What’s your go-to local coffee or smoothie order?
Vietnamese coffee from Whole Foods. Though during fall, I’m an anything pumpkin girlie.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up riding horses in Waimanalo and used to compete in Dressage shows. In 2003, my close friend and I became the first riders from Hawai‘i to compete in the North American Young Riders Championships which was held in Bromont, Quebec, that year. We raised close to $40,000 to cover the costs, flew our horses from Hawai‘i to New York and then drove up to Canada for the competition. Did we win? No. But the experience of representing Hawai‘i at this prestigious competition remains one of the most unforgettable adventures of my life.
What’s one thing you’re working on right now that excites you?
What excites me most is the chance to help bring creative ideas to life and see them make an impact. Recently, I was involved in launching a new advertising campaign that included producing live action TV commercials. Being a part of the entire process—from storyboard development and selecting talent to being on set working with the production team—and then seeing the finished product in the wild has been really rewarding.
How do you want to make a difference in your community?
I want to make a meaningful difference in my community by helping ensure that everyone—especially our most vulnerable neighbors—can access the healthcare they deserve. My own journey as a single parent navigating the challenges of unemployment and relying on Medicaid opened my eyes to how crucial these public programs are.
Working at AlohaCare allows me to give back by advocating for and supporting individuals and families who depend on Medicaid. For me, making a difference means helping others overcome obstacles and contributing to building healthier communities.
Who is a local mentor, friend, or role model who inspires you?
I previously worked as the Office Manager at BT Consulting, Inc., a lobbying firm based in Honolulu. During that time, I had the opportunity to work alongside Nahe Webster who now owns her own successful lobbying firm.
Nahe embodies the qualities I aspire to—drive, focus, and visionary thinking. She consistently encouraged me to seek out new avenues for professional growth and has been a trusted source of honest, constructive advice. Her mentorship continues to inspire me to challenge myself and pursue excellence in my career. I’m also grateful to call her a friend.
