Giving Back

Kāpili ‘Oihana Coach
(2021 - Present)

The Kāpili ‘Oihana launched in 2009 with 27 students. Since then, we have worked with nearly 900 students, averaging 81 students a year! In 2018, we expanded from a summer program to a year-round program with sessions in the fall, spring, and summer. As of 2021 we are also offering an extended opportunity offering students flexible internship periods across the academic year.

To date, Kāpili ʻOihana is the only program in Hawaiʻi to offer internship opportunities across all industry sectors with both small businesses and large corporations.

The Kamehameha Schools Career Pathways Unit (CPU) supports haumāna in their journey of personal and career development so that they prosper and thrive in their college, career, and leadership pursuits. As such, CPU aims to improve access to high-demand and emerging sectors by developing partnerships with businesses and organizations, to ensure haumāna have valuable workforce experiences and can succeed in an increasingly competitive world.

CPU targets its efforts by providing students with career experiences that build self-awareness for the continued and sustained development of employability and technical skills, engaging in networking opportunities to leverage professional relationships and applying ‘ike kupuna (knowledge of one’s traditional past) to shape identity empowering self to positively impact communities.

CPU reaches this purpose through both internship opportunities and employer support.

Culinary Competition Guest Judge
Aloun Farms 6th Annual Ewa Sweet Onion Culinary Competition (2019)

A celebration of our rising star chefs - the Aloun Farms annual Culinary Competition supports creativity in the kitchen and education beyond the classroom.

MBA Mentorship Program
Chaminade University of Honolulu (2022 - Present)

Chaminade University is committed to student learning and growth in and outside the classroom. Therefore we want to provide our students the opportunity to connect with business leaders who can mentor and guide them in their professional journeys to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Program Goals: ≈ Provide students the opportunity to network and obtain professional development advice to help them grow, connect, and thrive ≈ Foster a more holistic understanding of how to maximize students’ academic pursuits to help them determine their future opportunities

Board of Directors
Hawaii Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (HRAEF)
(September 2021 - Present)

HRAEF was established to enhance the restaurant and hospitality industry in Hawaii through service to the public through educational programs, industry engagement and promotion of the industry to future generations. The HRAEF supports the hospitality industry in Hawaii through educational programs that educate and inspire current and future hospitality industry workers and supports the philanthropic missions of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) and the Hawaii Restaurant Association (HRA)

Localicious Leadership Council
Hawai’i Agricultural Foundation
(October 2019 - 2022)

Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation launched Localicious Hawaiʻi in 2014 to raise public awareness of restaurants that are committed to sustaining our local agricultural industry and through doing so, raising funds for agricultural education in our public schools. After it’s first year, Hawaiʻi State Legislature declared the month of March to be Localicious Hawaiʻi month in support of the program.

The Localicious Hawaiʻi campaign runs from March 1–31 to coincide with National Agricultural Day and partners with over 200 restaurants statewide. Participating restaurants feature a specific dish(es) made with a locally grown, caught or raised product throughout the month. The dish(es) are identified on menus with a Localicious sticker or logo next to the item. When patrons order the “Localicious” dish, the restaurant makes a contribution to HAF’s agricultural education programs in public schools.

Board Of Directors - Vice President
O’ahu Resource Conservation & Development Council
(August 2019 - Present)

The Oʻahu RC&D Council is governed by a diverse and dynamic Board of Directors who collectively provide broad geographic representation from both the public and private sectors of the community. Directors volunteer their time, working to oversee the policy, direction, and activities of Oʻahu RC&D.

Seal of Quality Evaluation Committee
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
(2020)

The Seal of Quality (SOQ) program is a branding program to promote genuine, Hawaii-Grown, Hawaii-Made, premium agricultural products, and to help consumers identify these products with an SOQ logo affixed to the qualified agricultural products. It was launched in May 2006 with 12 companies representing the cream of the crop of Hawaii’s agricultural producers. Today, more than 75 companies are registered in the program representing diversified agricultural sectors including fresh produce, processed foods, and floriculture. The goal of this project is to increase public awareness of the SOQ program, to generate sales for the SOQ products, and to create SOQ brand loyalty through a marketing campaign that can include, but will not be limited to an advertising, public relations, social media promotion, sales promotion retail event activities, direct marketing, and/or development collaterals.

As part of the 2020 evaluation committee it is our duty to review, score and give comment and recommendations on proposals received by HDOA.

Council Member - Culinary Arts
Academy of Professional & Public Services Advisory Board Culinary Advisory Council
Waipahu High School
(September 2018 - Present)

The board is organized exclusively to support the Waipahu High School Academy of Professional and Public Services (APPS) to ensure that it reaches the highest possible level in each of the following six areas to ensure long-term Academy success and high levels of student achievement:

a) Recruitment and Engagement: A sustainable advisory board must be able to grow and recruit new members and adapt to a changing environment.

b) Marketing: Each member should be able to discuss in their community what changes are happening in their academy and promote a positive school identity.

c) Professional Development: New opportunities for teachers to expand their expertise and improve student learning experiences should be identified, planned and executed.

d) Trust and Internal Communication: For the group to work at the highest possible level, each member needs to be able to openly express ideas and concerns in an effort to improve student experiences and learning above all else.

e) Curriculum and Program of Study: Each member should have at least a basic understanding of what is covered in team curriculum and be able to discuss the Academy’s Program of Study for each pathway.

f) Calendar, Budget, and Community Investment: In order to fully understand and adequately plan for Academy improvements, the budget, calendar, and Community Investment numbers should be reviewed and discussed regularly.