Describe yourself in 3 words:
Loyal, caring, and hardworking.

How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?
My career has pivoted in many ways. Feeling confined to my office and thinking out of the box more than usual. Creating different programs for fundraising support and needs. Helping and supporting others in making changes in their endeavors. I think one of the challenging experiences I encountered was not being able to socialize, which included meeting with people face-to-face to check how they are doing, attending galas and other engagements which was a normal activity for me.

However, during those challenging times, other opportunities paved the way for a big career change. I was humbled for the opportunity to oversee an organization here in Hawai‘i and Guam and was honored to be asked to serve on additional community boards and committees in Hawai‘i.

How do you manage stress and self-care?
I’m not sure if I manage my stress well. I’m just naturally hyper and try to be a perfectionist (not good for sure) so I add a little more stress to myself. However, I start my day by praying, meditation and a walk. I’m an early riser, therefore everything is done before my household is up and running. My mother always taught me to take time for you, she would say to me: “If you don’t do things that you want to do, when you’re able to, you can’t be useful to others.” If I am able to, I go to the movies or have a meal alone—that’s my stress reliever. I get so excited when I receive a complimentary drink or popcorn at the movies.

However, my two beautiful babies (young adults) would say to me, “The only reason why they give you things is because they feel sad for you, seeing you’re alone. That’s why you are getting it free.” I think their comments are so funny…my children are my world, they always want the best for both my husband and I. Sometimes they can be my stress relievers…laugh out loud!

What are your favorite virtual tools to use currently in business?
I don’t think it is my favorite tool, but I use it quite often because it’s one of the ways to “socialize,” whether for work or a little chitchat, and see beautiful people on the other side. I feel as though I’m tech savvy when I can go on the conference call. The virtual program is the conference calls platform. Though I may think I’m tech savvy, I’m not. And like everything else dealing with the computer…(laugh out loud…), I set my alarm to join the call in advance so I don’t miss being on the call. It’s because there are times the program just doesn’t want to work for me. Actually, it’s because I don’t know what I’m doing….

Did you always want this career track?
I was a buyer for fine cosmetics and fragrances and owned my own luxury wedding and events business for destination couples, primarily Japanese clientele, since my second language is Japanese. I always enjoyed helping others, whether to make themselves look and feel good about themselves or lending a helping hand as a volunteer. My parents always volunteered and gave back to the community, and I always was a part of their activities and learned from them. When I grew older, I continued to volunteer for organizations that were non-profits. Today, 42 years later, I am still part of an organization that I joined way back. It became my career to help others.

I am truly passionate about making a difference in someone else’s life and to be a part of this amazing “Fundraising” field. I try my utmost to serve the community in many ways that I am able as a volunteer, philanthropist, and consultant.

Sir Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” As I start my day, this special quote resonates in me and reminds me why I do what I do to make an impact in our community. It was told to me by my mentor, a most caring gentleman, a father to me, whom I truly respect—philanthropist Dr. Lawrence K.W. Tseu, BS, DDS, FAGD, PhD(h).

If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?
If I had an opportunity to look into the crystal ball, I would like to know how long will I have the honor of living. I want to know that my two children will be living their lives to their fullest, and how long will my husband (presently 47 years together) and I be able to serve others, our loved ones, our community and see our dog, Rosey, continue to bring joy into our lives.

In terms of philanthropy, what has been your best giving experience and why?
My best experience as a philanthropist has been to support a mission and have the naming opportunities in honor of my parents. It is because I am so grateful that God allowed me to choose my parents. They brought me into this world and provided the many opportunities I am humbled to have had.

Biggest sacrifice for your career.
My biggest sacrifice in my career was leaving an organization, the corporate world that I enjoyed making a difference for their mission, and going out of my comfort zone to pivot and develop my own fundraising and capital campaign consulting business.

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Never doubt yourself. Be the best version of yourself daily…life is like a garden and it doesn’t grow overnight. (quote by Drew Honda, entrepreneur and philanthropist)