How did your education at Chaminade University of Honolulu contribute to your professional success?
The diverse education I received at Chaminade has opened many doors for me. This education helped me build a solid foundation in several fields: business, environmental science and data science.
This foundation is critical to the work I do every day as an Initiatives Lead in the Technical Operations Department at Hawaiian Airlines. In my current position, I frequently utilize the data visualization skills and business mindset I developed in school. I also have the opportunity to utilize my environmental science background to work on sustainability initiatives and help advocate for the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit.
As a Junior, two of my professors assigned me class projects to learn more about local companies. This project work led me to pursue local internship opportunities, which ultimately led to my current position.
I am proud to be an alumna of Chaminade University; Chaminade has a great reputation for graduating students with a strong work ethic and helping the local community. Because Chaminade is such a tight knit community, I’ve connected with several members of the Chaminade ‘ohana at work and continue to build strong relationships there as well.
Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?
There were lots of little moments that had a significant impact on me during my time at Chaminade. Whether it was Brother Allen picking up my family from the airport when I arrived for freshman orientation or Dr. Gao giving us a high five when we answered questions in her economics class, I always felt like I had team supporting me and cheering me on.
How did your Chaminade education shape your perspective and personal growth?
I was fortunate enough to attend a Marianist high school. It meant a lot to me to attend a Marianist University and to continue shaping my faith and strengthening my commitment to community service.
Attending Chaminade gave me a great opportunity to learn more about Hawaiian culture and to get involved with local nonprofits. Whether it was talking story with those at our feed-the-hungry events downtown or wading knee deep through loi patches on the east side, Chaminade helped me to be part of this incredible Hawaii community. Both my classmates and the Chaminade staff showed us the importance of sharing aloha. Also, the friends I made at Chaminade are still my closest friends, and these friendships will last a lifetime.
How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?
For the past two and a half years since graduating, I’ve had the opportunity to work as an Associate Analyst and Initiatives Lead. Although both positions were challenging, the experience I have gained has been very valuable. At the moment, I am pursuing two project management certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) and Smartsheet Project Management.
How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?
My education, particularly in Environmental Science and with Campus Ministry, highlighted the importance of making meaningful contributions to our community. Our class work with coral reefs drew me closer to environmental protection and restoration efforts. I continue to volunteer with nonprofits, such as Malama Maunalua, to this day.
The Hogan Entrepreneurship Program guided and supported me on my first trip abroad. This trip fueled my passion to continue learning more about other cultures and visit other countries. During the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit 10 countries I had never been to before, and I hope to continue traveling.
My education at Chaminade has given me the confidence and courage to try new things. It means a lot to me to be part of this ohana.
