Describe yourself in 3 words:
The three words I would use to describe myself are caring, dedicated, and hardworking.

How has your career shifted from the 2020 pandemic impact?
My career has shifted from a Kitchen Operations Supervisor to being furloughed in 2020. I used my experience and knowledge of the hospitality field to help my community by reaching out to local vendors for help with food boxes. Thank you to Suisan, Y. Hata and Kona Fish Company for their affordable ohana food boxes for our community and nearby communities to purchase. My hometown church Kalahikiola, not only became the hub for these pickups, but through our church I was blessed to deliver food boxes and soup to the senior housing and families in my hometown. When I went back to work in 2021, I was grateful and humbled for being able to be a part of helping my hometown.

What is your favorite part about working in lodging and tourism?
My favorite part about working in the lodging and tourism industry is to help our guests with their special requests or needs. I enjoy helping them make their stay enjoyable by removing their worries or concerns and putting their trust in me and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott and Spa team.

How do you overcome obstacles in your career track?
I overcome obstacles that arise in my career by having a positive attitude and working with an open heart and mind.

Did you always want this career track?
My Grandma Ramona was my role model. It was through her that I wanted to go into the culinary field. She taught me the desire to cook by the dishes she made from scratch. Her love of cooking gave me the passion to want to cook as she did, from the heart.

If you could look into a crystal ball, what would you want to know about your future?
If I could look into a crystal ball, I would want to know that I helped to inspire women to reach their goals. To know that through their hard work and determination, they became caring and dedicated women in the industry.

What are two of your proudest accomplishments of your career?
The first accomplishment of my career is as a single mom, I was given the opportunity for advancement in the culinary field. I started as a server. I applied for the baker position, and then moved up to cook. In 2013, I became the Kitchen Operations Supervisor. The second accomplishment happened in January of this year. I was fortunate and blessed to become the Executive Sous Chef. It is with a grateful heart that I can humbly say I have been with the same hotel for 26 years.

How would you describe hospitality?
Hospitality comes from within. Here in Hawai‘i, hospitality means to welcome. Aloha starts at home. You take it to work to welcome and help others, and at the end of your workday, it is still with you to take home.

Biggest sacrifice for my career.
I can’t say that I had to make a big sacrifice. I worked hard and did my best at the job opportunities that I was fortunate to obtain. Working in the hospitality industry has brought me endless joy.

If you could tell your younger self some advice, what would it be?
If I could tell my younger self some advice, it would be the same advice that I learned while growing up: Every day is a learning experience.