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.
UH Alumni who are 2024 40 Under 40 honorees:
- Jacob Aki (BA ‘17, UH Mānoa)—public affairs manager, Alaska Airlines
- Mary de la Torres (BA ‘11, UH Mānoa)—proposal lead, Hensel Phelps
- Cecilia Hamao (AS ‘10, Kapiʻolani Community College)—general manager, OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel
- Shelly Kaiaokamaile (MBA ‘22, UH Mānoa)—executive director, Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center
- Summer Kaiawe (BA ‘07, UH Mānoa)—partner, Watanabe Ing
- Nick Kam (BS ‘13, UH Mānoa)—principal geotechnical engineer, Earth Engineers Inc.
- Lono Kealoha (AA ‘08, Honolulu Community College) (BBAM ‘11, UH Manoa)—vice president, Bank of Hawaii
- Jared Kushi (BBA’ 14, UH Mānoa)—CEO, Hawaiiverse and Koosh Media
- Leinani Lozi (BA ‘17, UH Hilo)—Hawaiʻi education and engagement manager, NOIRLab
- Chretien Macutay (DArch ’12, UH Mānoa)—associate principal, G70
- Kaulana McCabe (MA ‘15, UH Manoa)—vice president of programs, Kupu
- Ashley Noji (MBA ‘11, UH Mānoa)—vice president of product strategy and retail analytics, Hawaii State FCU
- Courtney Villanueva (BBA ‘12, UH 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 UH 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.”
