Matthew Emerzian

Founder & CEO, Every Monday Matters

Bestselling Author & Keynote Speaker

Matthew Emerzian is the founder and CEO of Every Monday Matters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people understand their value and purpose. A bestselling author, keynote speaker, and creator of The Mattering Mindset™, he has spent more than 15 years inspiring individuals, schools, and organizations to build stronger connections, engagement, and well-being. Through Every Monday Matters, Matthew has impacted millions of lives, with programs reaching more than 3 million students nationwide and organizations of all sizes. Before launching his nonprofit work, Matthew built a successful career in the music industry, working with major artists and brands before a personal turning point led him to redefine his life’s purpose. Today, he speaks globally on leadership, culture, mental wellness, and the power of helping people know they matter.

8:00 am

Registration, Light Bites & Expo 

9:00 am

Opening General Session 

Welcome Remarks 

Keynote: Matthew Emerzian

10:15 am

Breakout Session I 

The Human Side of AI & Automation

The Leadership Shift: From Insight to Impact at Hawai‘i Leadership Academy

Burnout in Leadership: Sustaining Energy and Impact

11:30 am

Breakout Session II 

Your Next Chapter: Designing What Comes Next

Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast: Why Leadership and Values Matter

Leading Across Generations: Building Strong Teams in a Multigenerational Workplace

12:30 pm

Lunch & Networking Expo

2:00 pm

Afternoon Session 

Reading the Room: Social Intelligence in High-Stakes Environments

Managing Up: Influencing and Supporting Your Leaders

Leading Through Difficult Conversations

3:15 pm

Closing General Session 

Aloha Leadership: Presence, Character, and Modern Leadership

Alaska Airlines x Hawaiian Airlines Giveaway

The Human Side of AI & Automation

Artificial intelligence and automation are rapidly transforming how organizations operate. Yet technology alone does not determine success. Leaders must understand the human implications of these tools, including how they reshape roles, decision making, and trust within teams. This session explores how leaders can responsibly integrate emerging technologies while maintaining transparency, ethical judgment, and a strong focus on people.

Moderator – AJ Halagao, President – Hawai’i Leadership Forum

Speakers

• Mike Latham, President – Punahou School
• Jason Dang – EVP and Digital Banking, AI and Services Division Manager, First Hawaiian Bank
• Jason Higa – Chief Executive Officer, FCH Enterprises, Inc.
• Christine Sakuda, Chief Information Officer – State of Hawai’i

The Leadership Shift: From Insight to Impact at Hawai‘i Leadership Academy

Leadership doesn’t evolve through titles…it evolves through intentional reflection, challenge, and community. In this engaging panel discussion, Hawai‘i Leadership Academy alumni share how the program reshaped their leadership mindset and how they’ve applied lessons in real-world situations across our islands and industries. This interactive session will explore the leadership shifts that happen when leaders step back, challenge assumptions, and intentionally grow their influence. Expect authentic conversation, audience interaction, and practical takeaways for leaders at every stage of their journey.

Moderator – Tracie Foglia, Talent Solutions Manager – Hawai’i Employers Council

Speakers

• Di Salas , Director of Marketing & Communications – Hawaii Dental Service
• Kekoa Akana, Realtor, Hawaii Development Group and Principal, Akana Medical Supply
• Michelle Ake, Founder & CEO – Malu Productions, Inc.
• Kevin Cutter, VP of Operations – McCabe Hamilton & Renny

Burnout in Leadership: Sustaining Energy and Impact

Leadership roles often carry intense responsibility, constant decision making, and competing demands. Over time, this pressure can erode energy and effectiveness if not managed intentionally. This session explores the realities of burnout at the leadership level and how sustainable leadership practices can protect both personal wellbeing and organizational performance. Participants will examine strategies for maintaining resilience, perspective, and long term leadership effectiveness.

Moderator – Ryan Catalani, Executive Director – Family Promise of Hawai’i

Speakers

• Michelle Bartell, President & CEO – Aloha United Way
• Dr. Diane S.L. Paloma , President and CEO – Hawaii Dental Service
• Dan Haire, President & CEO – Navian Hawaii

Your Next Chapter: Designing What Comes Next

Leadership careers rarely follow a straight line. Many leaders eventually reach a point where they begin to ask what the next chapter of their leadership journey should look like. This session invites leaders to reflect on purpose, legacy, and future direction. Participants will explore how to intentionally design their next chapter, whether that involves new leadership roles, mentorship, entrepreneurship, or broader community impact.

Moderator – Darlene Blakeney, EVP and Chief Lending Officer – First Hawaiian Bank

Speakers

• Wendy Hensel, President – University of Hawai’i
• Carlos Peñaloza, Chancellor – Leeward Community College, Interim Chancellor – UH West O’ahu
• Laura Beeman, Associate Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Success – University of Hawai’i

Leading Through Difficult Conversations

Every leader eventually faces conversations they would rather avoid. Whether addressing performance, navigating conflict, or delivering difficult news, the way these moments are handled defines trust and credibility. This session explores practical approaches for preparing for difficult conversations, staying grounded in high-emotion situations, and communicating with both clarity and respect. Participants will leave with tools to approach challenging discussions with confidence while preserving relationships and forward momentum.

Moderator – Allan Fair, Co-Founder, Berkeley Institute for Human Connection

• Blake Parsons, CEO & Scout Executive – Scouting America Aloha Council
• Alisa Onishi, Managing Director Hawai’i Market – Hawaiian Airlines
• Dr. Lynn Babington, President – Chaminade University of Honolulu
• Jenny Walker – Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, HMSA

Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast: Why Leadership and Values Matter

Even the most well designed strategies can fail if the culture of an organization does not support them. Leaders shape culture every day through decisions, behaviors, and the standards they reinforce. This session explores how culture influences performance, accountability, and employee engagement. Participants will examine how values driven leadership creates alignment, trust, and long term organizational success.

Moderator – Mea Aloha Spady, Executive Director of The Kūpa’a Network and Hawaiʻi Community Journal

Speakers

• Kathy Morimoto – President & CEO, St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawai’i
• Jondi Anderson – VP of Human Resources, Servco Pacific
• Mayor Rick Blangiardi – Mayor, City and County of Honolulu

Reading the Room: Social Intelligence in High-Stakes Environments

Leadership is not only about what is said, but what is sensed. In boardrooms, negotiations, and moments of uncertainty, strong leaders are able to read dynamics, understand unspoken signals, and respond with awareness. This session explores how social intelligence shapes leadership effectiveness. Participants will learn how to interpret group dynamics, manage tension, and navigate complex interpersonal environments while maintaining composure and credibility.

Moderator – Reid Fowler, News Anchor & Journalist – KITV4 Island News

Speakers

• Terry George – CEO & President, Hawai’i Community Foundation
• Scott Seu, CEO, Hawaiian Electric and Hawaiian Electric Industries
• Jennifer Tanabe – Director of Marketing & Communications, ALTRES
• Joe Young – Managing Partner, Deloitte
• Lauren Nahme – Managing Director, Hawai‘i iQ 360

Leading Across Generations: Building Strong Teams in a Multigenerational Workplace

Today’s workplace brings together more generations than ever before, each shaped by different experiences, expectations, and communication styles. Effective leaders understand how to bridge these differences and create environments where diverse perspectives strengthen the team. This session explores how leaders can build trust across generations, navigate differing work styles, and harness the strengths each generation brings to the workplace.

Moderator – Linda Miki, CEO & Vice Chair, G70

Speakers

• Bryan Luke, President & CEO – Hawaii National Bank
• Cory Kubota, CEO – Accuity
• Doug Johnstone – President of Hawai‘i Region & National Condominium Development at Howard Hughes Communities

Managing Up: Influencing and Supporting Your Leaders

Leadership does not only flow downward. The ability to effectively support and influence those above you is an essential leadership skill. This session explores how to build strong relationships with senior leaders, communicate strategically, and anticipate organizational priorities. Participants will learn practical ways to manage up while strengthening trust, credibility, and alignment within the leadership team.

Moderator – Alisa Bender – Principal-in-Residence, Department of Education

Speakers

• Terence Young, EVP O’ahu Operations – Hawai’i Pacific Health; CEO of Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Benioff Medical Center
• Jen Lau – President & COO, Finance Enterprises
• Tina Andrade – President & CEO, Catholic Charities of Hawaii

Aloha Leadership: Presence, Character, and Modern Leadership

Bob Harrison

Chairman, President & CEO

First Hawaiian Bank

Bob Harrison is Chairman, President, and CEO of First Hawaiian, Inc. and First Hawaiian Bank, bringing over 35 years of experience in the financial industry. Since joining the bank in 1996, he has served in key roles including COO and Chief Risk Officer. A U.S. Navy veteran, he also chairs the First Hawaiian Bank Foundation and serves on several local boards. Harrison holds a degree in Applied Mathematics from UCLA and an MBA from Cornell.

Bryan Luke

President and CEO

Hawaii National Bank

Bryan Luke is President and CEO of Hawaii National Bank, a locally owned community bank. With over 25 years of experience, including roles at Standard & Poor’s and PricewaterhouseCoopers, he became the third generation of family leadership in 2019. He serves on various banking industry and local nonprofit boards.

Christine M. Sakuda

Chief Information Officer

State of Hawaiʻi

Christine Sakuda was appointed by Governor Josh Green as the State Chief Information Officer and Administrator of the Office of Enterprise Technology Services. She previously spent seven years as Executive Director of Transform Hawaiʻi Government, advocating for digital accessibility. Her background includes executive leadership at the Hawaiʻi Health Information Exchange.

Darlene Blakeney

EVP and Chief Lending Officer

First Hawaiian Bank

Darlene Blakeney is Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for First Hawaiian Bank’s Wholesale Banking Group. With over 25 years in banking, she has led corporate, commercial, and real estate lending teams. She serves on the boards of the State of Hawaii Employees’ Retirement System and Bishop Museum.

AJ Halagao

President

Hawaiʻi Leadership Forum

AJ Halagao serves as president of the Hawaiʻi Leadership Forum. He chairs the boards of the UH Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship and Hawaiʻi Green Growth. He also serves as vice chair of the East-West Center Foundation and is a board member for After-School All-Stars and the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

Di Salas

Director of Marketing & Communications

Hawaii Dental Service

Di Salas is the Director of Marketing & Communications at Hawaii Dental Service (HDS), where she leads brand strategy, community relations, and statewide oral health outreach. She previously held leadership roles at Easter Seals Hawaii and The Salvation Army. She currently serves on the boards of Aloha United Way Women United and Read to Me International.

Dr. Diane S.L. Paloma

President and CEO

Hawaii Dental Service

Dr. Diane S.L. Paloma is President and CEO of Hawaii Dental Service, leading efforts to improve oral health access and affordability. Previously, she held leadership roles at King Lunalilo Trust and The Queen’s Health Systems. Deeply connected to her Native Hawaiian heritage, she is also a leader of a hula hālau.

Jason Dang

EVP and Digital Banking, AI and Services Division Manager

First Hawaiian Bank

Jason Dang is Executive Vice President and Manager of the Digital Banking and Services Division at First Hawaiian Bank. He leads enterprise digital transformation across banking and acquisition platforms and oversees the bank’s AI program strategy and governance. Dang has 12 years of experience focused on delivering scalable digital solutions and enhancing client engagement.

Michelle Bartell

President and CEO

Aloha United Way

Michelle Bartell is the President and CEO of Aloha United Way, leading programs such as the statewide 211 Helpline and the ALICE initiative. She previously led community advancement at American Savings Bank. A UCLA graduate and longtime volunteer, she serves on several local boards focused on building a more connected Hawaiʻi.

Mike Latham

President

Punahou School

Mike Latham has served as the 17th president of Punahou School since 2019. An alumnus, he returned to Hawaiʻi following a distinguished career in higher education, including leadership roles at Grinnell College and Fordham University. A historian by training, he holds degrees from Pomona College and UCLA.

Tracie Foglia

Talent Solutions Manager

Hawaii Employers Council

Tracie Foglia is a strategic talent leader with over 15 years of experience serving diverse organizations across Hawaiʻi. As HEC’s Talent Solutions Manager, she helps local organizations align talent strategies with business goals through tailored workforce development and performance programs. She brings both neighbor island and global perspectives to her work.

Wendy Hensel

President

University of Hawaiʻi

Wendy F. Hensel became president of the University of Hawaiʻi on January 1, 2025. She previously served as provost at the City University of New York and as provost and law school dean at Georgia State University. A respected legal scholar, she earned her law degree from Harvard.

Jason Higa

Chief Executive Officer

FCH Enterprises, Inc.

Jason Higa has served as CEO of FCH Enterprises, Inc. since 2003, leading the Hawai‘i-based, family-owned company founded in 1966. A second-generation leader, he guides growth, innovation, and sustainability while upholding the company’s core values. Jason is active in the community and serves on the Hawai‘i Business Roundtable.

Kathy Morimoto

President and CEO

St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawai‘i

Kathy Morimoto is President and CEO of St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawai‘i, where she leads the organization’s transformation while honoring its long legacy of care. A lifelong Hawai‘i resident, she previously held executive roles at HMSA and The Queen’s Health Systems and serves on several nonprofit and education boards.

Carlos Peñaloza

Interim Chancellor

University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu

Carlos Peñaloza, Ph.D., serves as Interim Chancellor of UH West O‘ahu and Chancellor of Leeward Community College. A biologist by training, he has more than 20 years of higher education leadership experience. Since 2019, he has led Leeward CC with a focus on innovation, equity, workforce development, and student success.

Alisa Onishi

Managing Director

Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines

Alisa Onishi is Managing Director of Hawai‘i Marketing for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, where she leads brand marketing and guest experience initiatives. Since joining Hawaiian in 2011, she has guided brand, culture, and community efforts. She previously held marketing roles at Hawaiian Telcom and Mobi PCS and is a graduate of Hawai‘i Pacific University.

Jennifer Tanabe

Director of Marketing and Communications

ALTRES

Jennifer Tanabe is Director of Marketing and Communications at ALTRES, where she leads brand and communications strategy. With nearly 30 years of experience, she has created award-winning campaigns for local and global brands. A former AAF Hawai‘i Ad Woman of the Year, Jen is known for audience-focused strategy and creative problem solving.

Reid Fowler

News Anchor and Journalist

KITV4 Island News

Reid Fowler is a Hawaiʻi-born news anchor and journalist at KITV4 Island News. With experience across ESPN, PGA TOUR, NFL Network, and Amazon Prime Video, he brings a national perspective to local storytelling. A Punahou graduate, Reid returned home to cover stories that inform and connect Hawaiʻi’s communities.

Mea Aloha Spady

Executive Director

The Kūpaʻa Network; Hawaiʻi Community Journal

Mea Aloha Spady is Executive Director of The Kūpaʻa Network and co-founder of Hawaiʻi Community Journal. With more than 20 years of experience, she has served communities locally and globally. Born and raised on Oʻahu, she focuses on building informed, engaged communities and creating pathways for people to shape a positive future.

Doug Johnstone

President

Hawai‘i Region & National Condominium Development at Howard Hughes Communities

Doug Johnstone is President of the Hawaiʻi region for Howard Hughes Communities, where he leads the 60-acre Ward Village master plan in Kakaʻako. He oversees development, financing, asset management, and retail operations, while also guiding national condominium initiatives. Doug is active in numerous Hawaiʻi civic, business, and community organizations.

Kekoa Akana

Realtor, Hawaii Development Group

Principal, Akana Medical Supply

Kekoa Akana is a Hawaiʻi Island entrepreneur, REALTOR® with Hawaii Development Group, and co-founder of Akana Medical Supply. His work spans real estate, home inspection, and medical supply services supporting local families. Raised on Oʻahu, he is committed to strengthening Hawaiʻi’s future through business, leadership, and community involvement.

Cory Kubota

Chief Executive Officer

Accuity

Cory Kubota is CEO of Accuity, Hawaiʻi’s largest accounting and advisory firm, where he has spent his 30-year career. Since becoming CEO in 2020, he has led efforts to modernize the firm’s vision and operations. He also serves on several nonprofit boards supporting healthcare and community initiatives across Hawaiʻi.

Dan Haire

President and CEO

Navian Hawaii

Dan Haire is President and CEO of Navian Hawaii, bringing more than 15 years of hospice leadership experience. A BSN-prepared nurse with an MBA, he combines clinical expertise with strategic leadership to advance patient-centered care. Dan focuses on strengthening culture, improving operations, and expanding access to high-quality palliative and hospice services across Hawaiʻi.

Rick Blangiardi

Mayor

City and County of Honolulu

Rick Blangiardi is the 15th Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, leading the nation’s 11th largest municipality. Before entering public service, he spent more than four decades as an award-winning media executive and served as a football coach at the University of Connecticut and the University of Hawaiʻi.

Steve Petranik

Senior Editor / Chief Creative Officer

Hawaii Business Magazine / Your Story LLC

Steve Petranik is Senior Editor of Hawaii Business Magazine, where he previously served as Editor-in-Chief for 16 years. He is also owner and Chief Creative Officer of Your Story LLC. His reporting has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times.

Scott Seu

Chief Executive Officer

Hawaiian Electric and Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI)

Scott Seu is CEO of Hawaiian Electric and its parent company, Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI). Since joining Hawaiian Electric in 1993, he has held several leadership roles and now leads both companies. He also serves on community boards supporting health, education, and Hawaiʻi’s families and communities.

Ryan Catalani

Executive Director

Family Promise of Hawaiʻi

Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Ryan Catalani has devoted his career to nonprofit leadership, serving as Executive Director of Family Promise of Hawaiʻi since 2022. He serves on the boards of the Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, AFP Aloha Chapter, and KEY Project, and was named to Pacific Business News’ “40 Under 40.”

Jondi Anderson

Vice President of Human Resources

Servco Pacific Inc.

Jondi Anderson serves as Servco’s Vice President of Human Resources, leading people strategies that support Team Servco across Hawaiʻi. She partners with leaders to strengthen a culture rooted in Respect, Service, Teamwork, and Innovation while advancing employee engagement, talent development, and organizational transformation.

Lynn Babington

President

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Dr. Lynn Babington is president of Chaminade University of Honolulu, where she advances the university’s Marianist mission and develops ethical leaders. A former nursing and healthcare leader, she previously held leadership roles at Fairfield University and Northeastern University and serves on the boards of St. Francis and The Queen’s Health Systems.

Linda Miki, AIA

Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chair

G70

Linda Miki, AIA is Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chair of G70, where she leads a multidisciplinary design firm of more than 100 team members. The first female CEO in the firm’s 55-year history, she is an architect known for adaptive reuse projects and leading multigenerational teams across Hawaiʻi.

Laura Beeman

Former Head Coach, Women’s Basketball

University of Hawaiʻi

Laura Beeman led the University of Hawaiʻi women’s basketball program for 14 seasons, earning 244 wins, nine postseason appearances, three Big West championships, and three NCAA Tournament berths. A four-time Big West Coach of the Year, she built a culture of academic excellence while developing accomplished student-athletes.

Alisa Bender

Principal-in-Residence

Hawaiʻi Department of Education

Joe Young

Managing Partner

Deloitte

Jenny A. Walker

Executive VP, Chief Administrative Officer, and General Counsel

HMSA

Allan Fair

Co-Founder

Berkeley Institute for Human Connection

Tina Andrade

President & CEO

Catholic Charities Hawai’i

Tina Andrade is President and CEO of Catholic Charities Hawai’i and the Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation. A Native Hawaiian leader and lifelong advocate for community well-being. she is the first lay female and Native Hawaiian to lead the organization. Guided by the value of lōkahi—unity and harmony-Andrade has expanded affordable housing, strengthened social services, and built cross-sector partnerships. Her leadership has helped secure more than $200 million for housing initiatives that create lasting opportunities for Hawaii’s most vulnerable communities.

Michelle Ake

Founder & CEO

Malu Productions, Inc.

Michelle Malulani Ake is Founder and CEO of Malu Productions, Inc. A former special education teacher and mentor with a master’s in education, she has spent nearly three decades preserving Polynesian culture through entertainment. A producer, choreographer, and entrepreneur, she has performed in more than 26 countries, inspiring audiences worldwide.

Duane Kurisu

Founder and Chairman

aio

Duane Kurisu is founder and chairman of aio, a family of companies spanning media, digital ventures, and community initiatives. Raised on Hawai‘i Island, he built his career in real estate before expanding into media and business investments. Through aio and its foundation, Duane supports programs that serve local communities and help develop future leaders across Hawai‘i.

Michelle Kaʻuhane

Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President

Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Michelle Kaʻuhane is Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. A nonprofit and public policy leader with more than 20 years of experience, she advances equitable outcomes through philanthropy and community development. She serves on several national and local advisory boards supporting Hawaiʻi’s future.

Regular Ticket

$225