Chaminade University of Honolulu

Business & Communication

Business Competition Offers Real-World Lessons

Loke Kaho’opōmaika’i Yokoyama ’25 hopes to pursue a career that allows her to bring together fashion marketing and sustainability. Those passions were on display in the recent Silversword Business Competition, which tasks participating teams with crafting a real-world business proposal.

Yokoyama and her group of three other students—John Paul Pacura ’25, Brianna Gutierrez ’25, and Heavenly Campbell ’25—used $250 in seed money to develop “Charmed by Kalaepōhaku,” selling hand-crafted, sustainable jewelry that celebrates the natural beauty of Chaminade’s campus.

“We aim to educate Chaminade students, faculty, and the broader community on the indigenous and invasive plant life thriving on Kalaepōhaku, the hill upon which the university resides,” Yokoyama explained. “Each piece is designed to connect wearers to the land’s beauty.”

That way, she added, people can “carry a piece of Kalaepōhaku wherever they go.”

The innovation, heart and meticulous planning at the center of the team’s business proposal wowed judges in the competition, held Nov. 22 on campus. And at the end of the night, Charmed by Kalaepōhaku walked away with a $1,000 check to reinvest into their small business.

Dr. Masahisa Yamaguchi, an associate professor of Strategic Management at Chaminade, teaches the Business 469 class that culminates in the competition and said all participants—not just the overall winners—get the opportunity to build relationships with mentors and gain real-world experience.

That’s made the competition, first held in Fall 2021, a hit with students.

“Students prepared for the business competition presentation by thoroughly understanding the competition’s rules, criteria, and target audience,” Yamaguchi said.

“They crafted a clear and compelling story that highlights the problem, the solution, market opportunity, business model, and financial projections, supported by professional, visually appealing slides.”

Four groups participated this year, including one that sold tapas and another that offered soccer training.

“The idea behind this competition was to give Chaminade students a greater appreciation for what they are learning in business, how it is applied in the marketplace and the importance of relationship-building,” Yamaguchi said. And that’s exactly what students gained along the way.

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Yokoyama described the competition as challenging, stressful and rewarding—much like running a real business. “The seed money helped us kickstart our business with a budget higher than we were willing to provide from our own pockets,” Yokohama said, adding that she has made jewelry in the past as a hobby and jumped at the chance to turn a fun craft into a business that she could get behind.

The group sold their creations at a recent open market held on campus.

With a big win under their belt, the team is excited about pursuing next steps.

“We ran into various time constraints as a team due to our individually demanding schedules and commitments outside of class,” Yokoyama said. “However, I will say that we were dedicated to upholding strong communication to ease any of our stressors, and remain on the same page.”

MBA Grad Sees Future in Sustainable Farming

He says environmental stewardship is everyone’s concern

Jon Watase MBA ’24 is an entrepreneur, an environmentalist and an educator.

But his nickname speaks to his humble, personable approach: He’s known as Farmer Jon.

And if he can bend your ear, he’ll tell you about his big dreams for sustainable agriculture in the islands and his lifelong passion for teaching environmental stewardship to the next generation of Hawai’i leaders.

Watase, director of ‘āina-based learning at Saint Louis School, was recently invited to deliver a presentation on his curriculum at the Marianist Encounters Conference in Dayton, Ohio. His talk detailed how he’s worked with both Chaminade and Saint Louis School students to clean up Palolo Stream.

The impact of his “Water Connects Us All” effort has been measurable.

From October 2023 to April 2024, students disposed of 4,830 pounds of trash.

Partnering with Chaminade Environmental Science Assistant Professor Dr. Lupita Ruiz-Jones and Senior Lecturer Sr. Malia Wong, Watase has long been a vocal advocate for environmental stewardship.

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Dr. Lupita Ruiz-Jones and her ENV 100 students help with the cleanup of Palolo Stream.
Dr. Lupita Ruiz-Jones and her ENV 100 students help with the cleanup of Palolo Stream.
Bro. Jesse O’Neill. S.M., Marianist Province of the United States’s Assistant for Education, visited the Kalaepohaku campus after hearing about Jon Watase’s ʻĀina-based Learning curriculum.
Bro. Jesse O’Neill. S.M., Marianist Province of the United States’s Assistant for Education, visited the Kalaepohaku campus after hearing about Jon Watase’s ʻĀina-based Learning curriculum.
Jon Watase educates St. Louis School's students about environmental issues in his outdoor pavilion classroom.
Jon Watase educates St. Louis School’s students about environmental issues in his outdoor pavilion classroom.
Jon Watase holds up a large mamaki tea leaf that he grows on his farm.
Jon Watase holds up a large mamaki tea leaf that he grows on his farm.
Gary, Christine and Glenn Hogan, from left, congratulate the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership graduates, including Jon Watase (center), with Drs. Lynn Babington and Roy Panzarella.
Gary, Christine and Glenn Hogan, from left, congratulate the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership graduates, including Jon Watase (center), with Drs. Lynn Babington and Roy Panzarella.

He has propagated plants all over the Kalaepohaku campus and educated students about the importance of cleaning Palolo Stream, a key urban waterway. He has also discussed best practices for permaculture, vermicomposting, and taught students about sustainable agriculture.

“I have a unique opportunity to pave the way for our youth,” said Watase, who can often be seen on the slopes of Kalaepohaku wearing work boots, cargo paints and a straw hat.

“My success will help determine others’ sucess.”

On his off days, Watase runs a solar-powered farm—Oahu Grown Mamaki in Mililani.

He was recently able to expand the farm’s reach with the help of his MBA education.

“My marketing class helped grow my business,” Watase said. “With the help of our instructor Cort (Isernhagen, co-founder of Diamond Head Research), I was able to really build out my website.”

Watase also participated in and won a “Shark Tank”-like competition with his MBA peers.

His sustainable business ventures wowed the judges.

And he says he’s not done yet.

He plans to seek a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Chaminade to further his knowledge and pursue a long-term goal: To buy a piece of property in Waimea and turn it into a farm and retreat.

He says a counseling master’s degree is key to ensuring the retreat is therapeutic.

“I’ve grown so much at Chaminade,” he said. “The University truly nurtures who I am and what I value.”

Entrepreneurial Program Celebrates 22 Years

The entrepreneurial leadership incubator is unique in the islands

“Doing things that make social sense and doing social things that make business sense.”

That mantra, the foundation of Chaminade’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, was emphasized by Hogan Director Roy Panzarella in his opening remarks to attendees at the 22nd annual Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Kick-Off Celebration on October 16.

“This annual kick-off allows us to recognize current and former Hogan students,” Panzarella said.

“Our students become leaders and changemakers who care about social justice and who are committed to making a difference. We want them to become better versions of themselves.”

Isabella “Bella” Hughes, co-founder of Shaka Tea and other popular brands, echoed the sentiment in her keynote address at the event. “The world is made up of human connections,” Hughes said at the celebration, which was held on the Sullivan Family Library Lawn.

Isabella Hughes, co-founder of Shaka Tea and other popular brands, spoke at the Hogan event.


“It’s vital to build social capital and to choose kindness, which is fundamentally how I live both my personal and business lives.”

Since its launch in 2002, the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program has sought to prepare students to become transformational leaders, driving change with empathy and compassion. The program is designed to be an incubator and catalyst for community development and job creation.

In her speech, Hughes said entrepreneurship requires relentless work. She added that her journey has included failed companies and a lot of rejection.

“But I persisted because I told myself that I was going to win,” she said.

Chaminade President Lynn Babington called the Hogan program “wonderful and unique” in Hawai’i.

“We link our students through coursework, internships and connections with business people,” she said. “Our students are from all majors. They learn the skills of being an entrepreneur and have the opportunity to work with some very successful start-ups here in Hawai’i.”

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Babington added that she’s proud to say that two decades of Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program alumni have made significant contributions to their communities.

“They’ve started small businesses and launched larger companies, too,” she said.

In addition to economic benefits, the Hogan program seeks to address pressing social issues, incorporating social entrepreneurship into its curriculum. The program also encourages its students to develop solutions to problems like poverty, healthcare and environmental sustainability.

Gary Hogan, CEO of Hogan Hospitality Group, addressed attendees at the celebration event.
Aliikamanaekahi “Alii” Napoleon, second from right, received a $2,500 scholarship from Alaka‘ina Foundation. The check was presented to Napoleon by former Chaminade Athletics Director and Alaka‘ina Foundation board member, Bill Villa, far left. Bella Hughes, Gary Hogan, Dr. Lynn Babington and Dr. Roy Panzarella joined them on stage.
Aliikamanaekahi “Alii” Napoleon, second from right, received a $2,500 scholarship from Alaka‘ina Foundation.

By integrating entrepreneurial education with service and ethical leadership, students are challenged to leverage their passions and skills to make a meaningful impact.

Supported by the Hogan Family Foundation, Chaminade’s Hogan entrepreneurship program has sought to strengthen its partnerships over the years with Hawai’i businesses.

“Under great leadership comes great success,” said Gary Hogan, CEO of Hogan Hospitality Group. “Lynn and Roy are two great leaders who have a vision to build a resilient community.”

Embedded in the Hogan program is the Suzie Martin & Vaughn Vasconcellos Leadership Institute.

Vaughn Vasconcellos, a former Chaminade Board of Regents chair and current member of the Board of Governors, is also the co-founder of Alaka’ina Foundation, a nonprofit Native Hawaiian organization with a mission to build and promote leadership and educational initiatives for the youth of Hawai‘i.

The goal of the foundation is to develop a new generation of leaders.

Representing Vasconcellos at the Hogan event, former Chaminade Athletics Director and Alaka‘ina Foundation board member Bill Villa presented Aliikamanaekahi “Alii” Napoleon with a $2,500 scholarship, awarded to a Native Hawaiian first-year or transfer student for his or her first year of study at Chaminade.

Students Reflect on MBA Experience

Graduating cohort members are excited to apply their new skills

Embrace the process—and cherish the time you have with your cohort.

That was a common piece of advice members of the Professional MBA graduating class had for incoming MBA students at a special Aloha Event on campus. The Sept. 14 event provided incoming and outgoing students an opportunity to share laughs, stories and, of course, some pearls of wisdom.

After more than two decades of being in the hotel and entertainment industry, Connie Kramer ’25 decided to pursue her Professional MBA at Chaminade, saying it had been a lifetime goal.

“Being in the program jarred my interest in academia,” says Kramer, who hopes to continue her Chaminade education by pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change. “It crept up on me, even though academia is in the fabric of my family.”

Designed in an innovative, accelerated format, the one-year Professional MBA aims to advance the skills of those who already have years of business experience in their respective industries. The degree puts a strong focus on strategic decision-making, career advancement and entrepreneurial innovation.

Completing the Professional MBA program are, from left, Jon Watase, Connie Kramer, Gustaf Soderholm, Jacob Murphy, Lauren Hamrick and Stacey Robinson.
Completing the Professional MBA program are, from left, Jon Watase, Connie Kramer, Gustaf Soderholm, Jacob Murphy, Lauren Hamrick and Stacey Robinson.

Chaminade offers a Professional MBA along with a traditional two-year MBA program.

A defining feature of the 12-month curriculum is its “lockstep” structure, which means that all students take the required courses together—as a cohort. Lauren Hamrick ’25 said that helped her build her confidence, along with relationships that she hopes to keep as she advances her career.

“It’s amazing to look back to see what we’ve learned and how to apply those theories into real life circumstances,” she said.

A farmer and small business owner, Jon Watase ’25 said that with the help of the Professional MBA program, he was able to expand his website, grow his company’s presence and participate in the Made in Hawaii Festival. He also learned about accounting principles and strategic decision-making.

Learn more about Chaminade’s MBA programs by clicking here.

In a “Shark Tank”-style presentation, Watase even pitched his idea to a panel of professors and won a business competition. “I actually received funding, which helped my business grow,” Watase said.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without being a part of this cohort.”

Graduating students said one of the biggest benefits of the Professional MBA is its one-year timeframe.

Additionally, classes are held on alternating weeks and supplemented by online coursework, offering flexibility. “The faculty is amazing,” added Stacey Robinson ’25, adding that you can also learn lots from your peers “who will help you see the bigger picture.”

Another attractive selling point of the Professional MBA program is an international trip that’s full of hands-on learning opportunities. “The international field experience in Japan was the biggest seller for me,” said Kramer, who was recognized with the Outstanding Student Award. “We met with so many consequential leaders and had so many thought-provoking conversations.”

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Entrepreneur Kicks Off Speaker Series

The co-founder of Kō Hana Distillers detailed how he overcame ‘roadblocks’ to go to market

Kō Hana Distillers co-founder Robert Dawson kicked off the fall Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Guest Speaker Series, detailing his journey from a business idea to a successful company.

Speaking to attendees, Dawson said he “didn’t know anything about sugarcane” and “didn’t even like rum” when he moved to Hawaii with his wife and son in 2008. He said his deep appreciation of history led him to Hawaii’s agriculture past and ultimately, “Native Hawaiian sugarcane,” called kō.

He teamed up with a scholar to learn more about Hawaii sugarcane, which was brought by ancient Polynesian seafarers to Hawaii more than 1,000 years ago.

Having spent a time in Brazil, Dawson told attendees at his talk Wednesday he had always been a fan of cachaça, the Brazilian rum made from sugarcane juice. This would be the direction he would take with his new venture, he said, growing and harvesting Hawaiian varietal sugarcane to distill rhum agricole.

Incorporating Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum in 2011, Dawson and business partner Jason Brand introduced their first agricole-style rum made entirely from Hawaii-grown sugarcane in 2014.

“It took time and getting over a lot of roadblocks,” Dawson said.

“But now we’re expanding to grow sugarcane across 1,600 acres on the North Shore, and our goal is to become an international boutique rum distiller.”

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The Hogan Guest Speaker Series is aimed at enriching the educational experience, connecting entrepreneurial-minded students with successful professionals from various industries and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Dr. Roy Panzarella, Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program director, said guest speakers are selected based on the program’s objectives for the year. There are seven speakers on the schedule for the fall, including Better Sour and Shaka Tea co-founder Isabella Hughes, set to speak on Oct. 16.

“For many students, these are delightful opportunities to be exposed to and learn the power and value of networking,” Panzarella said, adding that speakers gives students invaluable real-world insights.

“Our wish is that all Hogan students, including those pursuing an MBA, will walk away from each lecture even more inspired to listen actively, read critically and speak effectively,” Panzarella said.

He also hopes the students leave the lectures, as well as the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, more confident and excited about using their own talent and skills to start something new.

“Sometimes the Wednesday presentations have a long-lasting impact on our Hogan students, but I have found it is the lecturers themselves that have the most influence on them,” Panzarella said.

“Oftentimes, the personal narratives of the lecturers are so powerful they serve to inspire many students who doubt themselves and their capacity to achieve success.”

COMING UP:

An entrepreneurship teacher at Seabury Hall on Maui, Melissa Crounse Kaufman will be the next Hogan guest speaker on Sept. 18. Kaufman is the founding executive director of the Garage at Northwestern University and co-author of “Founded: The No B.S. Guide for Student Entrepreneurs.”

For the complete fall schedule, click here.

Nonprofits Praised for Maui Relief

The Nonprofit Financial Seminar at Chaminade offers key resources to Hawaii charitable organizations.

On the one-year anniversary Thursday of the devastating Lahaina wildfire disaster, attendees of Chaminade’s 21st annual Nonprofit Financial Seminar were praised for their unwavering support to those in need on Maui, encouraged to search out innovative opportunities to serve, and offered resources on how they can leverage government support and tax laws to bolster their efforts.

During his opening remarks at the event, Chaminade Provost Lance Askildson said Hawaii charitable organizations “were among the first to jump into the breach alongside regular people looking to help.”

“Government and the for-profit sectors have their roles to play in our communities,” he said. “But it is nonprofit organizations, like yours and Chaminade—guided by values-based missions and deeply connected to their local communities—that are among the first to arrive and the last to leave.”

Organized annually by Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication, the daylong seminar featured an impressive slate of presentations this year. Data House’s Clyde Shiigi and Kaleokalani Kuroda of HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union discussed trends in artificial intelligence, while panelists with Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Hawaii Leadership Forum, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii and Kupu tackled another pressing topic: “Attracting and Developing the next Generation of Nonprofit Leaders.”

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Representatives from more than 30 charitable organizations attended the event.

In her welcome address, School of Business and Communication Dean Annette Santos led a moment of silence to honor all those impacted by the Maui wildfires tragedy, which claimed 102 lives and left thousands displaced. One year later, the work of rebuilding Lahaina is just beginning.

Santos said in the wake of the disaster, shared Marianist and Hawaii values can be a guiding light, reminding the community of the importance of ‘ohana, resilience and the kuleana to care for one another.

“Our Marianist values are dedicated to education and community service so let us continue to be inspired to support and uplift those in need, demonstrating the aloha spirit through our compassion and collective efforts to rebuild and heal,” Santos told attendees, in her speech.

Organizers say the Nonprofit Financial Seminar aims to provide key guidance and resources on financial and operational issues related to leading and managing nonprofits. “As we embark on today’s seminar, it is important to recognize the added value that your participation brings,” Santos said.

“By attending this event, you are not only gaining valuable insights and knowledge but also playing a crucial role in providing Chaminade students with opportunities for growth and development.”

Trever Asam, a partner at the Cades Schutte law firm, spoke at the seminar on tax changes impact nonprofit organizations. “There are some years, when there aren’t many updates so my presentation is somewhat repetitive,” said Asam, a regular guest speaker at this event. “But this year, there have been a ton of updates the past 12 to 18 months, especially in relation to donor-advised funds.”

Also from Chaminade News:

Tax Foundation of Hawaii President Tom Yamachika also covered tax law changes that could impact nonprofits. Among them: Film tax credits. “If you don’t comply, you may lose the credits, which could amount to a loss of a lot of money,” he said. “It’s up to you, the taxpayer, to provide all the proof.”

Santos said in addition to nonprofit professionals, Chaminade students benefit from the seminar

“This opportunity provides our students with invaluable, pragmatic learning experiences … and underscores the significant impact higher education has on our community,” Santos said.