How do you give back to your community?
I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing community and to be able to call Hawai‘i home. Growing up here, one of the ways I learned to show love is by feeding others. Since our business is food, that has become an integral part of how we give back. Whether through our role as part of Hawai‘i’s food security, in-kind donations, or supporting other organizations in their efforts, we strive to make a positive impact on our community.
At La Tour Cafe, we have a program called “La Tour gives back” in which we feature a signature dish, with proceeds going to a non-profit we select as a team. Recently, we ran a campaign to benefit Alzheimer’s Association-Hawaii in collaboration with Matsumoto Shave Ice.
Next year in 2024, La Tour Bakehouse celebrates our 40th anniversary and as a thank you for all the support over the years, we are working on campaigns to engage with our Hawai‘i community and give back throughout the year.
What does giving back mean to you?
To me, it means supporting your community, nurturing the environment that you grew in, and expanding that reach as far as you can. I went to Maryknoll High School and our motto was Noblesse Oblige which means, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” And this really stuck with me.
What do you love most about your job?
Developing new products and trying new things! I most of all love challenging myself and our team through creativity and innovation. Bringing an idea to life and seeing others enjoy something we created is so rewarding.
What inspires you?
Traveling and learning about new cultures, especially how they share their love for food. Everyone’s relationship with food is different and there’s something really special about connecting with someone from another culture over a shared meal.
What’s the best advice you were ever given and who was it from?
As a boy scout, before leaving any camp site our troop would line up side-by-side across the entire camp area. Then, we would all duck-walk slowly from one end to the other, picking up any trash along the way. As a kid you might ask, “Why do we have to pick up other people’s trash?” Our leaders’ responses were always, “Leave it better than you found it!” I really like that idea and strive to always make a positive impact wherever I go.
