Mentor Hawaii: Investing in Local Talent, Creating Lasting Impact
Through 42 mentor-mentee pairings, Cohort 11 fostered meaningful connections, professional growth, and opportunities for Hawai‘i’s emerging leaders.
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Young Professionals’ Mentor Hawaii program, presented by American Savings Bank, recently celebrated the conclusion of Cohort 11, which brought together 42 mentors and 42 mentees from across Hawai‘i’s business community.
Through one-on-one mentorship, networking events, and shared experiences, participants developed leadership skills, gained valuable insights, and built relationships that extend beyond the program.
More Ways to Connect, Learn, and Grow
Alaska Airlines Senior Public Affairs Manager Jacob Aki (right) connects with Cohort 11 mentee Sarah Kunishige during a speed mentoring session.
Mentorship doesn’t happen only in scheduled meetings. Throughout the cohort, participants gathered for special events designed to expand their networks and learn from one another.
The first gathering, sponsored by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, featured a speed mentoring experience where mentees connected one-on-one with mentors beyond their assigned pairings. The format gave participants an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and advice from a variety of professionals.
Mentor Hawaii committee members with Hawaii Theatre Center President & CEO Gregory Dunn (third from left). Pictured from left: Brianne Yamada Nitahara, Kaydi Onaga, Gregory Dunn, Lauren Shigemasa, Sam Glickman, and Karwin Sui Belanga.
The second gathering took place at the historic Hawaii Theatre Centre, graciously hosted by mentor Gregory Dunn, the Theatre’s president and CEO. Set within one of Honolulu’s most iconic cultural landmarks, the gathering offered participants an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
Celebrating Cohort 11
The cohort concluded with a celebration at American Savings Bank, where participants gathered to reflect on their experiences, recognize their mentors, and celebrate the relationships formed throughout the program.
Cohort 11 mentee Kory Rasmussen of GJB & Associates LLC (right) with mentor Glen Kaneshige, president of Nordic PCL Construction.
“As someone who leads multiple businesses while working to build a lasting legacy through the Mana Ka ʻIke Bruce Ohana Foundation, I truly appreciate the opportunity to learn from Glen’s experience and leadership,” said Kory Rasmussen, executive director at GJB & Associates LLC. “His willingness to share his knowledge, perspective, and lessons learned throughout his career provided valuable insight into what it takes to build and lead successful organizations. The knowledge and perspective gained will stay with me as I continue building our family of companies and creating opportunities for future generations.”
The program’s success is made possible by dedicated volunteer mentors, committee members, and community partners who generously contribute their time and resources to support Hawai‘i’s emerging leaders.
Learn more about Mentor Hawaii and sign up to be notified when Cohort 12 applications open at: cochawaii.org/yp-mentor-hawaii.
