If you want to follow Hali’a Carlbom ‘25 around for the day, you’d better put on your tennis shoes.
She is always on the run.
In addition to a full course load as a Historical and Political Studies major (with a minor in Political Science), Carlbom is in the Chaminade Experiential Honors Program and is also honing her social media marketing and communications skills with not one but two separate internships.
Did we mention she’s just about to start her sophomore year?
“I like to stay busy and get involved in the community,” Carlbom said, adding that she’s excited about voting for the first time in the upcoming election. “It’s so important to participate, to vote. I’m doing my research now—trying to read up on the candidates and attend their events. I’m doing my homework.”
Carlbom graduated from Kaiser High School and decided to follow in her sister Trinity’s footsteps to Chaminade. Hali’a Carlbom said she really wanted a university experience with small classes, where she could forge strong relationships with her professors and peers. “I really thrive on classroom discussions and I am absolutely hooked on studying history, looking into the past to understand today,” she said.
Just how much of a history buff is she?
Carlbom said she’s not ashamed to say she’s watched “Hamilton” at least four times.
At Chaminade, Carlbom said the Experiential Honors Program has helped her pursue her academic passions. The program connected her with a mentor and has allowed her to tackle service and research projects through the university’s United Nations-affiliated CIFAL Honolulu Center. “It’s been stressful but in a good way,” Carlbom said. “It’s all about thinking critically and really expanding your perspective.”
Carbom is also actively building her skills with two internships.
She said she found both through Chaminade internship fairs. The first is with Mana Up Hawaii, an initiative to support local entrepreneurs and products. The second is with the Future Collective, a youth culture creative marketing agency based in Tokyo, Japan. Carlbom said she has jumped into both head-first, creating marketing content for social media and helping to craft messaging across platforms.
“It’s about knowing the brand, the mission, what words to use, the design,” she said.
She added, “It’s not easy—but it’s a good challenge.”
Carlbom added she especially likes what Mana Up Hawaii represents and is proud to be supporting an organization that helps local and young business owners get their start. “I’m doing engagement on social media. I’m helping to promote events. I’m putting together posts. It’s really cool,” she said.
Despite her busy schedule, Carlbom is still finding time to remain active in the upcoming Hawaii elections. “Politics really interests me and today, social media is so important to campaigns to be able to speak directly to their audience,” she said. “I’m trying to learn as much as I can.”
And while Carlbom isn’t yet sure what her future career will be, she’s certain about one thing.
“I want to get involved,” she said, “and make a difference.”
