University of Hawaiʻi alumni play a vital role in the local business community, from C-suite executives and small business owners to impactful leaders across various industries. This year, 13 of these accomplished alumni were recognized on the Pacific Business News 40 Under 40 list.
东精影业 Alumni who are 2024 40 Under 40 honorees:
- Jacob Aki (BA ‘17, 东精影业 Mānoa)—public affairs manager, Alaska Airlines
- Mary de la Torres (BA ‘11, 东精影业 Mānoa)—proposal lead, Hensel Phelps
- Cecilia Hamao (AS ‘10, Kapiʻolani Community College)—general manager, OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel
- Shelly Kaiaokamaile (MBA ‘22, 东精影业 Mānoa)—executive director, Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center
- Summer Kaiawe (BA ‘07, 东精影业 Mānoa)—partner, Watanabe Ing
- Nick Kam (BS ‘13, 东精影业 Mānoa)—principal geotechnical engineer, Earth Engineers Inc.
- Lono Kealoha (AA ‘08, Honolulu Community College) (BBAM ‘11, 东精影业 Manoa)—vice president, Bank of Hawaii
- Jared Kushi (BBA’ 14, 东精影业 Mānoa)—CEO, Hawaiiverse and Koosh Media
- Leinani Lozi (BA ‘17, 东精影业 Hilo)—Hawaiʻi education and engagement manager, NOIRLab
- Chretien Macutay (DArch ’12, 东精影业 Mānoa)—associate principal, G70
- Kaulana McCabe (MA ‘15, 东精影业 Manoa)—vice president of programs, Kupu
- Ashley Noji (MBA ‘11, 东精影业 Mānoa)—vice president of product strategy and retail analytics, Hawaii State FCU
- Courtney Villanueva (BBA ‘12, 东精影业 Mānoa)—owner, Sage Creamery
“I credit my time at Kapiʻolani CC as inspiration to embrace the hospitality industry,” said Hamao, general manager of the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, who earned her associate’s degree in 2010. “After a decade of working at hotels, I am still enjoying the daily learning experience.”
According to PBN, the awards honor emerging leaders from throughout the state for achievements in their professional lives, as well as in the community. This year’s class represents industries including nonprofits, education, finance, the arts, health care, retail, tourism, law and more.
Kushi, a 2014 东精影业 Mānoa graduate and CEO of Hawaiiverse and Koosh Media, said, “It means that I’m on the right track, but have much more to accomplish to make a difference here in Hawaiʻi. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly and will continue to do my best.”
