Chaminade University of Honolulu

Silversword Spotlight

Ian Terayama, MBA ’22

How did your education at Chaminade contribute to your professional success?

My time in the One-year MBA program has helped to contextualize and prepare me to better manage and address the challenges I see in my everyday role as a Project Manager.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?

I recall having “aha” moments during our Accounting and Business Analytics courses. Business Analytics was instrumental in helping me to understand the data infrastructure in my organization and across the construction industry.

How did your education at Chaminade shape your perspective and personal growth?

My Chaminade education reinforced my belief that there is value in all voices if we take the time to engage and learn.  I enjoyed learning from and with my classmates in an environment that allows us to push each other towards our goals. 

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity since taking on my new role at Pacific Resource Partnership. I’m looking forward to continuing my development in the near future.

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

My Chaminade education has taught me that my short-term goals may not be ambitious enough to match my desired impact and professional trajectory. I am in the process of re-evaluating the impact I can make in Hawaii, and feel better equipped to tackle the challenges our communities are facing.

Rebecca Cochran, MBA ’22

How did your education at Chaminade contribute to your professional success?

The leadership knowledge I gained through the MBA program has been invaluable in my career, and it has led to several growth opportunities. The Executive-style program worked well with my busy work schedule, so well that I recognized that I could handle far more than I thought. After this experience, I was more confident in my abilities, and sought greater opportunities and more challenging assignments in my career. 

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?

Our cohort traveled to New Zealand for the International Finance course. This was such a fantastic experience. The trip brought the cohort members closer, and created what I’m sure will be a few lifelong friendships. We made some valuable contacts along the way, and had the opportunity to experience New Zealand Parliament, the Stock Exchange and the tourism industry from a unique perspective. 

How did your Chaminade education shape your perspective and personal growth?

There was such a great diversity of backgrounds in my MBA program that I realized, this knowledge applies to a large variety of career paths—far more than I had previously considered. I feel confident that I will never be without career opportunities. 

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

After completing my MBA, I was excited to find the next step, which is to apply to a doctoral program. I’ve realized there does not need to be a definitive end to education, it is a lifelong journey! 
“Her confidence wasn’t in her existing knowledge, but in her ability to learn.” -Adam Grant

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

This program and a few of my peers encouraged me to really assess my career goals. I have completely re-routed my career path. The traditional “corporate path” that was laid out in front of me is not the only option, I now have the knowledge and foresight to see more creative opportunities on the horizon.

Kevin Mokulehua BA ’04

How did your education at Chaminade University of Honolulu contribute to your professional success?

My college education provided me with the leadership and management skills necessary to manage personnel and to make strategic decisions. I also learned effective communication and interpersonal skills that have enabled me to communicate clearly with my team members, superiors and other agencies. But most of all, since I had taken a “break” from school in 1995, resuming in 2001 to attain my degree in 2003 while being a member of the Honolulu Fire Department, my commitment to education instilled a mindset of continuous learning throughout my career.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?

In 2001, having served three years in the Honolulu Fire Department, something “clicked” inside of me that drove me to want to finish my college degree, basically finishing something that I had started back in 1992.  It was at this moment when I had decided to fully commit myself to completing my college education.  Though I was a C-average student at best in high school, I am proud to have graduated from Chaminade University with Magna cum Laude honors.  I only wish I had applied this same drive while I was in high school.

How did your Chaminade education shape your perspective and personal growth?

My education shaped my perspective and personal growth in several ways.  First, I learned a lot about self-discipline and time management.  The demands of academics, especially in an accelerated program, required effective time management and self-discipline.  I had to learn how to balance competing priorities, meeting deadlines and managing workload, while also effectively serving as a member of the Honolulu Fire Department. There was continuous learning, training and working as a team to accomplish daily goals, from mitigating emergency incidents to regular station duties and team tasks.  Second, I learned a lot about adaptability, which involved reacting to new information, methodologies and technologies.  This adaptability was crucial in helping me to navigate different situations and remain open to continuous learning and growth. Finally, I can honestly walk the walk when telling my children that they need to go to college to better themselves and their future.

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

Since graduating from college, my mindset in the Honolulu Fire Department evolved from just getting by and doing what was required or necessary, to seeking professional development opportunities, always improving myself so that I was an asset to the Department.  This meant taking additional courses and training throughout my career and putting myself in uncomfortable situations to better myself professionally and personally.

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

Being able to attain my college degree has positively affected me in so many ways.  Knowing that I could attain my degree while working a full-time job shaped me into the person that I am today.  The drive I had back then to decide to return to school and finish my degree is the same drive I have today— to help my team in any capacity to make our Department better than it was, which ultimately means a better and safer place for the community that we serve.

Dominque Bocanegra BS ’13

How did your education at Chaminade University of Honolulu contribute to your professional success?

My time at Chaminade exposed me to a global community, fostering cross-cultural communication and understanding. Engaging with peers from various backgrounds enhanced my adaptability and broadened my perspectives—essential skills in today’s interconnected professional landscape.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?

The most significant experience at Chaminade was my time at the Awakening Retreat # 25 – L.O.V.E. [Lord of Victory Everlasting] led by Demyla Rodriguez and Angel Orozco. All I can say is, “IYKYK and if you don’t, give it a try.”

How did your Chaminade education shape your perspective and personal growth?

Embracing diversity not only enriched my personal growth, but it also equipped me with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multicultural environment, a valuable asset in navigating the complexities of the global workforce.

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

Investing in my professional development has been crucial for staying competitive in today’s dynamic job market, and I’ve been grateful enough to have that development covered through work benefits. For example, while working at Harvard University, I completed a graduate certificate to acquire new skills and knowledge, and it was completely covered by my employer (except books and materials).

Networking has also been a valuable avenue for my professional and personal development. I’ve attended industry events, joined professional associations and connected on platforms like LinkedIn, which have led to doors being open for new opportunities.

Additionally, I constantly seek mentorship and coaching opportunities to provide personalized guidance; I continuously read industry publications, and I try to stay informed about emerging trends to stay relevant. Finally, I have taken on several challenging projects at work. For example, I have co-led Harvard’s Latinx Employee Resource Group, and I have volunteered for such cross-functional tasks as raising $10K and running the Boston Marathon for a nonprofit that trains high school students to run marathons. These valuable experiences have honed my existing skills, demonstrated initiative, and allowed me to align my work and life values together.