Who or what keeps you grounded when life gets hectic?
When life gets hectic, I try to ground myself in my “why”. My “whys” can be bucketed into three overarching areas of focus: healing the past, thriving in the present and future, and building relationships and community. As I go through my day, I try to relate my actions to how they affect these three pillars. A great way to focus and reconnect with my “why” is through guided morning meditation which helps me visualize my day. This is a great way to ground my emotions and realign my mind for the day ahead.
What local business do you admire and why?
I’ve grown a deep admiration for my friends at Po’ai by Pono Potions in downtown Honolulu. Very few new businesses have the combination of a clear brand, quality product, friendly and well-trained staff, and passionate owners steering the ship. When you walk into the shop on Smith Street, you’re instantly greeted with this warm sense of aloha reinforced by the beautifully curated décor and regulars who have become chosen family. They’re building more than a coffee culture and brand—they’re building community.
Favorite pau hana spot on the island?
As my schedule has become increasingly busier, the best pau hana spot has become my living room. There’s nothing more relaxing and comforting than coming home and inviting your friends and family over for an evening of good food and strong drinks. It helps that my partner, Howard, is an amazing cook! The combination of free-flowing wine, whiskey, home cooked meals, and a room full of love and laughter remedies the stress of any long day.
What does leaving a legacy mean to you?
Early in my adult life, a mentor instilled in me the concept of leaving every space better than you received it. For me, legacy is ensuring we create a positive impact on the people and places we interact with throughout your lives.
What’s one scent, sound, or song that instantly puts you in a good mood?
My go-to song to instantly put me in a good mood is “Electric Love” by Børns. It has an infectiously upbeat sound reminiscent of glam rock hits from the past. Go ahead, stream it and let the positive vibes flow.
What’s your side hustle or creative outlet?
I’m fortunate to have transitioned my passion project of community work into a career. Two years ago, I took a leap of faith to go from a successful marketing career to the non-profit sector by becoming the first Executive Director of Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation. My passion for creating spaces and programs for LGBTQIA+ people to thrive manifested into the most rewarding career. Now, I’m able to combine the creativity of marketing and event planning with project management and community building. When your passion and skills are aligned, the hardest of challenges become easier. That is why I can continue to do the work I do.
What’s your dream scenario for this passion—keep it on the side, or see it grow into something more?
We’re in very difficult times for the LGBTQIA+ community. Our rights and ability to exist authentically are being taken away. Now, more than ever, I have a responsibility to our community to remain steadfast in the work of the Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation. My role as a servant leader is to ensure queer and māhū people always have a place in Hawaiʻi and its culture. My dream is to see the Foundation grow into an organization that can sustainably function as the hub for the queer community providing increased resources, programs, education, scholarships, and grant funding. By increasing our reach, we ensure a vast majority of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Hawaiʻi can live healthy and productive lives. In the words of trans activist Marsha P. Johnson, “No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.”
What is it you created that you are most proud of?
In 2024, the Foundation proudly launched PRIDE365 to provide consistent, year-round
programming rooted in community care. PRIDE365 reflects our belief that Pride is not a moment, but a daily commitment to visibility, connection, and progress. Through PRIDE365, we have expanded outreach through various programs, including:
- Kūpuna Movie Mornings, a collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Theatre Center, brought over 900 LGBTQIA+ elders together to share space, enjoy film, and build intergenerational bonds.
- Rainbow Town Halls provided forums for dialogue on pressing issues such as youth mental health, access to gender-affirming care, and the role of inclusive education.
- The Rainbow Support Circle, a peer-led monthly group, offers space for those navigating complex family dynamics, personal identity, and community belonging.
- A Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, amplifying queer voices through storytelling that reflects both our modern challenges and cultural roots.
- An expanded Honolulu Pride, now a destination event, with more than 30,000 parade attendees, 85,000 live-stream viewers, and 8,500 festivalgoers in 2024.
This year, we also launched the Rainbow Legacy Scholarship Fund to support
LGBTQIA+/MVPFAFF+ high school seniors demonstrating leadership, service, and a
commitment to Hawaiʻi’s future.
