May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we’re celebrating the remarkable contributions of individuals in our industry. Learn more about their inspiring stories and insights by reading below.

Q: Can you share a moment when you felt proud of your cultural heritage in a professional setting?
A: I was raised on the island of Maui and graduated from Lahainaluna High School, with a long history rich in tradition. Lahainaluna reflects the best of Hawaii’s values: strength in community and cultural pride. It has a vibrant community supported by its local alumni who continuously work to support the students and faculty. Its student body is diverse, with students from various cultural backgrounds and households attending, an example of Hawaii’s melting pot culture. The school honors its Hawaiian roots with its alma mater sung in the Hawaiian language. Lahainaluna is more than a school; it’s a place deeply rooted in local pride and community.
During high school, I began my journey in hospitality as a front desk agent, a role I continued while attending college in Seattle. Funny enough, my first real management position was at a Holiday Inn Express—humble beginnings that taught me the value of leadership through service. Although I earned my degree in the medical field, after college, I was pulled back to hospitality. I returned home and joined the Food & Beverage team at one of Maui’s most historic properties, the Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel—fondly known as KBH. More than just a hotel, KBH is a living embodiment of Hawaiian culture and the spirit of Aloha and ‘Ohana.
Working at KBH reminded me that Maui isn’t just where I’m from—it’s where culture is lived, breathed, and shared across generations. That experience cemented my love for hospitality and led me to continue my journey at the Westin Maui, where I eventually found my path in engineering and, eventually, to Holiday Inn Club Vacations. Through it all, I carry with me the values of community, care, and cultural pride that define both my heritage and the work I do each day.

Q: What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?
A: AAPI Heritage Month feels like home—because for me, it is home. It reminds me of growing up in Hawai‘i, surrounded by the rich tapestry of cultures that shaped who I am. From the sound of the ‘ukulele at family gatherings to the taste of homemade laulau, every tradition tells a story. Here in the islands, Asian and Pacific Islander cultures don’t just coexist—they blend, uplift, and thrive together. This month is a chance to honor those roots, celebrate our shared stories, and carry forward the spirit of aloha that connects us all.
Aloha means love, compassion, and respect—and it beautifully captures the spirit of AAPI Heritage Month. In Hawai‘i, aloha isn’t just something we say—it’s something we live. It’s about embracing our roots, celebrating the richness of our cultures, and treating one another with kindness and unity. Across Asian and Pacific Island communities, these values shine through, reminding us that when we lead with aloha, we create space for everyone to belong.

Q: What legacy do you hope to leave for future generations of AAPI professionals?
A: I want to show that success doesn’t require sacrificing who you are or where you come from. The cultural values I was raised with have helped me foster an environment of teamwork, support, and honesty as a leader. My experiences as an individual in the AAPI community have shaped me into who I am today. They have allowed me to join many others in helping to lay the foundation for our future AAPI professionals. Whether in hospitality, the medical field, or any other industry, I hope others see that leadership can look like us, sound like us, and carry the heart of our communities with pride.

Most of all, I hope to inspire others to create spaces where cultural authenticity is celebrated—where future AAPI leaders feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive just as they are.