advice for an exit strategy?

Honestly, I had one pre-Covid but this past three years has been a huge learning curve again and I’m rethinking that one.

What do you do for fun?

Photography is a passion and this location gives me so much to photograph. Going to the beach is always fun! I never get tired of our beautiful botanical garden right here in Poipu. And I strive to find moments to dance.

Describe your ideal day. An ideal day would be everything going as planned. Even as I answer this, I realize that the variety this job provides me and the surprises excite me and keep me going.

What are some surprising lessons you learned in becoming a leader?

Empowering your staff is the most important lesson. When I lived on O‘ahu, I worked for HONBLUE and I had an amazing boss, Matt Heim. He encouraged me to leap to every level. That’s how I learned to be a leader and I will forever be grateful.

What are two of the most important milestones of your career?

Being selected as Advertising Woman of the Year by the Advertising Federation opened up a lot of opportunities for me, such a complete surprise. I will remember that evening forever. Next we recently received a TripAdvisor award that put us in the best of the best across the nation, a tribute to how hard our staff works!

How have you grown and pivoted in the past five years?

Looking out to the community and finding areas where you can help has been the most exciting thing I’ve done. I fell in love with our elementary school in our neighborhood and started working with them. And we found a small organization on the west side of Kaua‘i that has become very important to myself and my staff, and we will continue to help them.

Erin Evans

CEO/BROKER/OWNER CENTURY 21 ISLAND HOMES

How would you introduce yourself to a stranger?

I would say, "Hi, I'm Erin," and then immediately ask about them. I’m much more interested in hearing the stories of others. People are very interesting!

What do you love most about your job?

For me, what I enjoy most about working in real estate is that every day brings something new to learn. With technology constantly evolving and the industry going through different cycles, there are always new challenges to face and opportunities to grow. But what truly excites me is the chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Whether I’m helping someone find their dream home or guiding them through a complex transaction, I feel like I’m making a difference every day.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

Affordability and inventory.

One of the most significant hurdles is affordability, which can change rapidly

based on interest rates. When rates are high, it can be harder for people to qualify for mortgages, leading to a decrease in demand for homes.

Economic uncertainty and instability can also lead to a drop in demand, as people become more cautious about making big purchases. Another major challenge is the supply and demand imbalance, which has led to a shortage of available housing in many markets, driving up prices and making it harder for people to find affordable homes.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you've made for your career?

One of the biggest sacrifices I’ve made for my career is time with my family. Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, especially when you’re striving to excel in your field. I've had to make tough choices and prioritize my career, knowing that it may have meant missing out on some important moments with my loved ones. But I also believe that by pursuing my professional goals, I'm setting an example for my

family and creating a better future for all of us.

What has been the biggest reward?

So far, the most rewarding aspect of my career has been opening my brokerage and being able to mentor and develop other agents. My vision has always been to focus on quality over quantity and attract people with integrity and a high level of customer care. Seeing my team grow and succeed has been incredibly fulfilling, and I feel proud of the impact we're making in our community.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

I don’t see failures as such; I see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Every experience, whether positive or negative, has taught me something valuable and helped me become a better version of myself.

What makes you feel like a boss?

It depends on the day, but there are a few things that make me feel like a boss. Sometimes, it’s overcoming a difficult challenge and achieving a positive outcome. Other times, it’s accomplishing a big goal or knowing that I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life. And on those days when I just need an extra boost, putting on a great pair of heels can make all the difference!

What scares you about the future? I do have some concerns about the rise of AI and technology and how it may impact human work. We’re seeing more and more automation in various industries, and I worry about people being replaced by machines.

However, I’m confident that there will always be a need for human agents in real estate. Buying or selling a home is a highly emotional process that requires empathy, advice, and negotiation skills. AI simply can’t replicate that human connection. As long as we continue to prioritize relationships and provide excellent customer service, I believe we’ll always have a place in this industry. AI is NOT capable of providing this guidance as we are in a relationship-driven business!

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Janayhé Self has over 11 years of experience as a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer with C2 Financial Corporation, a wholesale mortgage brokerage firm offering discount rates and fees with over 100 different local and national lenders.

Whether you are a first time home-buyer, a selfemployed business owner, a savvy investor, or a real estate agent looking to align your business with a seasoned professional, Janayhe understands our competitive purchase market and can efficiently close on time. She demonstrates an outstanding history of working in the real estate industry and roots run deep into the heart of the community. In addition, Janayhe is a Certified Military Home Specialist, and understands the level of care and detail that personnel face when they PCS to Hawaii. Janayhe is your first point of contact for qualifying your next purchase or refinance. You can find 5 star Google reviews of her work ethic online.

ELEMENTAL EXCELERATOR

Tiffany Huynh

DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

How would you introduce yourself to a stranger?

My name is Tiffany Huynh and I am Director of External Affairs at Elemental Excelerator. I was recently reminded that most family and friends have no idea what I do. Being in marketing for the majority of my career, it’s often hard for folks to grasp what that looks like day-to-day compared to being an accountant or teacher. Currently, I spend my time working to bring awareness about the effects of climate change and connect opportunities for collaboration in this space, whether through other organizations, policy, or students. Outside of work, I support a number of nonprofit boards, including Ho‘ala School, Ho‘ala Foundation for Education, HawaiiKidsCAN and Wastewater Alternatives Innovation (WAI).

Throughout my career, I have gotten more and more comfortable with being a jack of many trades but master of none. I used to crave mastery of a subject, industry or skill. But over the years, I have learned it is one of my greatest strengths—adaptability to cross industries and groups, while applying all of the transferable skills from lessons past. Amongst friends and colleagues, I am often the connector and network weaver. Since I have the privilege to learn about different people’s work, I will draw connections in my mind and help spur synergies. Whether it is climate, education, or uplifting community voices and perspectives, I see myself as a champion for the greater community, and use my seat to help where I can.

In the next 10 years, what do you hope to see in your industry?

Hawai‘i has done an amazing job at laying the groundwork for a transition to clean, local energy. We’ve more than tripled our renewable energy in the last dozen years. Now, we’re focused on

accelerating this transition, particularly in energy efficiency, transportation, and food. In the next 10 years, I hope to see these developments continue and not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also increase liveable wage jobs, better housing, healthy food options, and lower energy bills. And, with more federal funding backing climate initiatives, I’m hopeful that climate will be recognized as the foundation for all decisions that are made at every level.

What do you love most about your job? Just from being surrounded by my team, I am constantly reminded there are genuinely kind, smart and hard-working people in this world. I love that this is an organization based in Hawai‘i. When I first returned from working in Sydney, Australia, for a few years, I was worried about finding a role that aligned values with career. I often tell people this is my dream job. When I saw the job description, it felt surreal that all of my past experience and passion for bettering our environment came together in one role.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

We understand climate change is inextricably linked with the compounding injustices of poverty, racism, and displacement. As our industry spearheads the transition to a clean energy future, one of our biggest challenges is ensuring we’re being inclusive and equitable so affected communities are included in all the decision-making. We are also challenged by the prevalence of climate change propaganda, which impedes our ability to shift general awareness and inspire urgent action.

What has been the biggest reward? I always say everything happens for a reason. There are times in your career when you’re not sure if it's worth it to keep going—the easy decision is to step away.

There are many instances where you have to make the conscious decision to either lead or follow. Sometimes leading means you are stepping out and taking a chance on ideas and opinions that aren’t yet normalized.

I think the most rewarding moments have been a culmination of the many small wins that have helped me build the courage I needed to step out and speak up. I truly believe that a woman's gut and intuition is one of the strongest tools in our arsenal. I’ve learned to listen to mine.

At Elemental, we categorize things into Type 1 or Type 2 fun. You can think of Type 1 as fun in the traditional sense. Type 2 fun is vulnerable and difficult while you’re in it, but in the end all stakeholders come out with more clarity and a deeper perspective. In a world where our default culture often prioritizes perfectionism and exclusivity, it’s always helpful to pause and reflect on equity to examine the impact our actions have. The results of this are the most rewarding parts of my career.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is around making hiring decisions. I have made some missteps in hiring because of a self-imposed sense of urgency. I’ve learned that is the biggest mistake you can make in building a strong team. This is absolutely an area where patience is a virtue. You need to make sure the person is not only competent but more importantly values-aligned. Getting this right is the difference between a thriving company culture or a toxic one.

What makes you stand out as a leader? When you can be kind and firm in your beliefs all at the same time.

Kelly Simek

How would you introduce yourself to a stranger?

I am an energetic, goal-oriented, community-loving woman who loves to spread joy and help others. I am lucky to be abe to do both of those in both of my careers; hosting a lifestyle show and selling luxury real estate. I worked in the media as a news and weather anchor for nearly a decade before choosing to take over the lifestyle show, Living808. With this new position, I am able to take on KHON’s slogan of “Working for Hawaii” in a different way. Instead of just reporting, informing, or forecasting, I can now entertain and spread joy in a much bigger way, all while showcasing all that Hawai‘i has to offer. I also co-host Empowered, a show that features the importance of renewable energy and sustainability for our islands.

Since joining the Alesia Barnes Team at Compass, I am now working for

Hawai‘i through real estate. I take pride in making the home buying and selling process as enjoyable and timely as possible for my clients. I am on one of the state’s top producing teams, along with brilliant Realtors and brokers with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

In the next 10 years, what do you hope to see in your industry?

In real estate, I hope to see home buying more accessible to all, especially local Hawai‘i residents. For the media side, I am hoping to see adaptation and integration with the newest technology and platforms. Media sources are becoming more diverse and varied than ever before, and it will be exciting to keep up with the changes and put out content on the platforms with the most impact.

What do you love most about your job?

What I love most about both jobs is that they’re fun! I am thrilled to be part of a

show that showcases and celebrates my favorite parts of life and particularly life in Hawai‘i. We feature food, fashion, fitness, culture, and travel—truly everything that I’m most passionate about. On my show, I am able to bring entertainment and joy to our viewers while also inspiring them to live their best, most fulfilling life.

For real estate, I love making my clients comfortable and helping to make the process as seamless and easy as possible for them. It brings me joy to help other people, so working in real estate is fulfilling for me. Getting to tour Hawai‘i’s most luxurious homes is a plus, too.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing your industry?

In this day and age, there are a plethora of challenges in the real estate industry—from online scammers and fake agents or listings to the uncertainty

HOST OF LIVING808, REALTOR® KHON2, COMPASS HAWAII, ALESIA BARNES TEAM

of the economy and rising interest rates. In media, I think it’s making sure we are keeping up with the times, and the latest tech/platforms.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career?

Waking up every day at 2:30 a.m. for eight years straight. I am thrilled that is no longer my life, but I probably knocked a few years off my life from sleep deprivation.

What has been the biggest reward?

The biggest reward in both of my careers has been the feeling of fulfillment and purpose.

What failure taught you the biggest lesson?

I actually got turned down from a local news station while in my last year at UH. The news director told me that if I wanted to be an on-air talent right away that I would need to pay my dues working at a much smaller station in a much smaller town. I ended up getting hired at the bigger news station just a few months later. It just goes to show if one person doesn’t see your value or potential, it doesn’t mean it’s not there and that no one else will. Your value doesn't decrease based on someone else's inability to see your worth. Keep trying!

What makes you stand out as a leader?

I think my spirit is what makes me stand out the most. I am driven and hardworking, but more importantly I am kind and effervescent.

As you reflect back on your life and career, would you change anything personally or professionally?

I wish I knew my worth and what I deserved sooner, both personally and professionally...mostly personally.

What are two of the most important milestones of your career?

The most important milestones in my careers were the ones that I felt I took the reins and took control of my life. I loved reporting news and weather, but I felt those early mornings eating away at me. When I decided to move to the later show, it was a turning point for my career but also in life. I love the content of the lifestyle show, but I now love the new content of my actual lifestyle even more.

For my real estate career, the biggest milestone was choosing to start. Becoming a Realtor made me a businesswoman. I always have had my side hustles that I’ve worked hard at— social media, emcee work, conference speaking, etc., but real estate was the first that really made me feel like I started my own business. Real estate is one of the few professions where the effort you put into it is directly proportional to what you get out of it, and I am loving giving it my all.

How have you grown and pivoted in the past five years?

All of my big career changes have happened in the last three years, so the pivots are real. The biggest ways I have

grown have been a direct result of the people I am surrounded by. My closest real estate team members, Alesia, Aaron and Cammie, have been incredible mentors and have opened my eyes to all that this business can and should be, and how to professionally and effectively conduct myself. I truly feel that I am learning from the best.

At the station, I continue to work closely with my co-host John Veneri and our Living808 reporter Mikey Monis. They are both balls of energy and so much fun to be around, but we are also very serious and driven when it comes to putting out the best entertainment show for the people of Hawai‘i.

What makes you feel like a boss?

One particular stand-out time of feeling like a boss actually happened this summer. I was travelling in Europe for a couple weeks and opened escrow on two homes for two of my clients. Being able to set up meetings at 1 am in Amsterdam in order to negotiate and close deals from the other side of world felt like the epitome of being a boss babe.

What scares you about the future?

That it's unknown! I try to have a positive mental attitude in all facets of life though, so I like to turn any fear or uncertainty of the future into excitement for what could be. But also, climate change and that humanity may not have much of a future.

...I am able to bring entertainment and joy to our viewers while also inspiring them to live their best, most fulfilling life.”

Stephanie Lum

JOURNALIST, NEWS ANCHOR, HOST OF ‘MUTHASHIP’ PODCAST HAWAII NEWS NOW (KHNL, KGMB & KFVE)

How would you introduce yourself to a stranger?

I’m a local girl, born and raised in Hawai‘i. I graduated from Maryknoll High School and Seattle University. I anchor the 5, 5:30, 9 and 10 p.m. weeknight newscasts on Hawaii News Now and earned several awards including an Emmy.

Growing up, I was always curious. In college, I was a one-woman radio show host, reported for the university newspaper and was often seen lugging a tripod and camera, interviewing students and staying late nights while working on stories in the editing room. I wanted to learn from the very best, so I applied for an internship at the number one news station in Seattle where I met my mentor who lit an even bigger fire in me to get started.

Off I went to Guam, for my very first job in broadcast journalism where I learned how to be a “jack of all trades”—a reporter, writer, producer, and anchor. Two years later, I got a call from a news director in Hawai‘i who offered me the opportunity to return home. It was challenging because I was joining a team of veteran, highly experienced and respected journalists who only wanted the best. Over the years, I worked hard and I still embrace every assignment as an opportunity to get better and serve our community. I've been with Hawaii News Now for more than 20 years. I feel extremely blessed to do what I love in my home state and to be surrounded by such a passionate, talented, and hard-working team.

I’m also one of the hosts and creators of a podcast called ‘Muthaship’ which is a combination of “mother” and “friendship” in slang. My two best friends, whom I’ve known since college, discuss various topics with different guests each week to help first time parents navigate through the challenges of parenthood. You can listen to ‘Muthaship’ on Apple podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify!

In the next 10 years, what do you hope to see in your industry?

I really hope the news industry continues to maintain a personal connection with the community. With the rise of social media and technology, it seems less people interact face-to-face these days.

Our industry is changing rapidly. People consume news at all hours of the day online and on digital devices. There is a growing demand for information in an instant. Automation is becoming the new norm. Right now, our studio cameras are no longer operated by humans but are programmed. In South Korea, news companies are experimenting with lifelike robot anchors with realistic facial expressions to deliver the news.

With developers already introducing bots that can compile a college report with the click of a button, it makes me wonder how artificial intelligence could play a role in the future of local news teams.

What do you love most about your job? Serving my community keeps me motivated every day. I was recently recognized by the Chinatown Business and Community Development Association for several stories that I filmed and

edited on my days off, documenting the revitalization of Honolulu’s Chinatown. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to share stories about people and events that impact our state. Whether it be celebrating a milestone or great achievement for Hawai‘i, reflecting on an end of an era, or keeping everyone safe with the information they need during an emergency, I embrace the great responsibility that comes with being a journalist.

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your career?

I’ve sacrificed time spent with my family. When I first started out, I was so heavily focused on my career that I put everything else aside including starting a family so that I could achieve my professional goals. The news never sleeps and doesn’t take off on holidays. There were many events, outings, and gatherings with family and friends that I’ve missed due to work. Now that I am a mother of three young boys, I try to juggle as best as I can my work and personal life because life is too short and spending time with your loved ones is so important.

What would you tell someone wanting to become the next Stephanie Lum? Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work and dedication. Find your passion and let your passion drive you. Don’t sit around and wait for something to happen. Work hard, learn how to be your best and even when you feel you are your best, keep learning because there’s always room for improvement.

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work and dedication. Find your passion and let your passion drive you.”

IMAGES COURTESY OF MARK SALONDAKA

Wellness & Serenity on

Lana‘i

Sensei Lāna'i , A Four Seasons Resort Where Your Personalized Journey to Well-being Begins

Combining legendary Four Seasons service with Sensei’s innovative approach to helping people live longer lives, guests can immerse themselves in programs and services designed to guide one towards healthier living practices . Sensei offers an evidence-led approach to wellbeing, the Sensei Way, focused on three paths - Movement, Nourish and Rest.

Choose from a collection of curated experiences to more structured programs. Customized itineraries are crafted to meet each guest’s personal goals with activities ranging from one-on-one consultations, massages in a private spa hale, fitness and yoga classes and island excursions. An array of activities, many managed by Four Seasons, enhance your stay.

Ocean lovers can set sail on a snorkeling tour or choose a sunset sail along the Lāna'i coastline while nibbling on appetizers and sipping tropical cocktails. Horseback ride, hike, play tennis or golf - you'll want to reserve time to wander along the botanical garden paths and be inspired by the artwork dotting the grounds and interiors.

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TAKE A SIP

How One Hawai‘i Company is Committed to Quali-Tea

The Honolulubased tea company wants to make the term “farm to cup” common language. Owners Byron and Satomi Goo have more than 25 years of tea manufacturing experience and have cultivated decades-long relationships with farmers across the world to source high quality ingredients for the products the company makes. This commitment paid off when the

company’s iced tea won the title of Best Iced Tea in America in a national taste competition.

Tea has a healthy halo and the company also strives to make products that taste good and are sustainable to produce. These are main reasons why Hawaiian Natural Tea (HNT), the company’s line of single-serving tea bags, is becoming very popular with both kama‘āina and visitors. HNT incorporates organic and local ingredients and capture the flavors and

lifestyle of Hawai‘i. The blends are rich in antioxidants and functional benefits including everyday activities such as relaxation and sleep, to burning fat and boosting metabolism to a cleaner caffeine boost of energy.

Hawaiian grown ingredients sourced from local farms include black tea, mamaki, lavender, and cacao. Most recently, the company helped launch Haleakala Tea grown by Maui Tea Farm after 5 years of collaboration. Only two pounds of this rare hand-

As we enter a new decade, the team at Tea Chest Hawaii continues to work on innovative ways to make their products both body-wise and earth-friendly.

crafted tea are produced every month which is served exclusively at Halekulani Hotels in Waikiki and Okinawa. Haleakala Tea features a refined cup of black tea with notes of dried bananas, ohia blossoms and raisins.

The TEA-m has also worked diligently to establish a communi-tea to support and teach island farmers how to grow and harvest tea through agriculturally sustainable practices. Sustainability is also why all of the teabags produced by the company are 100 percent plant-based with no plastic or metal staples. The company’s hot blends incorporate as much as 95 percent organic ingredients. Tea Chest Hawaii’s relationships extend to more than 300 hotels, restaurants and retailers throughout the islands and Japan and include many celebrated chefs and restaurants who choose to serve Tea Chest Hawaii’s products to their guests.

So the next time you are looking to unwind, brew a hot cup of Tea Chest Hawaii tea. And rest assured that what tastes good, is also good for you, and good for the planet. To learn more about Tea Chest Hawaii and its products please visit https://teachest.com/.

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