Young Professionals Program
Young Professionals Committees
The Steering Committee and committee members of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Young Professionals Program are volunteer leaders who are the heart and soul of the program. They donate their time and skill sets to develop the next generation of business leaders.
Encourages members to address community issues through the legislative process, volunteerism, and service on nonprofit and government boards. Plans advocacy events to connect members with elected officials.
Promotes the YP Program and its events through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Creates graphics, promotional materials, and manages public relations and outreach. Handles special projects including visual branding and video media.
Welcomes new members, involves current members in events and programs and manages the program-wide WhatsApp chat.
Plans and organizes signature events such as the Program Launch Party, Anniversary and Awards Reception, Holiday Party, and other social and community volunteer events.
Recruits C-suite business leaders to speak at monthly executive luncheons, providing young professionals with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
Recruits new members through events and strategic initiatives, and develops plans for membership growth. Hosts quarterly YP Preview Nights for new and prospective members to learn more about the program and network.
Manages the Mentor Hawaii mentorship program, including recruiting mentors, matching them with mentees, and overseeing program design and execution.
Organizes Professional Development Classes (PDC), including sourcing speakers and selecting topics.
Seeks and secures sponsorships for the program, collaborates with the YP Steering Committee and Chamber, and maintains relationships with sponsors to encourage renewals.
Supports women with professional development tools and a supportive network. Hosts events to address workplace challenges unique to women and provide practical career advice.
Recruits young professional mentors for high school students, providing career inspiration and guidance. Manages program strategy, collateral, and events.
Beginning with Maui, hosts events for Young Professionals on neighbor islands.
Join a Committee
Expand your network, increase your experience and leadership skills and build your resume with one of our 11 committees.
Learn more here or contact Tricia Fetui for more information.
Meet the Steering Committee
Jessica Yuhara
Chair
Realtor-Associate, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage
“Anyone serious about professional and leadership growth needs to be a part of the YP Program – whether at the start of your career or already established. YP has allowed me to develop lifetime connections with like-minded professionals across different industries, while also providing invaluable opportunities to continue to grow in my career and as a leader. I gained mentorship from Hawaii’s most influential and seasoned executives. Having moved back home to Hawaii a few years ago, joining and actively engaging with YP has been one of my best decisions yet!”
Jessica Yuhara is a Honolulu-born professional with a fierce commitment to making Hawaii a better place to live and do business.
As a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens, she is committed to empowering residents impacted by the state’s high cost of living to pursue homeownership through education, creating opportunity, and driving change. She also employs her experience to partner with investors and entrepreneurs to achieve their business goals through real estate.
Prior to pursuing real estate as a critical avenue to honor her commitment to Hawaii, Jessica held leadership roles in consulting and business development at aio Hawaii (Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Development), Fullscreen (Associate Director of Strategic Development), and Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Business Development Manager).
Prior to serving as COCHYP’s Chair, Jessica has had the privilege of serving as the Program’s Engagement Chair and Communications Chair since joining YP in 2018.
In addition to her service with COCHYP, Jessica demonstrates her commitment to the advancement of Hawaii’s youth as Marketing Chair for the Advantage Kokua Committee, which helps at-risk youth access university education and public school students access vision care.
In her spare time, Jessica teaches and practices vinyasa and sculpt at Yoga Room Hawaii and CorePower Yoga. She also enjoys being near water and hanging out with her fur baby, Kaimana.
Jordan Odo
Chair Elect
Associate Counsel, American Savings Bank
“I can’t say enough about the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Young Professionals Program. I will be the first person to tell you that I am allergic to networking in large social settings. But, through the YP Program, I’ve been able to stay authentic and still meet a ton of business leaders, including many who are YPs themselves. The YP Program has something for everyone, including professional/leadership development classes, mentorship, civic engagement, community service events, pau hanas and social events. If you get involved, the opportunities are endless.”
Jordan is a first vice president and Associate Counsel at American Savings Bank, where he collaborates with the bank’s leaders to help serve customers, employees, the community, and other stakeholders, while mitigating legal and reputational risk.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Jordan is passionate about developing servant leadership values in young leaders and encouraging them to invest and stay in the Aloha State. In 2014, Jordan and his wife founded a nonprofit aimed at empowering tomorrow’s future difference makers in Hawaii. With the help of over a dozen volunteers and countless supporters, the Jordan & Cara Odo Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $75,000 in scholarships, helped over 65 students grow as servant leaders and hosted a number of leadership development events. Jordan also serves as a board member and the Fund Development Chair for Family Promise of Hawaii and is a past board member of the Susannah Wesley Community Center and the Nuuanu YMCA.
Jordan is a proud graduate of Roosevelt High School, the University of Northern Colorado (B.A. Political Science), the Lewis & Clark Law School (J.D.), and the University of Hawaii at Manoa (M.B.A.).
Bianca Mordasini
Past Chair
Senior Director of Alumni and External Relations, UH Foundation/Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaii at Manoa
“Joining the YP Program has not only been a rewarding and fun experience, but has provided me with a myriad of resources and tools necessary to thrive in Hawaii as a professional. From participating in leadership opportunities, mentorship with C-suite executives, professional development and networking with other YPs across various industries, the program has allowed me to cultivate meaningful professional and personal relationships, as well as deepen my understanding of the business scene in Honolulu.”
Bianca Mordasini is senior director of alumni and external relations at UH Foundation, Shidler College of Business at UH Mānoa. In this role, she is responsible for building and sustaining relationships with alumni, and oversees all the college’s external activities including event execution, public relations, marketing and branding efforts, community outreach and more.
Before joining the UH Foundation, Mordasini served as the director of public relations and digital marketing at Ka La’i Waikiki Beach where she was responsible for communication and advertising campaigns, brand management, digital platforms and community outreach.
Previously, Bianca worked at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii as the director of communications and marketing, and executive director of its Young Professionals Program. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
Bianca is a proud mother to her two-year old son, Clark, and is also a registered yoga teacher. Outside of work, she can be found teaching yoga, trying the latest workout, long-board surfing, or making plans for her next international travel destination. She has been recognized as a Pacific Business News 40 Under 40 and Women Who Mean Business honoree.
Joshua Yee
Treasurer
Assurance Senior Manager, Accuity LLP
“It has been an honor to serve as the Treasurer for the YP Program. Being able to contribute to our financial health and assist in achieving our strategic goals has been incredibly rewarding. It has been a privilege to be part of an organization that is so dedicated to the growth and success of its members in our local community. This experience has not only enhanced my skills but has also given me the opportunity to connect and work alongside inspiring professionals and leaders in Hawaii.”
Joshua Yee is an Assurance Senior Manager at Accuity LLP, primarily serving public and private companies in various industries, including real estate, hospitality, retail consumer products and education. He previously worked at Ernst & Young for 12 years in Los Angeles and Honolulu.
He is a CPA and graduated from the University of Southern California with bachelors and masters degrees in accounting. He is an active alumnus of ʻIolani School and enjoys playing pickleball and spending time with his wife and two young boys.
Courtney Wagner
Secretary
Development Officer, Pali Momi Medical Center
“The Chamber of Commerce YP program cultivates a group of up-and-coming leaders who will make an impact over the next several decades. Surrounding myself with these incredible individuals has helped me establish long lasting relationships and contributed to my professional growth opportunities. As a member for the past six years, I’ve found that joining a YP committee has also greatly increased my involvement in the program and allowed me to learn new skills outside of my current position.”
Courtney Wagner is the Development Officer at Pali Momi Foundation. In this role, she supports increasing funding opportunities for programs and services provided at Pali Momi Medical Center. Her focus is to develop meaningful relationships with donors who want to support the care the community needs and believe in Hawai‘i Pacific Health’s mission to create a healthier Hawai‘i.
Courtney moved to Honolulu in 2013 from Chicago where she grew up. She has a BA from Western Michigan University, and an MBA from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. In addition to serving as Secretary with the YP program, Courtney is a board member of the Women’s Fund of Hawai‘i, and a member of the Hawai‘i Young Healthcare Professionals. In her spare time she enjoys reading, going to concerts, taking her dog to the ocean and spending time with friends.
LiAnne Tasato
Communications Co-Chair
Digital Content and Social Media Specialist, East-West Center
“As a self-proclaimed introvert, joining the Young Professionals Program was the best move to get myself comfortable with being uncomfortable. The YP Program provides a variety of development opportunities and networking activities to be able to meet, connect and get to know like-minded, driven individuals!”
LiAnne Tasato is the Marketing Coordinator at the East-West Center. In her role, she supports and develops strategic content marketing including organic social media and e-newsletters.
She previously worked at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii as the Marketing and Events Manager.
Born and raised in Southern California, Tasato is a proud graduate of Mater Dei High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she earned her B.S. in Business and Hospitality. During her spare time, LiAnne enjoys spending time with friends and loved ones, going to the beach, and working with her family on their online lei shop called Kaye’s Leis.
Erika Galarneau
Communications Co-Chair
Marketing & Business Development Manager, Cades Schutte LLP
“The Young Professionals Program has been instrumental in developing my career and network. I moved to Hawaii during the pandemic with no connections. Since joining YP I have made many new friends that I can always call upon. The YP’s are always eager to collaborate and I feel a sense of teamwork that is unmatched by any other organization I am a part of.”
Erika Galarneau is the Marketing & Business Development Manager at Cades Schutte LLP. She has over 15 years of experience supporting local, regional, and global marketing initiatives at major law firms in Tokyo, New York, and Honolulu. She is one of the few legal marketers in Hawaii and also helps coordinate the firm’s community service initiative.
Erika currently serves on the Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Steering Committee as Co-Chair of the Communications Committee. She has been a member of the Legal Marketing Association since 2016, holding several leadership roles, most recently as Co-Chair of the Social & Digital Media Special Interest Group. Additionally, she serves on the Community Service Committee of the Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise.
Erika was born in New York City and spent most of her childhood in Japan. She speaks and writes fluent Japanese.
Zoe Shimizu
Events Chair
Account Executive, Millici Valenti Ng Pack (MVNP)
“It was a challenging time to enter the workforce after 2020, as the world of work was navigating big changes. When I discovered the Young Professionals Program and joined the Events Committee, it opened more opportunities for me than I could have imagined. Expanding my network and making new connections allowed me to gain skills personally and professionally.”
Zoe Shimizu is an Account Executive for local agency Millici Valenti Ng Pack (MVNP), where she has been working with clients in the travel and hospitality fields since 2023. Prior to marketing, she worked in fashion merchandising for over 10 years. Born and raised here in Hawaiʻi, Zoe graduated with her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Communicology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. In addition to serving as the Events Chair, Zoe sits on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Hale Kipa. She plans to continue serving the community in any way she can. In her free time, you can find her basking in the sunlight and enjoying a walk with her golden retriever.
Daniel Kaanana
Exec Connect Chair
Assistant Vice President, Corporate Banking, American Savings Bank
“Throughout my journey with the Young Professionals program, I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of developing deep relationships with others sharing the same passion for success. From engaging in networking opportunities with top business executives to participating with meaningful civic engagement initiatives, the YP provides integral building blocks needed to develop Hawaii’s next generation of leaders.”
Daniel serves as an Assistant Vice President with the Corporate Banking team at American Savings Bank. In this position, he oversees a diverse portfolio of commercial clients, providing tailored financing, depository, and comprehensive banking solutions to meet their unique business needs.
Before joining the banking industry, Daniel spent nearly a decade in the aviation sector with Hawaiian Airlines and Lanai Air. His experience included various roles within the Inflight and Flight Operations divisions.
Daniel is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools and holds both a BBA in Management and an Executive MBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He also earned his commercial pilot and flight instructor certificates from ATP Flight School in Mesa, Arizona.
Charlie Toedt
Professional Development Committee Chair
Principal Owner, Banyan Recruitment
“I have been a part of other Chamber-driven programs in different markets and I can say that nothing comes close to the caliber of people and programs that Hawaii’s Young Professional program offers. My introduction to the YP program started with joining the Professional Development Committee and has grown from there. I’m blown away by how willing our members are to donate their time and energy away from their busy lives to give back”
Charlie Toedt is the Principal Owner of Banyan Recruitment, an executive search firm that focuses on recruiting and retaining Hawaii’s top talent. Over the last 9 years Charlie’s business has expanded to an additional 3 offices on the mainland while continuing to uphold the pillars of Trust, Transparency and Aloha that have made his business successful.
Concentrating primarily on senior level & executive level placements, Charlie partners with local businesses on a consultative basis to help pair exceptional people with great companies.
Charlie grew up in Chicago and graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Business Communications and a minor in Sociology. Outside of the office Charlie enjoys staying active playing in basketball and softball leagues, paddling, and is a Director on the Alliance Board for Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii.
Ryan Matsuura
Membership Chair
Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
“As an introvert, I was initially hesitant to join the YP network, but im so glad I took that leap. Surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a passion for growth and development makes all difference. Being part of this community has truly transformed me as a professional as well as a person. I have grown my professional network and have also made new friendships in the process. ”
Ryan Matsuura is a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, where he has been at since 2013. As a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) practitioner, Ryan maps out and executes comprehensive plans to assess, evaluate and simplify client’s financial future through the development of comprehensive, goals- based financial plans. Ryan is happily married to his wife, Christy. They spend most of their time enjoying parenthood with their son Ty and daughter Kylie. When he has moments to spare, you could find him surfing or fishing on Hawaii’s coastlines or enjoying a round of golf.
Mia Bautista
Engagement Chair
Owner, Shunli LLC and Content Curator, Selfless Studios
”Participating in the YP Program has been a transformative experience for me. When I was in a job that limited my networking opportunities, especially with peers my age, this program reignited my passion for connecting with others. Through the YP Program, I’ve made lifelong friendships and developed my leadership skills. It has been an honor to contribute to shaping the next generation of Hawaii’s leaders.”
Mia is the principal owner of Shunli LLC, a consulting firm where she manages Tea Chest Hawaii’s Amazon store and oversees operations for Brutus Broth, including Amazon store management, website management, customer service, inventory, and shipments. Her goal is to enhance these brands’ online presence and efficiency. She also serves as a content curator, researcher and strategist for Selfless Studios for a YouTube channel. Previously, Mia was the COO at Kolohe Jewelry and played a key role at Skin Care By Hyram, contributing to the development and global launch of the skincare brand Selfless by Hyram at Sephora.
Adopted from China and raised in Oregon, Mia moved to Hawaii, earning a BBA in Finance and International Business with a Minor in Chinese from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Outside of work, Mia enjoys pole fitness, hiking, fitness challenges, attending music festivals, and spending time with her friends and fur babies.
Scott Taber
Sponsorship Co-Chair
Vice President, Commercial Real Estate Loan Division, Bank of Hawaii
“Coming out of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Young Professionals Program provided me a much needed boost to rebuilding my professional network. This group offers a wealth of benefits to young professionals who are looking to advance their careers, make meaningful connections, and give back to their community.“
Scott Taber is a Vice President in the Commercial Real Estate Lending Division at Bank of Hawaii, where he underwrites new commercial real estate transactions and manages a commercial real estate loan portfolio of both local and national customers. Prior to that, he was a portfolio manager in the Bank’s Corporate Banking Division.
Born and raised in Honolulu, Scott is a graduate of Punahou School and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, where he earned his BBA in Finance and International Business and BA in Economics. He is a recognized CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Hawaii.
Scott also serves on the boards of the Shidler Alumni Association, the Urban Land Institute’s Young Professionals Program, and The Outdoor Circle of Manoa.
Aly Wee
Sponsorship Co-Chair
Owner, Aly Wee Consulting
“If I could turn back the hands of time, I would’ve joined the YP Program sooner. The endless opportunities to develop meaningful relationships with motivated young professionals, connect with executives that would otherwise be difficult to do on my own, and outpouring of support across the entire YP community have made my time in the program immensely satisfying and fulfilling. It is my turn to continue to cultivate the spirit and mission of the YP program and I look forward to serving Hawaii’s upcoming generation of future leaders.”
Aly Wee is the Owner of Aly Wee Consulting, a hotel revenue management and advisory services firm specializing in the independent, boutique hotel space. Prior to founding her consulting business, Aly worked as the Regional Director of Revenue Generation at Springboard Hospitality where she led the company’s expansion efforts in Hawaii and spearheaded the transitions of 11 hotels into the portfolio. Previously, Aly served as a Revenue Manager at Aqua-Aston Hospitality where she managed a diverse portfolio of independent hotels and condotels across the Hawaiian Islands.
An alumna of Iolani School, Aly holds a BBA in Finance and an Executive MBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Shidler College of Business. In her leisure time, you can find Aly exploring the Hawaiian skies as a licensed private pilot or traveling and eating her way through Southeast Asia.
Nina Horioka
Wahine Chair
Energy Advisor, Hawaii Energy
“This is the premier program for young professionals in Hawaii and offers many opportunities for mentorship, networking, and personal and professional development. I have been an active YP member for several years, serving on the Professional Development and Wahine committees. Through my involvement, I have gained valuable leadership skills and met many like-minded individuals. I am grateful that YP has been there throughout my career.”
As an Energy Advisor, Nina helps commercial customers participate in Hawaii’s Energy’s programs to save energy and money. She supports various trade allies, partners, and organizations with energy efficiency measures and projects. Prior to joining the Hawaii Energy team, Nina worked in the nonprofit sector and has a passion for helping people and our local community thrive. She is active in the community and in addition to volunteering with the Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals, she serves on the board of the Organization of Women Leaders Hawaii.
Francis Choe
Mentor Hawaii Co-Chair
Commission Strategic Advisor, Port of Seattle
“Being a part of the Mentor Hawaii program, first as a mentee in the sixth cohort and then as a committee member, has been a rewarding experience. From working with so many distinguished community leaders and executives to connecting with like-minded professionals and peers, the value of the YP Program is endless. I’m grateful for such an amazing program.”
Born and raised in Hawaii, Francis spent over 15 years working in various public policy and strategic communications roles for Hawaii businesses and elected officials. His experience includes working for Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui, Honolulu Councilmember Trevor Ozawa, and on the government and community affairs team at Alexander & Baldwin and Hawaiian Telcom. Now residing in Washington State, he serves as a Strategic Advisor to Port of Seattle Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa.
Francis is pursuing his Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington. He has an MBA from Syracuse University, an MA in Communications & Leadership from Gonzaga University, and a BA in Communications from the University of Hawaii.
Mizuki Lee
Mentor Hawaii Co-Chair
National Managed Care Contracting Manager, CCRM Management Company
“I was drawn to join the YPs and pursue mentorship because of my connection to my fellow Mentor Hawaii Committee Co-Chair, whom I’ve respected since high school. I have since grown in leaps and bounds and I am proud to serve as Co Chair for the second consecutive year. I was fortunate to be mentored by David Okabe, currently serving as Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. It’s my pleasure and privilege to continue my mentorship journey as Co Chair.”
Mizuki is the Contract Manager of CCRM Management Company, a global leader in family building healthcare through its superior laboratory, innovative genetics, and many cutting-edge R&D teams. Over the past decade, Mizuki served in contract management roles at Fertility Institute of Hawaii and The Queen’s Health Systems. Mizuki is a sworn-in Family Court Officer and is Vice President of Friends of CASA Hawaii, promoting advocacy for children in foster care within the State of Hawaii Judiciary.
Mizuki obtained a B.A. from the University of Maryland at College Park, Robert H. Smith School of Business. She completed research programs at Princeton University and Sophia University.
Alena Kangas Auyoung
Civic Engagement Chair
Enterprise Information Governance Manager, Kamehameha Schools
“I’ve had the pleasure of serving the Mentor Hawaii and now Civic Engagement Committees. Both have stretched my skills in leadership, coordination, and creativity.
With Mentor Hawaii, I was impacted by the tangible benefits and development both mentors and mentees underwent during their time together. For Civic Engagement, I feel indebted to my young professional peers in empowering them with decision-making knowledge, analysis, and skills to effect positive change.
My time with YP has been a worthwhile investment, and I’m an enthusiastic promoter of this incredible organization.”
Alena is a transplant from the Washington, DC area who has greatly benefited socially and professionally from being part of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Young Professionals program.
She is a Certified Information Governance Officer, and her diverse career includes management consulting, financial services, and education management. She’s passionate about her community, having volunteered for the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra for many years and leading the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees as a Director, Executive Vice President, and ultimately President (2023).
She loves to facilitate conversations, emcee, and find golden nuggets of thought from people she engages with. Alena is a proud alumna of Towson University, having obtained her undergraduate degree in accounting.
Naomi Cooper
Neighbor Island Sub-Committee Chair
Director of Communications, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA)
“I joined the YP program in early 2012 because my Professor, Kerry Gershaneck, was adamant I join and gave me a confidence to trust in myself. When it was young, the program mostly offered networking and friendship but over time it has become a source of training, professional insights, direct relationships and mentoring. When returning back to my home island, Maui after fifteen years in Oahu, I felt Maui really needed this kind of support and especially after the fires, our age group needs some kind of vetted professional assistance that can help us move forward with the tools to grow economically and structurally that I know will improve Maui’s living in the long run.”
Naomi Cooper is the Director of Communications at MHLA. Her background stems from business, marketing and creative arts. She has professional experience in the industries of publishing, tourism, building development, wholesale and retail, sporting, wellness, events, advertising and public relations, film and commercial production. Naomi was raised in Haiku, Maui, spent many years in Oahu and returned to Maui during the pandemic. She is passionate about Hawaii’s unique culture, youth education and creating a self-sustaining economy. In her free time, she loves beach days and hiking with her children, barre, cooking, musicals and all forms of art.
Lord Ryan Lizardo
HI School Mentor Chair
Vice President of Education, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
As the Vice President of Education, Lord Ryan Lizardo is responsible for connecting schools and businesses together for seamless workforce development opportunities for Hawaii’s youth. As a work-based learning intermediary, Lord Ryan creates access to partnerships, resources, internship opportunities and connections between employers and education, while also acting as a strategic partner with key partners such as the Department of Education and Hawaii P20. His goal is to build equitable opportunities and access for students for their own personal and professional growth and growing Hawaii’s future workforce.
Lord Ryan grew up in Ewa Beach and earned his undergraduate degree in Integrated Educational Studies at Chapman University and a his master’s degree in Secondary Education at Johns Hopkins University. He brings to the Chamber over six years of experience as a teacher along with four years of experience working with Teach for America coaching teachers in diversity, equity and inclusion and culturally relevant instruction, He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Hawaii LGBTQ+ Legacy Foundation and Chairs other school related boards/councils. Lord Ryan hopes to bring his wealth of knowledge to advocate for Hawaii’s youth.
Catch Lord Ryan with his consistent joy for laughter and spending quality time with folks he loves.
Tricia Fetui
Executive Director
Senior Vice President, Business Development & Events, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
As the self proclaimed “mom” of the YP Program, she oversees the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s events and programs, along with the YP Program. She previously worked at the Aloha Council Boy Scouts Hawaii, Guam and America Samoa, March of Dimes Hawaii, The Queen’s Health Systems, The Madden Corporation and Central Pacific Bank.
She is on the ACCE Events Advisory Council and on the board for Domestic Violence Action Network.
Fetui received her BS in Business Administration and Management from Hope International University in Fullerton, CA, where she played women’s collegiate volleyball.
