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College Students Develop Solutions to Community Issues Resulting From the COVID-19 Pandemic
June 15 - July 18, 2020 Nineteen college students made the best of a challenging situation this summer, using the cancellation of internships due to the global pandemic as an opportunity to make a difference. The students were participants in the Jordan & Cara Odo Scholarship Foundation Virtual Summer Internship Program – a five-week online program designed to give students firsthand career experience during the pandemic. “We noticed that businesses were cancelling their summer internship programs, leaving many students without opportunities this summer,” said Jordan Odo, the Foundation’s president. “The Virtual Summer Internship Program provides students with the practical experience they need while developing them into young leaders who make an impact in their community.” J. J. Bernardo, a junior at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, decided to apply for the program due to the cancellation of his study abroad experience to Korea. “I was stuck at home, scrambling to find ways to pursue my professional development,” said Bernardo, a triple business major. “Being that this was a one-of-a-kind internship experience that was virtual, I applied knowing that I’d be able to benefit from it after having many plans postponed due to COVID-19.” Bernardo and his colleagues collaborated over Zoom and other virtual online platforms. “These tools have allowed me to connect with and learn from people from across the state and country, which is something I am grateful for,” said Bernardo. Today, many technology companies rely on these online platforms to collaborate on projects. Aaron Kagawa, one of twelve working professionals who volunteered to serve as a mentor for the program, works for San Francisco-based Kentik and believes this internship program is a great introduction for students into what it’s like to work remotely. Kagawa and his fellow mentors provide the students with practical advice and instruction in the areas of finance, marketing, human resources, technology, and law while assisting with the students’ community-based projects. The Foundation has received an outpouring of support from the business community. In addition to the mentors, a dozen recruiters helped students sharpen their interviewing and job preparation skills. Many other professionals have dropped into virtual meetings or “Office Hour” events to speak with the students about different career paths and industries, leadership values, and community issues. The students presented their ideas on July 18th to a panel of business and government leaders, who provided real-time feedback and advice on the students’ projects. “I was truly inspired by all of their stories and the work all the students put into their projects,” said Jason Chang, President of The Queen’s Medical Center. Chang, who served as one of the judges, acknowledged that it’s an unprecedented time and applauded the students’ effort to help the community. Due to the generous contributions of The Queen’s Health Systems, First Insurance Company of Hawaii, and American Savings Bank, all 19 students participating in the program will receive a scholarship to continue pursuing their dreams. For recent Kamehameha Schools graduate, Teiana Gonsalves, the internship program has proved to be worthwhile. “This program has really broadened the scope of my learning experience.” Gonsalves, who is attending Stanford University in the fall, says she’s grown tremendously as a reader, writer, speaker, teammate, thinker and change maker. “This summer opportunity has allowed me to envision myself as a contributor to a larger community and think critically on ways to effectuate genuine change.” |
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pandemic relief
During the five-week program, our students developed plans to solve various community issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out their presentations below.
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our community of advisors
department mentors
Technology Department
Aaron Kagawa
Technical Project Manager, Kentik
Co-Founder, Second Wave Technologies
Aaron is an experienced software engineer. Currently, he works for Kentik, a technology company that uses artificial intelligence to analyze network traffic and performance. Through Second Wave Technologies, he assists clients with their software and system architecture, software development processes, project management, full-stack development, data analytics, network and cloud automation solutions. Aaron is also a passionate STEM advocate, and he volunteers in classrooms across Hawaii and with nonprofit Native Stories. He earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in information and computer science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Aaron Kagawa
Technical Project Manager, Kentik
Co-Founder, Second Wave Technologies
Aaron is an experienced software engineer. Currently, he works for Kentik, a technology company that uses artificial intelligence to analyze network traffic and performance. Through Second Wave Technologies, he assists clients with their software and system architecture, software development processes, project management, full-stack development, data analytics, network and cloud automation solutions. Aaron is also a passionate STEM advocate, and he volunteers in classrooms across Hawaii and with nonprofit Native Stories. He earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in information and computer science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Legal/HR Department
Jennifer Yamanuha
Business Attorney, Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLLP
Jennifer assists businesses of all sizes with corporate law and technology transactions, including complex software licensing, intellectual property protection, information privacy compliance, and business entity structuring. Previously, she concentrated her practice in labor and employment law. She earned her juris doctor from Harvard Law School, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Jennifer Yamanuha
Business Attorney, Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLLP
Jennifer assists businesses of all sizes with corporate law and technology transactions, including complex software licensing, intellectual property protection, information privacy compliance, and business entity structuring. Previously, she concentrated her practice in labor and employment law. She earned her juris doctor from Harvard Law School, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Marketing Department
Crystine Ito
Marketing Director, Rainbow Drive-In
Owner, Crystine Ito, LLC
As the Marketing Director, Crystine analyzes marketing strategies, manages and implements domestic and international advertising campaigns, and coordinates all public relations. She was instrumental in the development of the new Rainbow Drive-In franchise company, now with four locations. In addition to marketing, she has experience in and a passion for event management, customer service, and leadership development. Come July 2020, she will serve as the President of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. She is also active on the Hawaii Foodbank Alakai Young Leaders Board and owns her own social media marketing and consulting company. Born and raised on Kauai, she moved to Oahu to obtain her B.A. in Political Science, while playing tennis for the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Crystine Ito
Marketing Director, Rainbow Drive-In
Owner, Crystine Ito, LLC
As the Marketing Director, Crystine analyzes marketing strategies, manages and implements domestic and international advertising campaigns, and coordinates all public relations. She was instrumental in the development of the new Rainbow Drive-In franchise company, now with four locations. In addition to marketing, she has experience in and a passion for event management, customer service, and leadership development. Come July 2020, she will serve as the President of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. She is also active on the Hawaii Foodbank Alakai Young Leaders Board and owns her own social media marketing and consulting company. Born and raised on Kauai, she moved to Oahu to obtain her B.A. in Political Science, while playing tennis for the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Finance Department
Todd French
Ambulatory Planning Coordinator, The Queen’s Health Systems
As a Coordinator, he partners up with outpatient medical directors, physicians, and managers to create business plans for building new programs or expanding upon existing programs, looking both at the financial impact as well as the strategic alignment. Prior to Queen’s, he has worked in a finance capacity for a variety of different industries to include investment banking, online job boards, and defense contracting for a Native Hawaiian-owned company. Todd earned an MBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Shidler College of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a dual concentration in Finance and Accounting. When not playing around in Excel, Todd dabbles in real estate and personal finance.
Todd French
Ambulatory Planning Coordinator, The Queen’s Health Systems
As a Coordinator, he partners up with outpatient medical directors, physicians, and managers to create business plans for building new programs or expanding upon existing programs, looking both at the financial impact as well as the strategic alignment. Prior to Queen’s, he has worked in a finance capacity for a variety of different industries to include investment banking, online job boards, and defense contracting for a Native Hawaiian-owned company. Todd earned an MBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Shidler College of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a dual concentration in Finance and Accounting. When not playing around in Excel, Todd dabbles in real estate and personal finance.
Human Resources Department
Derek Kanehira
Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Alexander & Baldwin
Derek has been working in the field of Human Resources for over 30 years. In his current role, he provides oversight of all people-related functions to ensure they support the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. Derek is also committed to supporting Hawaii’s business community through his active involvement with the State of Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Advisory Council, State Workforce Development Council, DOE Merit Appeals Board, Ceridian Executive Advisory Board, Hawaii Compensation Group, Diabetes Care for Life, and McKinley High School’s Finance, Hospitality, and Tourism Advisory Board.
Derek Kanehira
Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Alexander & Baldwin
Derek has been working in the field of Human Resources for over 30 years. In his current role, he provides oversight of all people-related functions to ensure they support the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. Derek is also committed to supporting Hawaii’s business community through his active involvement with the State of Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Advisory Council, State Workforce Development Council, DOE Merit Appeals Board, Ceridian Executive Advisory Board, Hawaii Compensation Group, Diabetes Care for Life, and McKinley High School’s Finance, Hospitality, and Tourism Advisory Board.
capstone project mentors
Thijs Peekstok
Station Manager, Bayer Crop Science
Thijs was born and raised in the Netherlands. After completing his master’s program in biotechnology, he served in various roles in the agricultural industry worldwide. In Hawaii, Thijs ran operations for Monsanto, before the company was acquired by Bayer. While in Hawaii, he completed his Executive MBA from the University of Hawaii’s Shidler College of Business. Currently, Thijs heads Bayer’s Research and Development station in Woodland, California, where he contributes to Bayer’s vision: “Health for all, Hunger for none”.
Station Manager, Bayer Crop Science
Thijs was born and raised in the Netherlands. After completing his master’s program in biotechnology, he served in various roles in the agricultural industry worldwide. In Hawaii, Thijs ran operations for Monsanto, before the company was acquired by Bayer. While in Hawaii, he completed his Executive MBA from the University of Hawaii’s Shidler College of Business. Currently, Thijs heads Bayer’s Research and Development station in Woodland, California, where he contributes to Bayer’s vision: “Health for all, Hunger for none”.
William Huynh
IT Project Manager, AlohaCare
Owner, Gradient Nail
William is an entrepreneur, business owner, and is the owner of Gradient Nail. William also serves as a IT Project Manager for AlohaCare, a local company that provides high quality health care services to Hawaii's medically underserved populations. William possesses 20 years of experience working for a variety of nonprofits, small-to-large size businesses, and global corporations covering a wide range of industries including healthcare, airlines, life insurance, real estate, food and beverage, and beauty and cosmetics. William holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology, an Executive MBA from the University of Hawaii's Shidler College of Business, and many professional certifications, including PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, Professional Business Analyst, and Certified Excel Expert. As a mentor, William brings a tremendous amount of experience, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit to draw from when guiding his mentees.
IT Project Manager, AlohaCare
Owner, Gradient Nail
William is an entrepreneur, business owner, and is the owner of Gradient Nail. William also serves as a IT Project Manager for AlohaCare, a local company that provides high quality health care services to Hawaii's medically underserved populations. William possesses 20 years of experience working for a variety of nonprofits, small-to-large size businesses, and global corporations covering a wide range of industries including healthcare, airlines, life insurance, real estate, food and beverage, and beauty and cosmetics. William holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology, an Executive MBA from the University of Hawaii's Shidler College of Business, and many professional certifications, including PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, Professional Business Analyst, and Certified Excel Expert. As a mentor, William brings a tremendous amount of experience, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit to draw from when guiding his mentees.
Ron Okimoto
Executive Director, YMCA of Honolulu - Mililani West Oahu Branch
Ron currently oversees operations at the Y’s Mililani Branch, which offers A+, youth and senior programs, swim lessons, and exercise and fitness programs, among other things. Prior to that, Ron was the Executive Director of the Y’s Camp H. R. Erdman and Senior Program Director at the Nuuanu YMCA. Ron earned his bachelor’s degree in Leadership from the Ohio Christian University.
Executive Director, YMCA of Honolulu - Mililani West Oahu Branch
Ron currently oversees operations at the Y’s Mililani Branch, which offers A+, youth and senior programs, swim lessons, and exercise and fitness programs, among other things. Prior to that, Ron was the Executive Director of the Y’s Camp H. R. Erdman and Senior Program Director at the Nuuanu YMCA. Ron earned his bachelor’s degree in Leadership from the Ohio Christian University.
Katarina P. Matayoshi
Venture Associate, Sultan Ventures
Kate leads various initiatives focused on empowering entrepreneurs to build and scale viable companies and creating a thriving innovation community in Hawaii. She helped launch XLR8UH, one of the top 30 venture accelerator programs in the nation, where she worked with a diverse group of startup founders, mentors, and partners. Today, she supports local entrepreneurs by connecting them to necessary expertise, resources, and network through XLR8HI, and trains the next generation of innovators by leading Sultan Ventures’ Internship and Fellowship Program. Kate currently serves as a Board Member of the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association. Born and raised in Slovakia, Katarina is a graduate from UH’s Shidler College of Business, where she earned a BBA in Finance and International Business.
Venture Associate, Sultan Ventures
Kate leads various initiatives focused on empowering entrepreneurs to build and scale viable companies and creating a thriving innovation community in Hawaii. She helped launch XLR8UH, one of the top 30 venture accelerator programs in the nation, where she worked with a diverse group of startup founders, mentors, and partners. Today, she supports local entrepreneurs by connecting them to necessary expertise, resources, and network through XLR8HI, and trains the next generation of innovators by leading Sultan Ventures’ Internship and Fellowship Program. Kate currently serves as a Board Member of the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association. Born and raised in Slovakia, Katarina is a graduate from UH’s Shidler College of Business, where she earned a BBA in Finance and International Business.
Richard Mizusawa
Committee Clerk, Office of State Representative Lisa Kitagawa
Events Lead, 6 Pillars Marketing
As a committee clerk, Richard researches and tracks legislation, assists with community concerns, and creates e-newsletters for the district. At 6 Pillars Marketing, he serves as one of the lead on-site managers at the various events the agency coordinates throughout the state, including those on O‘ahu and the Big Island. Previously, Richard has served as coordinator of communication & program development for the UH-Mānoa Counseling & Student Development Center, where he oversaw the Center's social media, marketing, and outreach to the student body. Additionally, he led various program development initiatives that included event planning and assisting with the Center's peer fellows program. Richard earned his B.A. in communication and speech with a minor in business administration and a M.Ed. in educational administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Committee Clerk, Office of State Representative Lisa Kitagawa
Events Lead, 6 Pillars Marketing
As a committee clerk, Richard researches and tracks legislation, assists with community concerns, and creates e-newsletters for the district. At 6 Pillars Marketing, he serves as one of the lead on-site managers at the various events the agency coordinates throughout the state, including those on O‘ahu and the Big Island. Previously, Richard has served as coordinator of communication & program development for the UH-Mānoa Counseling & Student Development Center, where he oversaw the Center's social media, marketing, and outreach to the student body. Additionally, he led various program development initiatives that included event planning and assisting with the Center's peer fellows program. Richard earned his B.A. in communication and speech with a minor in business administration and a M.Ed. in educational administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Michelle Starke, Ph.D.
Science and Environmental Outreach Lead, Bayer Crop Science
Michelle is an expert in agronomy and biotechnology regulatory affairs. She spends much of her time in the community and is a STEM advocate in Hawaii's schools. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy and Crop Science from the University of Kentucky. She also has a master’s degree from Souther Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from McKendree University.
Science and Environmental Outreach Lead, Bayer Crop Science
Michelle is an expert in agronomy and biotechnology regulatory affairs. She spends much of her time in the community and is a STEM advocate in Hawaii's schools. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy and Crop Science from the University of Kentucky. She also has a master’s degree from Souther Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from McKendree University.
Kapua Arsiga
Legal Assistant, Cades Schutte LLP
Kapua currently assists clients with business organization, from formation to dissolution in the Corporate Law division. Prior to this, Kapua worked as a Paralegal for Anderson Lahne & Fujisaki LLP. She is also a proud alumni of the University of Hawaii at Hilo where she earned her BA in Political Science and double majored with a BA in Administration of Justice.
Legal Assistant, Cades Schutte LLP
Kapua currently assists clients with business organization, from formation to dissolution in the Corporate Law division. Prior to this, Kapua worked as a Paralegal for Anderson Lahne & Fujisaki LLP. She is also a proud alumni of the University of Hawaii at Hilo where she earned her BA in Political Science and double majored with a BA in Administration of Justice.
speakers and recruiters
Thank you to the following individuals who assisted in mock interviews or spoke with our students about career paths and industries, leadership
values, and community issues.
values, and community issues.
- Mislyn Alensonorin, Manager of Hawaii Operations, Vantaggio HR
- Valarie Cesar, Owner, eSearch Hawaii
- Lauren Chun, Deputy Attorney General, State of Hawaii
- John Doronio, HR Business Partner, ProService Hawaii
- Catherine Toth Fox, Editor of Hawaii Magazine
- Dan Gluck, Director of the Hawaii State Ethics Commission
- Jason Higa, Chief Executive Officer, FCH Enterprises, Inc. (Zippy's)
- Sonia Ibrahimkhail, HR Specialist, KumabeHR
- Kristin Alm Kamakahi, Director of Staffing and Operations of Remedy Intelligent Staffing
- Jill Kagawa, Talent Acquisition and Employee Relations Manager, Central Pacific Bank
- Dean Kapoi, General Manager of Terminal Operations, Matson Terminals
- Ann Katekaru, Senior Consultant, Inkinen & Associates
- Sarah Kodama, Workforce Development Advisor, Hawaii Pacific Health
- Lori Kohara, Owner/Partner, in10 Hawaii
- Marie Kumabe, Principal and Owner of KumabeHR
- Jennifer Loftus, Founding Partner & National Director of Astron Solutions
- Lynn Miyahara, Account Director of iQ 360
- Brandie Ota, Talent Development Manager, AlohaCare
- Kathy Oyadamori, Technical Recruiter, First Hawaiian Ban
- Nadia Podo, Corporate Recruiter, American Savings Bank
- Kawika Riley, Community Change Initiatives Manager, Liliʻuokalani Trust
- Patrice Tanaka, Founder of Joyful Planet
- Ann Teranishi, Executive Vice President, Operations, American Savings Bank
- Tahnee Towill, Managing Partner, HIVE Recruiting
- Kristine Uclaray, Senior Human Resources Manager, Kumabe HR
- Nicole A. Velasco, Co-Founder of Every1ne Hawaii
- Matthew Weyer, Policy & Fiscal Director of the Office of Councilmember Tommy Waters
capstone presentation judges
- Chris Benjamin, President & CEO, Alexander & Baldwin
- Jason Chang, President of The Queen's Medical Center
- Marie Weite, Executive Adjuster, First Insurance Company of Hawaii
- Jackie Smythe, Executive Vice President, Anthology Marketing Group
- George Kailiwai III, Director of Resources & Requirements, U.S. INDO-PACOM
- Jodi Ito, Chief Information Security Officer, University of Hawaii
leadership team
Internship Director
Jeff Berlin, Ph.D.
Owner, Jeff Berlin Consulting
Jeff is an Organizational Development Consultant focused on facilitating positive change with individuals, organizations, and communities. He obtained a Ph.D. in Community and Cultural Psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2015 and an M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from San Jose State University. For the past 15 years, he has worked as an internal consultant for a variety of companies, including NASA, University of Hawaii, Bank of Hawaii, and American Savings Bank. He recently started his own Organizational Development consulting company, Jeff Berlin Consulting.
Jeff Berlin, Ph.D.
Owner, Jeff Berlin Consulting
Jeff is an Organizational Development Consultant focused on facilitating positive change with individuals, organizations, and communities. He obtained a Ph.D. in Community and Cultural Psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2015 and an M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from San Jose State University. For the past 15 years, he has worked as an internal consultant for a variety of companies, including NASA, University of Hawaii, Bank of Hawaii, and American Savings Bank. He recently started his own Organizational Development consulting company, Jeff Berlin Consulting.
Capstone Director
John Doyle
Technical Director, U.S. Pacific Command
John is the Technical Director of Cyber Security supporting U.S. Pacific Command, the largest of ten Global Combatant Commands in the U.S. military. USPACOM is responsible for U.S. military operations spanning from the east coast of India to the west coast of the U.S., in defense of America’s interests in the Pacific theater. Prior to joining the federal government, John led technical services as a senior manager for a venture capital startup, senior network engineer at several of the largest U.S. Defense Contractors, and project management/IT at the Walt Disney World Corporation. John earned a MBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Shidler College of Business and a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Miami. In his free time, John serves as a member of the Shidler College of Business's Alumni Association Board of Directors
John Doyle
Technical Director, U.S. Pacific Command
John is the Technical Director of Cyber Security supporting U.S. Pacific Command, the largest of ten Global Combatant Commands in the U.S. military. USPACOM is responsible for U.S. military operations spanning from the east coast of India to the west coast of the U.S., in defense of America’s interests in the Pacific theater. Prior to joining the federal government, John led technical services as a senior manager for a venture capital startup, senior network engineer at several of the largest U.S. Defense Contractors, and project management/IT at the Walt Disney World Corporation. John earned a MBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Shidler College of Business and a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Miami. In his free time, John serves as a member of the Shidler College of Business's Alumni Association Board of Directors
Networking Coordinator
Kianna (Mimi) Dizon
M.S. Counseling Psychology Candidate
Kianna is a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology candidate at Chaminade University. She earned her bachelor's degree in organizational communication from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She currently works as an advising assistant at the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and previously worked for UHA Health Insurance as a Client Services Coordinator.
Kianna (Mimi) Dizon
M.S. Counseling Psychology Candidate
Kianna is a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology candidate at Chaminade University. She earned her bachelor's degree in organizational communication from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She currently works as an advising assistant at the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and previously worked for UHA Health Insurance as a Client Services Coordinator.
Program Administrator
Jordan Odo
Associate Counsel, American Savings Bank
Jordan is currently an Associate Counsel at American Savings Bank. Prior to working at ASB, he was an attorney at Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLLP, where he advised executives on business and employment matters. Today, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Susannah Wesley Community Center and is actively involved in the Young Professionals program of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. Jordan earned an MBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Shidler College of Business and a juris doctor from the Lewis & Clark Law School. He is also a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and Roosevelt High School.
Jordan Odo
Associate Counsel, American Savings Bank
Jordan is currently an Associate Counsel at American Savings Bank. Prior to working at ASB, he was an attorney at Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLLP, where he advised executives on business and employment matters. Today, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Susannah Wesley Community Center and is actively involved in the Young Professionals program of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. Jordan earned an MBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Shidler College of Business and a juris doctor from the Lewis & Clark Law School. He is also a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and Roosevelt High School.