How did your education at Chaminade contribute to your professional success?
I went to Chaminade knowing that I ultimately wanted to help people with their finances. My education in accounting allowed me to build a strong foundation for understanding both business and personal finances, knowing that at the heart of both disciplines, accounting is the blood that keeps the heart beating. After I pivoted my career from tax accountant to personal financial planner due to changing career aspirations, my accounting experience sharpened my eyes to be able to delve deeper into my client’s financial situations.
Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you?
Coming from a high school class of a few hundred students to a very intimate classroom setting of 10-15 accounting students is what encouraged me to grow into the confident person I am today, as my voice was not drowned out by others. Due to the more intimate classroom sizes, the cohort of accounting students I befriended are the relationships I hold dearly today. Also, as a two-year participant in the Hogan Entrepreneurial program, I learned the importance of being a self-starter and an advocate for myself in life.
How did your education here shape your perspective and personal growth?
Chaminade’s service-oriented and purpose-led education is what inspired me to become a financial advisor in the first place. Beyond my own socio-economic status, I was exposed to a spectrum of individuals who had financial issues through the service learning projects and internships I was able to participate in. This experience not only humbled me, but it also ignited a passion to help others become financially independent and knowledgeable.
How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?
Beyond Chaminade, I also became a Certified Financial PlannerTM and Certified Exit Planning AdvisorTM, to become the best version of myself. These designations allowed me to further refine my expertise in personal financial planning and business exit planning strategies to be a strategic advisor for my clients.
How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?
My career at Edward Jones is an entrepreneurial endeavor in itself. It’s awesome to see how my education and experience have led me to work and live within the West Oahu community. Having the knowledge and opportunity to help my family, friends and our community are life achievements that I am very proud of.
