In episode #79, Jo chatted with SMSgt Erin Esquer, Senior Enlisted Leader for the 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. They delved into the crucial work of the squadron in managing medical evacuations and the logistics involved in patient care. SMSgt Esquer also shared her personal journey from aspiring basketball player to Air Force Reserve leader, the benefits of joining the reserve, and the importance of mentorship for women in the military. Tune in to explore the diverse opportunities within the Air Force Reserve and how you can get involved on Oahu ..read more

In episode #78, Jo sat down with Senator Glenn Wakai to talk about the role of public-private partnerships in the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District project and the digitization and incentivization of the state's agricultural declaration form. Later, Senator Wakai touches upon the reasoning behind making the shaka the official state gesture and more. Contact Senator Wakai at senwakai@capitol.hawaii.gov ..read more

In episode #75, Jo spoke to Kurt Matsumoto, President of Pulama Lanai, about attracting and retaining local-grown talent, the available economic opportunities and more. Kurt is the third generation of his family born and raised on Lanai which sparked a fascinating conversation about the islands' unique culture. Later, Kurt explains Pulama Lanai's mission and how they are working to further develop the business climate. To learn more about Pulama Lanai and avaialable job opportunities, click here.   ..read more

In episode #74, Jo sat down with the VP of Marketing Communications & Strategy for Southwest Airlines, Jennifer Bridie. In celebration of Southwests' 5th anniversary in Hawaii,  Jennifer explains the process of entering a new market and how Southwest continues to be one of the most beloved brands in the world. She also talks about the Southwest Companion Pass and what new travel trends she has seen. To learn more about Southwest in Hawaii, click here.  ..read more

In episode #72, Jo sat down with Mark Menard, Business Services Coordinator for the American Job Center|City and County of Honolulu, and David Takeyama, CIO of Oceanit, to talk about the QUEST grant which gives local employers the opportunity to secure a fully funded intern. In this episode, Mark explains how the QUEST grant is working to fill workforce gaps in Hawaii with no-risk to employers. Later, David shares one of the first success stories from the QUEST grant and how his company found their "super intern" through this program. To learn more about securing an intern, email Vanessa Roger ..read more

The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Engineering Sector Partnership is celebrating Engineers Week! In episode #71, Jo McGarry sat down with Leslie Wilkins, Founder, STEMworks. Leslie talks about women in engineering and the importance of diversifying the field. She also tells us more about STEMworks annual event, “Introduce A Girl to Engineering Day” happening on Feb. 22 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the YWCA in Honolulu. To learn more about the Engineering Sector Partnership, click here.  ..read more

The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Engineering Sector Partnership is celebrating Engineers Week! In episode #70, Jo McGarry sat down with Brandon Lester, Indo-Pacific Director of AI, Booz Allen Hamilton. Brandon talks about the importance of Engineers Week and how Sector Partnerships are educating our local students on a wide range of opportunities in engineering. He also talks about the future of AI, cybersecurity and provides some helpful recommendations for creating passwords. To learn more about the Engineering Sector Partnership, click here.  ..read more

In episode #69, Jo McGarry sat down with Marshall Norman, Program Manager, Good Jobs Hawaii, to discuss the free skills training offered at University of Hawaii Community Colleges through the Good Jobs Hawaii federal grant funding. Marshall also explains how critical industry involvement is to the success of Good Jobs Hawaii and why lifelong learning is so important. Later, he shares an inspiring success story from the Good Jobs Hawaii program. To learn more about Good Jobs Hawaii or to apply for a course, click here.  ..read more

In our first episode of 2024 we are previewing Chamber Week 2024, presented by Alaska Airlines, and the upcoming legislative session. In episode #68, we talked to Eliza Talbot, VP of Business Advocacy & Community Relations for the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. Eliza has an extensive background in policy, state and local government, and community engagement. She explains why Chamber Week 2024 is a "don't miss" event for businesses who would like the opportunity to discuss their priorities this session with legislators and lawmakers. Eliza also previews some of the Chamber's big priorities thi ..read more

In episode #67, we talked to Tim Faulkner, Consultant, Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I) and Jason Chung, VP Military Affairs Council, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. The P3I Initiative aims to create a local skilled workforce to meet the demand within the Department of Defense for intelligence, IT, cyber, electronic warfare, and data science professionals in Hawaii. Tim and Jason talk about the foundation of the P3I Initiative and why it's important in today's workforce with artificial intelligence rapidly expanding. Finally, we hear about some of the success stories that have ..read more