2022 Next Gen Leaders Program Homepage
We are so excited to start the Next Gen Leaders Program with you! This webpage will be your one-stop shop for everything that you need. Please check this page periodically.
Participants
Participant |
Project Team |
Mentor |
Perry A. Candidate, Master of Urban and Regional Planning University of Hawaii at Manoa Graduate |
Team A |
Derek Kanehira |
Jimwell B. Candidate, B.B.A. (Finance) University of Hawaii at Manoa Junior |
Team A |
Phil Bacchus |
Miah B. Candidate, J.D. William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii at Manoa Graduate |
Team D |
Jennifer Yamanuha |
Chelsea C. Candidate, M.B.A. University of Hawaii at Manoa Graduate |
Team D |
Sarah Guay |
Aaron C. Candidate, B.A. (Political Science) Hawaii Pacific University Senior |
Team B |
Jennifer Yamanuha |
Abigail H. Candidate, B.A. (Geography and Environment) University of Hawaii at Manoa Junior |
Team B |
Alex Kuch |
Alyssa H. Candidate, B.S. (Foreign Service) Georgetown University Junior |
Team D |
Constancio Paranal, III |
Lia J. Candidate, M.S. (Marketing Management) University of Hawaii at Manoa Graduate |
Team B |
Unyong Nakata |
Jasmine K. Candidate, B.A. (Public Health) University of Hawaii at Manoa Junior |
Team C |
Alex Kuch |
Ivy L. Candidate, B.A. (Political Science) University of Southern California Sophomore |
Team D |
Constancio Paranal, III |
Rachel L. Candidate, B.B.A. University of Hawaii at Manoa Sophomore |
Team A |
Phil Bacchus |
Lindsey M. Candidate, B.A.S. (Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing) University of Hawaii - West Oahu Junior |
Team C |
Unyong Nakata |
Erica P. Candidate, B.S. (Psychology) Hawaii Pacific University Senior |
Team A |
Sarah Guay |
Gino Q. Candidate, B.S. (Geodesign) University of Southern California Junior |
Team B |
Derek Kanehira |
Tamara S. Candidate, Ph.D. (Political Science, Alternative Futures Studies) University of Hawaii at Manoa Graduate |
Team C |
Lori Fukumae |
Natalie-Rose W. Candidate, B.S. (Plant Sciences, Applied Economics and Management) Cornell University Sophomore |
Team C |
Lori Fukumae |
2022 Program Schedule
Please mark your calendars with the following events.
Pre-Program Reading Materials
To prepare for your project work, please read the following articles on the housing issue in Hawaii:
We will also be mailing you a book, "Give and Take" by Adam Grant, which we hope you will complete over the Next Gen Leaders Program. This is a great book for anyone interested in service to community and others, and we will be referencing it throughout the program. If you have time before the start of the program, it'll be worthwhile to get a head start.
- UHERO report: "Measuring the Burden of Housing Regulation in Hawaii," https://uhero.hawaii.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/MeasuringTheBurdenOfHousingRegulationInHawaii.pdf
- Hawaii Business article: "Here's How Affordable Housing Policies Have Impacted Hawai‘i's Housing Supply," https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/affordable-housing-hawaii-workforce-policy-impact/
- Honolulu Civil Beat article: "How Honolulu's Push For More Housing Sparks Opposition From Rival Interests," https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/05/how-honolulus-push-for-more-housing-often-mobilizes-opponents-with-different-agendas/
We will also be mailing you a book, "Give and Take" by Adam Grant, which we hope you will complete over the Next Gen Leaders Program. This is a great book for anyone interested in service to community and others, and we will be referencing it throughout the program. If you have time before the start of the program, it'll be worthwhile to get a head start.
Community Exploration Scholarship Essays
Participants have the option to submit short essays (300 words max) that answer the following questions. For each essay, our Next Gen Leaders Program Scholarship Team will award one $750 scholarship to a student based on the essay criteria stated below. That's a total of four $750 scholarships! And, you have the potential to receive more than one.
Essay questions:
Essay criteria:
There is no right or wrong answer, and you do not need to conduct research. These essays are intended for you to flesh out your thoughts on the topic. Put on your coalition-building hat, rather than your advocate hat. Explain why the issue is complex, taking into consideration the differing viewpoints of stakeholders. How can you bring people together to move forward?
Submission instructions:
Essays are due on the days indicated above at 11:59 p.m., and must be emailed to Jordan Odo at jordan@odoscholarship.org before the deadline. We will make the announcement of the award on the next Friday.
Next Gen Leaders Program Scholarship Team:
Essay questions:
- Essay 1 (June 25 deadline) - Why is the topic of affordable housing important to you?
- Essay 2 (July 2 deadline) - Should affordable housing projects be developed in the urban core or in rural and semi-rural areas?
- Essay 3 (July 16 deadline) - How would you encourage your neighbors to support affordable housing in your community?
- Essay 4 (July 24 deadline) - What role should the government play in developing housing?
Essay criteria:
There is no right or wrong answer, and you do not need to conduct research. These essays are intended for you to flesh out your thoughts on the topic. Put on your coalition-building hat, rather than your advocate hat. Explain why the issue is complex, taking into consideration the differing viewpoints of stakeholders. How can you bring people together to move forward?
Submission instructions:
Essays are due on the days indicated above at 11:59 p.m., and must be emailed to Jordan Odo at jordan@odoscholarship.org before the deadline. We will make the announcement of the award on the next Friday.
Next Gen Leaders Program Scholarship Team:
- Ashley Ito, Teacher, Kanoelani Elementary School
- Anj Oto, Global Communications Manager, NSF International
- Tanya Sasaoka, Speech-Language Therapist, Hawaii Department of Education
Project
This summer our project will focus on the diverse issues of housing in Hawai’i. You will work in teams to gather information from stakeholders, analyze the root causes, and propose a solution to the topic assigned to your team.
Project Objectives:
This capstone project is student-driven. Team leaders will meet weekly with Minara Mordecai to discuss your team’s progress and any issues that you may have. With the capstone project, you will:
Project Teams:
Project Objectives:
This capstone project is student-driven. Team leaders will meet weekly with Minara Mordecai to discuss your team’s progress and any issues that you may have. With the capstone project, you will:
- Understand how these issues serve as barriers to continued socioeconomic growth and prosperity;
- Recognize the complexity of the issue, which prevents a simple solution;
- Learn the value of true teamwork and relying on others to pull their weight;
- Learn the true value of service by working on a community issue;
- Be challenged to stretch beyond your own capabilities;
- Develop your personal leadership skills; and
- Provide feedback to others in order to improve team dynamics.
Project Teams:
Team |
Topic |
Team Members |
A |
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Workforce Housing |
Perry A. (Lead) Jimwell B. Rachel L. Erica P. |
B |
Adapting housing needs to climate change |
Aaron C. Abigail H. (Lead) Lia J. Gino Q. |
C |
Impact of housing policies on diverse communities |
Jasmine K. Lindsey M. Tamara S. Natalie-Rose W. (Lead) |
D |
Giving priority to resident-only housing |
Miah B. Chelsea C. (Lead) Alyssa H. Ivy L. |
Project Deliverables:
A. Team Expectation Document, due on Saturday, June 18 at 11:55 pm. Please email jordan@odoscholarship.org.
There are a number of good resources and templates, including:
The purpose of this document is to help your team get on the same page by talking through your expectations about goals, communication preferences, decision making, meeting times, etc.
B. Policy Brief
With your capstone project team, you will produce a policy brief on your assigned topic. Policy briefs should be concise, evidence-based, and well-organized for effective impact on your audience. In this exercise, your intended audience are Hawai‘i policymakers who are tasked with finding an effective solution to the issue but may not necessarily have specialized knowledge of the subject area. Thus, it is important to maintain clear and direct language as well as easy-to-follow organization of ideas. Your research sources should be current, reliable, and authoritative on the issue. Prioritize using scholarly and professional publications, and assess credibility of blogs and online news sources before utilizing them in your paper. Keep in mind that selected briefs will be shared with Hawai‘i legislators and other policymakers.
Part of your assignment is to research examples of an effective policy brief and its structure. University libraries and writing centers can be a useful starting point for this exercise (see example, UNC Writing Center).
The policy brief will be delivered in stages:
C. Project Presentation on Saturday, July 30, at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (prep meeting at 9:30 am)
20-25 minute presentation (10-minute presentation and 10-15 minutes of Q&A), which involves each member of your team, to a panel of judges. The judges will award points to each team based on the rubric below. Strong policy briefs will be shared with policy makers, government officials, and community leaders.
Judging criteria:
Your team will be presenting your findings and proposal to a panel, including:
A. Team Expectation Document, due on Saturday, June 18 at 11:55 pm. Please email jordan@odoscholarship.org.
There are a number of good resources and templates, including:
- https://groups.cs.umass.edu/nmahyar/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/01/Team-Contract-690A.pdf
- https://cns.utexas.edu/images/CNS/TIDES/teaching-portal/Team_Contract.doc
The purpose of this document is to help your team get on the same page by talking through your expectations about goals, communication preferences, decision making, meeting times, etc.
B. Policy Brief
With your capstone project team, you will produce a policy brief on your assigned topic. Policy briefs should be concise, evidence-based, and well-organized for effective impact on your audience. In this exercise, your intended audience are Hawai‘i policymakers who are tasked with finding an effective solution to the issue but may not necessarily have specialized knowledge of the subject area. Thus, it is important to maintain clear and direct language as well as easy-to-follow organization of ideas. Your research sources should be current, reliable, and authoritative on the issue. Prioritize using scholarly and professional publications, and assess credibility of blogs and online news sources before utilizing them in your paper. Keep in mind that selected briefs will be shared with Hawai‘i legislators and other policymakers.
Part of your assignment is to research examples of an effective policy brief and its structure. University libraries and writing centers can be a useful starting point for this exercise (see example, UNC Writing Center).
The policy brief will be delivered in stages:
- Policy Brief Outline/Draft: Draft of the policy brief will include a brief description of the issue, research approach and resources, existing policies, and recommendations. You may also include a section describing project challenges or gaps in research that you plan to discuss with your mentors. Think of this draft as a living document that shows your progress and team expectations for the final product. You do not need to focus on perfecting your language at this stage. The draft should not exceed 10 pages. Due Saturday, July 9, 11:55 pm. Please email jordan@odoscholarship.org.
- Final Policy Brief: The final policy brief will be a comprehensive and clearly articulated assessment of the issue that you would be comfortable to deliver to policymakers. It can include but not be limited to the following: (a) executive summary; (b) background of the issue; (b) evidence-based assessment of current solutions and political hurdles; and (d) policy recommendations. The policy will build on the previous draft refining the language and incorporating suggestions from the mentors. Be sure to properly cite any sources used in your paper (you may use a citation style of your choice but remain consistent throughout the paper). Due Saturday, July 23 at 11:55 pm. Please email jordan@odoscholarship.org.
C. Project Presentation on Saturday, July 30, at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (prep meeting at 9:30 am)
20-25 minute presentation (10-minute presentation and 10-15 minutes of Q&A), which involves each member of your team, to a panel of judges. The judges will award points to each team based on the rubric below. Strong policy briefs will be shared with policy makers, government officials, and community leaders.
Judging criteria:
- The policy idea is well researched and the data informed the proposed solution (10 points max)
- The policy brief is well structured and clear (10 points max)
- Quality of the presentation delivery and content (e.g., coherent, engaging, well executed, properly cited, complete team engagement, and organized) (5 points max)
- Level of perceived impact the project will have in the community (5 points max)
Your team will be presenting your findings and proposal to a panel, including:
- Sen. Stanley Chang, Hawaii State Legislature
- Makani Maeva, President & CEO, Ahe Group
- Alan Oshima, Chairman, Hawaii School Facilities Authority
- Jennifer Sabas, Owner, Kaimana Hila
Talk Stories
Wednesday, June 22 an noon
Why Is Housing Unaffordable?
Stanford Carr, President of Stanford Carr Development
Stanford Carr is president of Stanford Carr Development, which has created homes for nearly 4,000 households on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, winning dozens of Hawaii and National building awards since its founding in 1990.
A Maui native, Stanford loves Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes and works to bring out the best of natural settings through creative site planning that includes product diversity, choreographing open space and landscaping with diverse architectural vernacular. On Oahu, he has developed The Hawaii Kai Peninsula, The Colony at the Peninsula, Iwalani, Trovare, Kekuilani, Ma‘ili Transitional Housing, Halekauwila Place, Franciscan Vistas, and Master Plan Royal Kunia Phase II.
Giving back to the community is a high priority for Stanford. A trustee of the University of Hawaii Foundation, he has also served on boards such as the Hawaii Chapter of March of Dimes, Rehab Hospital of the Pacific Foundation, Hawaii Council for Economic Education, Japan America Society of Hawaii, Hawaii Developers Council, Oahu Economic Development Board/EnterpriseHonolulu, Hawaii Theatre for Youth, Hawaii Youth at Risk, and Govenor's Advisory Board to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. In 2010, Pacific Business News recognized Stanford as Business Leadership Hawaii’s Business Leader of the Year.
Why Is Housing Unaffordable?
Stanford Carr, President of Stanford Carr Development
Stanford Carr is president of Stanford Carr Development, which has created homes for nearly 4,000 households on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, winning dozens of Hawaii and National building awards since its founding in 1990.
A Maui native, Stanford loves Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes and works to bring out the best of natural settings through creative site planning that includes product diversity, choreographing open space and landscaping with diverse architectural vernacular. On Oahu, he has developed The Hawaii Kai Peninsula, The Colony at the Peninsula, Iwalani, Trovare, Kekuilani, Ma‘ili Transitional Housing, Halekauwila Place, Franciscan Vistas, and Master Plan Royal Kunia Phase II.
Giving back to the community is a high priority for Stanford. A trustee of the University of Hawaii Foundation, he has also served on boards such as the Hawaii Chapter of March of Dimes, Rehab Hospital of the Pacific Foundation, Hawaii Council for Economic Education, Japan America Society of Hawaii, Hawaii Developers Council, Oahu Economic Development Board/EnterpriseHonolulu, Hawaii Theatre for Youth, Hawaii Youth at Risk, and Govenor's Advisory Board to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. In 2010, Pacific Business News recognized Stanford as Business Leadership Hawaii’s Business Leader of the Year.
Wednesday, June 29 at noon
Locals-Only Housing Options
Peter Savio, President & CEO of Savio Group of Companies
Peter B. Savio is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Savio Group of Companies including Hawaiian Island Homes Ltd. and Hawaiian Island Development Co., Inc. Peter has more than 40 years of experience in real estate development and sales in the Hawaii market. He was born in Hilo, Hawaii and raised in Honolulu. Peter received his BA in Business Administration with a major in Real Estate from the University of Hawaii, and has been a licensed broker since 1973.
Beginning in 1980, Peter founded Savio Realty Ltd. and subsequently its affiliated group of companies. Peter has a good understanding of real estate and the Hawaii market in particular. Peter has helped his clients realize the maximum return on their real estate investments.
Locals-Only Housing Options
Peter Savio, President & CEO of Savio Group of Companies
Peter B. Savio is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Savio Group of Companies including Hawaiian Island Homes Ltd. and Hawaiian Island Development Co., Inc. Peter has more than 40 years of experience in real estate development and sales in the Hawaii market. He was born in Hilo, Hawaii and raised in Honolulu. Peter received his BA in Business Administration with a major in Real Estate from the University of Hawaii, and has been a licensed broker since 1973.
Beginning in 1980, Peter founded Savio Realty Ltd. and subsequently its affiliated group of companies. Peter has a good understanding of real estate and the Hawaii market in particular. Peter has helped his clients realize the maximum return on their real estate investments.
Wednesday, July 6 at noon
Overcoming NIMBYism
Makani Maeva, President & CEO of Ahe Group
Makani is the president and CEO of Ahe Group, a Hawaii based affordable housing developer. She was previously the director of Vitus Group’s Hawaii office. Since 1995, Makani has been instrumental in the development and preservation of over 2,200 affordable units. To date, she has secured over $138 million in debt financing and $116 million in equity for affordable housing in Hawaii. A frequent speaker on affordable housing topics at both industry events and for the University of Hawaii, Makani was selected in 2011 by Hawaii Business Magazine for their annual list of emerging young leaders as “20 For The Next 20.” Makani holds a B.A. from Pepperdine University.
Overcoming NIMBYism
Makani Maeva, President & CEO of Ahe Group
Makani is the president and CEO of Ahe Group, a Hawaii based affordable housing developer. She was previously the director of Vitus Group’s Hawaii office. Since 1995, Makani has been instrumental in the development and preservation of over 2,200 affordable units. To date, she has secured over $138 million in debt financing and $116 million in equity for affordable housing in Hawaii. A frequent speaker on affordable housing topics at both industry events and for the University of Hawaii, Makani was selected in 2011 by Hawaii Business Magazine for their annual list of emerging young leaders as “20 For The Next 20.” Makani holds a B.A. from Pepperdine University.
Wednesday, July 13 at noon
The Gift of Feedback
Charlie Beyer, Senior Director, Talent & Development of Hawaiian Airlines
Coco Ikeda, Learning & Development Manager at Hawaiian Airlines
The Gift of Feedback
Charlie Beyer, Senior Director, Talent & Development of Hawaiian Airlines
Coco Ikeda, Learning & Development Manager at Hawaiian Airlines
Wednesday, July 20 at noon
Leadership Journey
Ann Teranishi, President & CEO of American Savings Bank
Ann has been at ASB since 2007. She previously served as Executive Vice President of Operations and was responsible for delivering operational improvements to enhance overall customer experience. She played a key role in transitioning ASB from more traditional branch-centric operations to online and other self-service options, which have become increasingly popular with customers.
Throughout her various management assignments with ASB, Ann also was responsible for developing an enterprise-wide compliance program, leading the retail credit team to best-in-class fulfillment times for consumer loans, and heading strategic initiatives to enhance ASB’s quality of customer service.
Ann serves as an executive mentor with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Young Professionals Mentor Hawaii program. She has helped cultivate local talent by serving as a judge in the University of Hawaii's Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship Business Competition and Chaminade University’s Hogan Non-Profit Business Competition. Ann has also shared her time and expertise with up-and-coming women leaders in Pacific Business News’ Mentoring Monday and has participated as a speaker in multiple Hawaii Business Magazine’s Wahine Forums.
Ann has received numerous recognitions for her business, leadership and community contributions, including Pacific Business News’ Women Who Mean Business, Hawaii Business Magazine’s 20 for the Next 20, and Girl Scouts Women of Distinction. Ann is an Omidyar Fellow and serves on the boards of the Catholic Charities Board of Advisors, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Island Insurance Company and the U.S.-Japan Council. She is also a member of the Hawaii Business Roundtable and Hawaii Bankers Association Executive Committee.
Ann holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Economics from Claremont McKenna College and her Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington’s Graduate School of Business and the Stanford Graduate School of Business Emerging COO program.
Leadership Journey
Ann Teranishi, President & CEO of American Savings Bank
Ann has been at ASB since 2007. She previously served as Executive Vice President of Operations and was responsible for delivering operational improvements to enhance overall customer experience. She played a key role in transitioning ASB from more traditional branch-centric operations to online and other self-service options, which have become increasingly popular with customers.
Throughout her various management assignments with ASB, Ann also was responsible for developing an enterprise-wide compliance program, leading the retail credit team to best-in-class fulfillment times for consumer loans, and heading strategic initiatives to enhance ASB’s quality of customer service.
Ann serves as an executive mentor with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Young Professionals Mentor Hawaii program. She has helped cultivate local talent by serving as a judge in the University of Hawaii's Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship Business Competition and Chaminade University’s Hogan Non-Profit Business Competition. Ann has also shared her time and expertise with up-and-coming women leaders in Pacific Business News’ Mentoring Monday and has participated as a speaker in multiple Hawaii Business Magazine’s Wahine Forums.
Ann has received numerous recognitions for her business, leadership and community contributions, including Pacific Business News’ Women Who Mean Business, Hawaii Business Magazine’s 20 for the Next 20, and Girl Scouts Women of Distinction. Ann is an Omidyar Fellow and serves on the boards of the Catholic Charities Board of Advisors, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Island Insurance Company and the U.S.-Japan Council. She is also a member of the Hawaii Business Roundtable and Hawaii Bankers Association Executive Committee.
Ann holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Economics from Claremont McKenna College and her Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington’s Graduate School of Business and the Stanford Graduate School of Business Emerging COO program.
Mentorship
Each of you will have a mentor who will help support your leadership growth and career development to complement your capstone experience. Our group of mentors possesses years of valuable experience and industry expertise.
Your mentors will hold weekly, one-hour meetings with you. Meeting dates and times will be based on your availability. During these meetings, you will discuss leadership topics, career goals and experiences, and soft-skill development. Your mentors may also invite guest speakers or other professionals to speak to you.
With your mentor, we hope that you will:
To make the most out of your mentoring experience, we encourage you to:
Mentors:
Your mentors will hold weekly, one-hour meetings with you. Meeting dates and times will be based on your availability. During these meetings, you will discuss leadership topics, career goals and experiences, and soft-skill development. Your mentors may also invite guest speakers or other professionals to speak to you.
With your mentor, we hope that you will:
- Be supported in pursuing your specific career goals
- Engage in networking and build a community of support
- Receive guidance and feedback on your capstone project deliverables
To make the most out of your mentoring experience, we encourage you to:
- Spend time learning about your mentors (and guest speakers) and tapping their expertise during meetings
- Come prepared with questions to weekly meetings
- Be open and honest with your mentor in regards to career goals and aspirations
- Identify particular areas of development you would like to grow in
Mentors:
Philip Bacchus
Senior Vice President & Treasurer at American Savings Bank
Phil Bacchus is Senior Vice President & Treasurer of American Savings Bank, where he leads the firm’s capital markets and balance sheet management activities. Before joining ASB in 2019, Phil was Director & Segment CFO at Capital One Financial in McLean, Virginia. He also has experience in real estate and retail investment in the Caribbean. Phil is a graduate of New York University’s Stern School of Business, where he majored in Finance and International Business. He also has an MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and a Global Executive Masters from ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. Phil grew up splitting time between Long Island, New York and St. Vincent in the Caribbean. He enjoys SCUBA diving, hiking, sailing, skiing, basketball, and island life.
Senior Vice President & Treasurer at American Savings Bank
Phil Bacchus is Senior Vice President & Treasurer of American Savings Bank, where he leads the firm’s capital markets and balance sheet management activities. Before joining ASB in 2019, Phil was Director & Segment CFO at Capital One Financial in McLean, Virginia. He also has experience in real estate and retail investment in the Caribbean. Phil is a graduate of New York University’s Stern School of Business, where he majored in Finance and International Business. He also has an MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and a Global Executive Masters from ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. Phil grew up splitting time between Long Island, New York and St. Vincent in the Caribbean. He enjoys SCUBA diving, hiking, sailing, skiing, basketball, and island life.
Lori Fukumae
Vice President & Director of Membership of Hawaii Employers Council
Lori Fukumae is vice president and director of membership at Hawaii Employers Council (HEC). Her professional experience includes business development and marketing, specializing in human resources.
She is an active community volunteer with a passion for supporting young adults, families, and women. Some of the organizations that Lori volunteers with include the Hawaii State Distributed Education Clubs of America (DECA), Hawaii Foodbank, and the Creighton University Admissions Partners and Creighton Ohana Connection. She is a member of SHRM Hawaii and the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce.
Lori is a University of Hawaii Shidler College of Business alumni where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and is a graduate of the Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance program.
Vice President & Director of Membership of Hawaii Employers Council
Lori Fukumae is vice president and director of membership at Hawaii Employers Council (HEC). Her professional experience includes business development and marketing, specializing in human resources.
She is an active community volunteer with a passion for supporting young adults, families, and women. Some of the organizations that Lori volunteers with include the Hawaii State Distributed Education Clubs of America (DECA), Hawaii Foodbank, and the Creighton University Admissions Partners and Creighton Ohana Connection. She is a member of SHRM Hawaii and the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce.
Lori is a University of Hawaii Shidler College of Business alumni where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and is a graduate of the Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance program.
Sarah Guay
President & CEO of Hawaii Employers Council
Sarah Guay was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii Employers Council in June 2022. In her role, she collaborates with HEC’s board of governors and staff to address the ever-evolving needs of Hawaii’s employers and is responsible for the organization’s leadership, day-to-day operations, and strategic initiatives.
Sarah has more than 20 years of experience leading local organizations’ initiatives related to human resources, organizational development, and workplace culture. Prior to joining HEC, she served as Vice President of Human Resources at HEMIC. She is a director with the Oahu Economic Development Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, and serves as an Advisor for the Patsy T Mink Center for Business and Leadership.
Sarah received her Master’s Degree in Organizational Communication and Bachelor’s Degree in general communication from Washington State University.
President & CEO of Hawaii Employers Council
Sarah Guay was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii Employers Council in June 2022. In her role, she collaborates with HEC’s board of governors and staff to address the ever-evolving needs of Hawaii’s employers and is responsible for the organization’s leadership, day-to-day operations, and strategic initiatives.
Sarah has more than 20 years of experience leading local organizations’ initiatives related to human resources, organizational development, and workplace culture. Prior to joining HEC, she served as Vice President of Human Resources at HEMIC. She is a director with the Oahu Economic Development Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, and serves as an Advisor for the Patsy T Mink Center for Business and Leadership.
Sarah received her Master’s Degree in Organizational Communication and Bachelor’s Degree in general communication from Washington State University.
Derek Kanehira
Senior Vice President, Human Resources at Alexander & Baldwin
Derek is currently senior vice president of human resources at Alexander & Baldwin (A&B), where he provides overall strategic HR leadership to the company and is responsible for overseeing the delivery of human resource solutions including programs, services and policies. He also supports the company through organizational development, corporate culture and employee experience initiatives. Prior to A&B, Derek served as vice president & director of HR services at Hawaii Employers Council.
In the community, Derek is an appointed advisory member of the State of Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Council and an active member of the State of Hawaii’s WDC Employer Engagement Committee, American Heart Association’s Western Region DEI Taskforce, Ceridian HCM, McKinley High School’s Academy of Finance, Hospitality and Tourism, Nareit’s Social Responsibility Council, University of Hawaii – Masters in HR Management Program and Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s Wish Granting Committee. Derek also serves as a board member of Hawaii Employers Council and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, past president and director of Hawaii Compensation Group, and executive director of Diabetes Care for Life.
Senior Vice President, Human Resources at Alexander & Baldwin
Derek is currently senior vice president of human resources at Alexander & Baldwin (A&B), where he provides overall strategic HR leadership to the company and is responsible for overseeing the delivery of human resource solutions including programs, services and policies. He also supports the company through organizational development, corporate culture and employee experience initiatives. Prior to A&B, Derek served as vice president & director of HR services at Hawaii Employers Council.
In the community, Derek is an appointed advisory member of the State of Hawaii’s Prepaid Health Care Council and an active member of the State of Hawaii’s WDC Employer Engagement Committee, American Heart Association’s Western Region DEI Taskforce, Ceridian HCM, McKinley High School’s Academy of Finance, Hospitality and Tourism, Nareit’s Social Responsibility Council, University of Hawaii – Masters in HR Management Program and Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s Wish Granting Committee. Derek also serves as a board member of Hawaii Employers Council and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, past president and director of Hawaii Compensation Group, and executive director of Diabetes Care for Life.
Alex Kuch
HR Regional Manager, The Odom Corporation
Alex Kuch is currently the Hawaii HR Regional Manager for the Odom Corporation (beverage distribution.) Born and raised just outside of Flint, Michigan, he attended The University of Arizona, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Shortly after graduating, he joined the United States Peace Corps and served 3 years in Romania as an education volunteer and volunteer leader.
Alex moved to Hawaii in 2010 and stumbled into the HR profession. He received my Master of Human Resource Management degree from the University of Hawaii’s Shidler College of Business. He and his incredible wife, Brynne, have three lovely children Reef (9), Kai (4) & Cruz (1). In his free time, he enjoys playing in the ocean, mountains, and around town as much as he can. Traveling to new and familiar places while enjoying good food & drink is part of his being.
HR Regional Manager, The Odom Corporation
Alex Kuch is currently the Hawaii HR Regional Manager for the Odom Corporation (beverage distribution.) Born and raised just outside of Flint, Michigan, he attended The University of Arizona, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Shortly after graduating, he joined the United States Peace Corps and served 3 years in Romania as an education volunteer and volunteer leader.
Alex moved to Hawaii in 2010 and stumbled into the HR profession. He received my Master of Human Resource Management degree from the University of Hawaii’s Shidler College of Business. He and his incredible wife, Brynne, have three lovely children Reef (9), Kai (4) & Cruz (1). In his free time, he enjoys playing in the ocean, mountains, and around town as much as he can. Traveling to new and familiar places while enjoying good food & drink is part of his being.
Unyong Nakata
Founder and Principal of Nakata Advisory, LLC
Unyong Nakata is the Founder and Principal of Nakata Advisory, LLC, where services are focused on catalyzing business development and operational alignment. Unyong is driven by the core values of integrity, excellence, and compassion; her diverse experiences have cultivated a unique toolkit to compliment her innate drive to create clarity, alignment, and excellence through the most important asset – people.
Unyong’s professional experience spans both the for-profit and non-profit areas. She has built and led teams in the areas Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Customer Service, and Supply Chain. Unyong was a key part of the executive leadership team that not only sustained but bolstered a company’s position despite tremendous and unpredictable challenges during the COVID pandemic all the while creating enterprise systems. Specifically in the non-profit space, Unyong expertise stems from creating high impact Advancement programs through alumni and volunteer management, private donations, integrated marketing and events, and strategic campaigns. The through line is Unyong’s ability to catalyze positive change and scalable excellence.
Unyong is proud to serve on the boards of the Salvation Army, Domestic Violence Action Center, Great Aloha Run, Aloha United Way – Women United, and the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership.
Unyong has been recognized by Hawaii Business Magazine as one of the “20 for the next 20,” the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii as the “Young Professional of the Year,” Pacific Business News for “Women Who Mean Business” and “Forty Under 40,” and by the AFP – Aloha Chapter as the “Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of the Year.”
Unyong holds a bachelor of science in Microbiology and a master of business administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Founder and Principal of Nakata Advisory, LLC
Unyong Nakata is the Founder and Principal of Nakata Advisory, LLC, where services are focused on catalyzing business development and operational alignment. Unyong is driven by the core values of integrity, excellence, and compassion; her diverse experiences have cultivated a unique toolkit to compliment her innate drive to create clarity, alignment, and excellence through the most important asset – people.
Unyong’s professional experience spans both the for-profit and non-profit areas. She has built and led teams in the areas Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Customer Service, and Supply Chain. Unyong was a key part of the executive leadership team that not only sustained but bolstered a company’s position despite tremendous and unpredictable challenges during the COVID pandemic all the while creating enterprise systems. Specifically in the non-profit space, Unyong expertise stems from creating high impact Advancement programs through alumni and volunteer management, private donations, integrated marketing and events, and strategic campaigns. The through line is Unyong’s ability to catalyze positive change and scalable excellence.
Unyong is proud to serve on the boards of the Salvation Army, Domestic Violence Action Center, Great Aloha Run, Aloha United Way – Women United, and the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership.
Unyong has been recognized by Hawaii Business Magazine as one of the “20 for the next 20,” the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii as the “Young Professional of the Year,” Pacific Business News for “Women Who Mean Business” and “Forty Under 40,” and by the AFP – Aloha Chapter as the “Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of the Year.”
Unyong holds a bachelor of science in Microbiology and a master of business administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Dr. Constancio Paranal III
Marketing Instructor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa
Information Technology Project Coordinator at the Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations
Constancio Paranal III works for the State of Hawai’i in two critical areas that have been greatly impacted by the pandemic -- Labor and Education. At the DLIR, Constancio is part of the project team that manages the development and delivery of the State’s Unemployment Insurance Technology Infrastructure Modernization project. While at UH, Constancio serves as an instructional faculty, dedicated to the personal and professional growth of our students and future leaders. Recognizing the growing pet community in Hawai’i and having experienced the dire state of veterinary medical care, Constancio co-founded the Finley Fort Foundation, LLC. The foundation aims to provide emergency financial assistance, fund educational scholarships, and partner with local businesses to ensure Hawai’i has access to technology and treatments crucial for the cure and continued health of your pets.
Marketing Instructor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa
Information Technology Project Coordinator at the Hawaii Department of Labor & Industrial Relations
Constancio Paranal III works for the State of Hawai’i in two critical areas that have been greatly impacted by the pandemic -- Labor and Education. At the DLIR, Constancio is part of the project team that manages the development and delivery of the State’s Unemployment Insurance Technology Infrastructure Modernization project. While at UH, Constancio serves as an instructional faculty, dedicated to the personal and professional growth of our students and future leaders. Recognizing the growing pet community in Hawai’i and having experienced the dire state of veterinary medical care, Constancio co-founded the Finley Fort Foundation, LLC. The foundation aims to provide emergency financial assistance, fund educational scholarships, and partner with local businesses to ensure Hawai’i has access to technology and treatments crucial for the cure and continued health of your pets.
Jennifer Yamanuha
Staff Attorney at the Hawaii State Ethics Commission
Jennifer Yamanuha is a staff attorney for the Hawai'i State Ethics Commission. In her role, she advocates for fairness and transparency in Hawai'i government by educating state officers and employees about the ethics code, investigating possible violations, and enforcing the law. Previously, she managed construction claims for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit and was an associate attorney at Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP, where she assisted businesses of all sizes with corporate law and technology transactions and employment law matters. She earned her juris doctor from Harvard Law School and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Jennifer is a graduate of Roosevelt High School.
Staff Attorney at the Hawaii State Ethics Commission
Jennifer Yamanuha is a staff attorney for the Hawai'i State Ethics Commission. In her role, she advocates for fairness and transparency in Hawai'i government by educating state officers and employees about the ethics code, investigating possible violations, and enforcing the law. Previously, she managed construction claims for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit and was an associate attorney at Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP, where she assisted businesses of all sizes with corporate law and technology transactions and employment law matters. She earned her juris doctor from Harvard Law School and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Jennifer is a graduate of Roosevelt High School.
Recruiter Week
On the week of July 11-16, you will participate in mock interview sessions with various recruiters, HR professionals, and business leaders from Hawaii’s business community. These will serve as great opportunities to network with business professionals, hone your interviewing skills, and engage in personal branding. Mock interview sessions will be held via Zoom and will be on an appointment basis throughout the week. You will be able to sign-up for a 45-60 minute session with a recruiter or HR professional. In the weeks leading up to Recruiter Week, we will offer resources including networking strategies, resume reviews, and career assessment/alignments.