How do you support local businesses?
Given our distance from the continental United States, it makes financial and logistical sense to buy “local.” As a school we support local distributors whenever possible. Maryknoll has many alumni and families with businesses, and supporting both internal and community businesses strengthens Hawai‘i’s economy.

From a broader perspective, Maryknoll School prepares students for the local work-force. Understanding the skills students will need in the future is important in creating curriculum and opportunities that prepare them for the workforce. In this way, we contribute to supporting local business through the succession of workforce and leaders.

How do you give back to your community?
Each of us has a responsibility to nurture the next generation of leaders and global citizens. At Maryknoll School, we are deeply committed to educating, forming, and empowering students who are prepared for the community, state, country, and world. Our school motto, Noblesse Oblige, “To Whom much is given, much is expected” is instilled in our students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni. This value is central to who we are and is a core part of the “Maryknoll Way.” Embodying this principle, we inspire a culture of giving back and community service that extends far beyond our campus.

How can we better support local businesses and entrepreneurs?
Networking is crucial. When I took on a new role, I was fortunate to receive advice, mentoring, and support from experienced community and business members. It is our duty to empower and build the next generation of leaders. The success of Maryknoll School, particularly in enrollment, is closely linked to the success of local businesses. By supporting them, we contribute directly to our own success.

Taking the time to care for, nurture, and build others is important in the longevity of local business and building of entrepreneurs. Fostering a collaborative and supportive environment will help create a thriving ecosystem where businesses and individuals flourish together.

What is the biggest challenge you see in Hawai‘i? How do you think it can be fixed?
The primary challenge is making Hawai‘i affordable for our families, especially the next generation. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive efforts from both the community and policymakers. Partnerships with organizations that understand the interconnections between affordability and business success will build a stronger community and economy. We are interdependent. Working together is our kuleana.

What resources or programs do you feel are missing in our community?
Social emotional learning is crucial. With the struggles of the current social climate, financial stresses, and social issues, more than ever, we have a responsibility to address these challenges proactively and build resiliency in our children, families, and society at large.

Focusing on the world beyond ourselves is a start. Educating children to have a sense of responsibility to others and focusing on community will give each of us a stake in creating a better community.Funding is tight all around, and focusing on being proactive is difficult when immediate needs must be considered. Forming children to become confident, resilient, and able to manage adversity is important for creating individuals who are equipped to tackle the problems of the world and are able to step in, take charge, and make the necessary changes to support the community at large.