What’s your “elevator pitch” and very briefly share what your company or organization does?
At Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, we’re dedicated to empowering a lifetime of personal and financial wellness for our members and the communities we serve. As Hawaii’s largest credit union, we have the privilege of helping more than 136,000 members navigate everything from their everyday banking needs to their long-term financial planning goals. With a growing network of innovative branches and digital tools, we’re making it easier than ever to stay financially confident and connected.
In my role leading Marketing, Communications, Product Strategy, and Analytics, I champion the voice of our members, translating insights into meaningful products and services that truly improve lives. Our promise to be Always Right By You isn’t just a tagline—it’s the heartbeat of how we serve our community every single day.
What inspired you to pursue the path you’re on today?
After more than a decade in banking, I found myself searching for something deeper—a way to use strategy and analytics not just to drive business outcomes, but to uplift people and strengthen communities. Hawaii State FCU gave me that opportunity. What inspires me most is seeing the real-world impact of our work: Helping a family buy their first home, supporting a parent savings for their child’s future, or guiding someone through financial hardship with compassion and clarity. These stories aren’t just testimonials, they’re reminders of our purpose: To build a financially healthier Hawai‘i, one member at a time.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?
My advice is to say yes and stay curious. Early in my career, I volunteered for projects outside of my job description. At the time, I didn’t realize how much those experiences would shape my future. They introduced me to new areas like analytics that I may not have considered otherwise.
It’s easy to think of a career as a straight path, but I see it more as a journey with unexpected turns. Each opportunity, especially the challenging ones, helps you build skills and perspectives that prepare you for leadership roles down the road. I also highly encourage young professionals to seek out mentors and colleagues who can broaden their perspectives. Listening to others, asking questions, and being receptive to feedback promotes growth in ways that formal training alone cannot.
How do you want to make a difference in your community?
I’ve always believed that personal health and financial health are closely connected. At Hawaii State FCU, my goal is to help individuals feel more confident and secure in their financial decisions, because that kind of stability doesn’t just affect bank accounts, it transforms lives. When people feel financially empowered, they’re better equipped to care for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Beyond the credit union, I’m honored to serve as President of the Board of Directors at Waikiki Health, a non-profit committed to providing accessible, compassionate healthcare to those who need it most. For me, financial well-being and physical well-being go hand in hand. And being able to contribute to both—through HSFCU and Waikiki Health—is a fulfilling way to serve and uplift the people of Hawai‘i in meaningful, lasting ways.
What’s next for you?
At HSFCU, I want to keep expanding my role and responsibilities while helping the credit union grow in ways that matter to our members. That means keeping up to date with evolving member needs and ensuring our products, services, and digital experiences continue to meet them with relevance, empathy, and innovation.
I’m equally committed to growing as a leader. For me, leadership is about creating a culture where people feel empowered to think boldly, speak openly, and take pride in the difference they can make. I want to lead with intention, inspire meaningful change, and help shape a future where financial well-being is accessible to all. The opportunity to do that alongside a team which shares that purpose is what motivates me every day.
