How do you give back to your community?

I’ve always believed that our world would be a much better place if each of us did our part to give back to the communities that we’re most passionate about. Throughout my life, I’ve had wonderful experiences within the Chinese and LGBTQ+ communities by volunteering my time with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation.  Now, in my role with Alaska Airlines, I’m fortunate to work for a company with a generous heart that’s all about giving back to, and doing right by, our community. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to support the work of so many amazing organizations focused on making Hawai‘i a better place to live for all of us.

What does giving back mean to you?

My personal philosophy is to “always care”—and that’s at the core of what giving back means to me. When we care about something, we want to make it better and to contribute in a meaningful way. Giving back expresses gratitude for the many blessings we’ve been given and gives us a chance to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

What do you love most about your job? 

Whenever I tell people what I do, they always say I have a great job—and I agree! I get to connect an amazing company with my home—the place that I love—and work to support important causes and interesting projects in our community. I have always been attracted to work that allows me to contribute to the greater good, so being able to see the impact of our contributions and efforts is so fulfilling.

Do you believe in luck and fate? Why?

I believe in a bit of both, but perhaps more fate than luck—or kismet, to be exact. I believe if you are doing the right things for the right reasons, the result will be kismet. I also believe luck is generated by the perfect combination of hard work, commitment, and a strategic investment of time.

Now, as a more experienced leader, how do you define success?

My definition of success these days is related to my belief in kismet and is articulated perfectly in a quote from leadership development architect and founder of Fierce, Susan Scott: “I am successful to the degree that who I am and what I live are in alignment; I am doing the right work, with the right people, for the right reasons.”