What has been your proudest professional achievement so far?
I’m proud of everything I’ve been able to do on behalf of the people I serve, from my time as a Deputy District Attorney in Oregon to a law professor at the University of Hawai‘i to my current role as Deputy Director at the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services.
I often reflect on an early moment in my career as a prosecutor that stands out and guides my work to this day: A child involved in one of my cases told me that I was the first person who had ever really shown up for her. She deeply appreciated I was always there when needed, held people accountable, and saw the good in her and felt like I had given her a voice and sense of stability in her life. I think back to this moment often and it inspires me every time.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a woman in business?
The most important lesson I’ve learned as a woman in business is to recognize and embrace your value and to have faith in your authentic self. We’ve all seen it happen—women shying away from speaking up, not being recognized at big meetings, or not even being invited to the table where decisions are being made. We need to be confident in our capabilities and authenticity, find our own chairs, and pull them up to the table! The workplace (and world) is a better, more well rounded, and interesting place when women’s ideas are shared, our creativity is embraced, and our voices are heard.
What motivates you on the tough days?
Throughout my career, I’ve been honored to serve in roles that have a direct impact on people’s lives. I’ll never forget the personal stories shared with me, like the child in the story above, or the families in Maui that narrowly escaped the fires and whom DHS helped to find a new home, or the student who suffered a personal tragedy mid-semester but was able to complete the course with a little flexibility and support—and a much-needed hug. Their stories, and how my work can bring stability and make a positive difference in their lives, give me the energy and grit to push through those tough days.
What is one risk you took that really paid off?
A risk I took that has really paid off has been proposing bold, innovative new ideas to support the disaster recovery efforts from the 2023 Maui wildfires. The fires occurred less than a week into my new role at DHS, and as we monitored the situation it became clear that an enormous response and recovery effort was needed and, in such a unique and special place as Maui, the typical disaster response efforts weren’t going to be enough. We needed to do more in leveraging resources and partners in creative ways to meet the needs of the communities impacted, and fast.
With over 13,000 people displaced, housing was a crucial and immediate need we knew had to be addressed. At DHS, we worked closely with local, state, federal, and private partners to identify and help implement housing and shelter options quickly, but more help was needed, especially for survivors who didn’t qualify for federal assistance. I saw an opportunity to connect our state resources with Airbnb’s disaster response support in an innovative new way to help meet these needs and put together a plan that became Governor Green’s Rental Assistance Program (RAP).
The RAP launched in the fall of 2023 and the program helped nearly 1,000 wildfire survivors find immediate and longer-term housing options. I am so thankful to Governor Green for his support of this idea and for the tireless work of the entire DHS team and all of the partners and stakeholders involved for making RAP such a success. It was a risk to propose such a bold, innovative new approach to housing and disaster response, but one that made sense for our communities in creating stability for so many people in such a difficult, uncertain time.
What’s your morning routine or ritual that sets the tone for your day?
My days, and especially the mornings, are pretty busy. But I always make time for myself and my family, even if it’s just a few minutes before we all head off to work and school. My husband makes a great cup of coffee and I try to enjoy it quietly as I think about my priorities for the day, and then we discuss any upcoming events or needs for the week. I wake up my daughter and listen to her excitement about what she’s learning and what all her friends are up to. I make sure she’s ready to have a good day and send her out the door with a hug and kiss. This time with my family is so important to me and the best possible way to start my day. It reminds me why the work we do is so important, and it keeps me motivated and energized.
Describe your leadership style in three words.
Three words that really resonate with my leadership style are innovation, dedication, and integrity. I am constantly pushing myself to think creatively and to bring fresh ideas to the table, and am grateful to work with a team that values this kind of perspective.
Dedication speaks to the reason why you show up: your commitment to the end result and the difference you can make each day. I deeply value integrity and showing up as your authentic self in all situations as our actions are guided by our personal experiences and values. Everyone’s path is different and this diversity makes us more reflective of our communities and families—and ultimately makes us stronger together.
