Important milestones in my career have been while serving as the Director for MHLA. The first was when I was nationally recognized as a leader in workforce development while serving on the Advisory Board for the National Academy Foundation (NAF). Workforce Development for our youth continues to be a passion of mine. I believe strongly in providing opportunities for our youth in mentorship, internships, certificate training and scholarships. Providing for our youth now will lead to a brighter future for all of us.

The second milestone is being recognized as a thought leader for the industry. I have always had the goal to take my knowledge of policy engagement and advocacy and be a keynote speaker/panelist for industry meetings and trade conventions. This June, I will be a featured speaker at the PRSA Travel and Tourism Conference. I hope this is the first of many engagement opportunities.

How have you grown and pivoted in the past five years?

A lot has happened over the last five years for all of us. For me, I tried to switch careers right before the pandemic arrived. I had to reinvent myself and try to get back to the work I enjoyed, and was blessed to play a role in assisting the industry from the governmental side during the height of the pandemic. I knew then, as I do now, that helping and advocating for others is truly my life’s calling. During all the above transitions in my career, I had time to look inward and spend time working on my spiritual growth. Now, I am very blessed to be back in my role as the Executive Director for MHLA and working towards my certification as a meditation teacher.

What do you feel about spirituality?

Spirituality is necessary. I want to see the world as a kinder and better place. So, I focus on myself being a better person, especially after the pandemic made the world so much harder. We have seen so much fear and hatred being normalized that it really made me want to help the world. We all have dharma (life’s purpose). My dharma is to help others.

What are some misconceptions people have of your current role?

There is a misconception that I represent only big money, but my job is actually to represent the people who work in the hospitality industries that provide for families to live and thrive here on Maui. Many people don’t know how important it is to advocate for the hospitality and visitor industries. For there are many bills that if turned into laws, would hurt people’s ability to stay on island or provide for their families.

What do you hope to see in your industry in the next 10 years?

I would like to see a visitor industry that is more collaborative with the government and the community, ensuring revenues generated by the industry are used for infrastructure, and government leaders craft better legislation to protect jobs, the environment, and our communities. It is my hope that with our current efforts in educating the community and government leaders about the benefits of our industry and in supporting efforts for better destination management, the industry will be seen in a positive light. A foundation for additional opportunities can be set to diversify our economy through film, health and wellness, and alternative energy.

What are some hard lessons you had to learn in becoming a female leader?

Growing up, we were taught women were not equal in business realms and although things are much better today, I still see different rules for men than women.

Why did you choose to live where you do?

My husband and I chose to live in Paia because we are water people and we always loved windsurfing. The north shore of Maui is one of the best windsurfing coasts in the world and it is not too far of a commute to work.

What are some of your daily routines?

I meditate every morning and work in my garden. At night, I like a glass of wine as I wind down and finish my work.

Did you always want to go into this line of work?

No! I was in music, sang opera and worked with an orchestra in my early adult life. I received a certificate in nonprofit management from UCLA thinking I would be helping nonprofits of the art world. But on Maui, there weren’t as many opportunities for that goal. So, I followed the health and nonprofit industries and fell in love with advocacy along the way.