You’ve been juggling a career, marriage and children for years. What does work-life balance mean to you? Has it evolved over time?

I don’t know that I would describe it as balance so much as having priorities and making choices as best I can that are in line with those priorities. I don’t always have a choice, but I try to be aware of when I do.

Most memorable Living808 experience? 

That’s a tough one—there have been so many great moments on the show! I learned sumo from Konishiki, danced hula to a serenading Robert Cazimero, created hilarious spoofs of 50 Shades of Grey and Pitch Perfect and got to do travel stories in places like Singapore, Japan and San Francisco. There are just too many memorable moments to mention.

What do you hope to bring to Make-A-Wish Hawaii in your new capacity as president and CEO? 

As president and CEO, I hope to increase the public’s awareness of our organization so that everyone understands the power of a wish—and how granting a child’s wish inspires hope, gives children renewed strength to fight their illnesses and even brings families and communities together. I also want to increase outreach to the neighbor islands and grow our major gifts effort so that we can grant life-changing wishes to every eligible child in the state.

You’ve been active in the nonprofit sector throughout your career—do you have a personal connection to any of the organizations you’ve worked with in the past?

The organization I worked closest with is the Laulima Giving Program, formerly known as the Lokahi Giving Project. Laulima primarily helps the working “gap group,” or working-class folks who do not qualify for state or federal assistance. Through my work, I was able to meet many of the families we serviced and hear and share their stories. I also spearheaded Laulima’s fundraising programs. I was heavily invested in its programs and success, and it remains near and dear to my heart.

As a former Miss Hawai‘i and a long-time television personality, you’re no stranger to being in the public eye. How has social media and the internet influenced your journey or skill set?

I don’t think it’s influenced my journey, but it has required me to learn a new skill set, as the way we communicate has changed so dramatically. Information travels so quickly now, and attention spans are so short.

To be honest, I’m somewhat ambivalent about social media. I prefer the “good old days” when people talked to each other. What can I say—I’m old. I also text message in complete sentences.

What’s something not many people know about you?

I don’t drink coffee or tea. Never have, even during all of those years waking up at 2 a.m. to do the morning news. But I love candy!