What inspired you to start your career in this field?
I was raised in a family that believed in helping others. Whether it was through time, sweat, financial, or other support, I learned that lifting up others provides the biggest return in life, bigger and more satisfying than anything else. My family did not have a lot, but we never wanted for anything. We struggled with making ends meet and with mental illness in our family; life wasn’t always “easy” but that helped shape the person I am today, and that is why I chose to pursue a career within the non-profit service industry especially in service to children.
Today, I’m grateful to serve as President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, where we continue to expand opportunities and programs that uplift keiki across the islands.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?
Be your authentic self, stay true to your values even when it’s the hard choice, listen more than talk, don’t be afraid to walk away from the deal if it’s not the right one for you.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a woman in business?
Women are incredible leaders with instincts that are solid and an uncanny ability to see through the smoke and mirrors. I make it a point to mentor young women in our organization so they feel empowered to lead with confidence. I encourage all women to recognize your power, be the dissenting opinion when you need to, be confident, and most of all, support and bring along other women with you. And, don’t be afraid to call out the “Old Boys Club” mentality—it’s still present, not relevant, and needs to be identified and removed from our culture.
How do you define success for yourself?
My belief is: I’ve achieved success when my work creates a better life for another.
My reality is: I’ve worked hard to achieve the status I enjoy today.
I’m deeply grateful and aware of the privilege that comes with it—the ability to make choices, earn a living that provides freedom, and have access to people and resources that make life easier and more fulfilling. Success also means recognizing that privilege and knowing that others do not have it, even though they have worked just as hard as I have and deserve it just as much as I do.
Therefore, success will always be the carrot dangling in front of me until everyone has the same access to privilege. Part of that success is seeing the impact of our Club’s programs statewide and knowing that more children have access to safe spaces and mentorship. Lastly, success to me is also rooted in kuleana, a responsibility to lift others and create opportunities that last beyond ourselves.
What motivates you on the tough days?
I motivate myself with pep talks, and “first-world reality” assessments, and most of all I give myself the grace and kindness I give to others by allowing myself those moments of grief, frustration, even anger. Then, I put it behind me and move on because I have important work to do. My motivation always comes back to the vision of giving every child in Hawai‘i the same access to opportunity, support, and hope that others might take for granted.
How do you balance work and personal life—or do you believe in balance at all?
My philosophy and reality are work and personal life intertwine constantly and consistently. The balance comes when I give myself time to rest, to find joy, excitement, fulfillment, learning, and growth, and sometimes just spending time doing something that is just for me. Like staying in my pj’s all day and reading a good book. But, all of those things come from both work and personal life, which is why in my mind it is not one or the other. Each exists because of the other.
What’s your secret talent or hobby people might be surprised to learn about?
I am very proud to be a Kumu Hula and I have a hula halau in Vancouver, BC, Canada. We just celebrated our 25th year and we currently have 140 haumana. The leaders in my halau started with me as young children and I’ve had the honor of mentoring them, watching them grow and sharing in their joy as they succeed in life.
Describe your leadership style in three words.
Humble. Strong. Resilient.
If you could host a talk show, who would be your dream first guest?
Queen Lili‘uokalani or Anne Frank. Both demonstrated extraordinary strength, grace, and compassion in times of hardship.
