Unyong Nakata
Founder/Principal
Nakata Advisory, LLC
Unyong Nakata is a Mentor Hawaii Cohort 10 mentor. Learn more about the program here.
About Unyong
Unyong Nakata is the Founder and Principal of Nakata Advisory, LLC, where she specializes in driving sustainable growth and enterprise strength through innovative problem-solving and strategic partnerships. Guided by the core values of Integrity, Compassion, Innovation, and Fun, Unyong is committed to creating value and achieving tangible outcomes for her client partners.
As a builder and connector, Unyong delivers scalable results in key areas such as Business Development, Impactful Storytelling, Integrated Communications, and Operational Alignment. Her expertise also includes facilitating Board Retreats and Strategic Planning sessions, where she empowers stakeholders to collaborate for actionable and sustainable outcomes. In the realm of Leadership Development, Unyong excels in uplifting individuals and teams through a process of mindset elevation and toolkit strengthening to bolster a sense of accountability and gratitude.
A first-generation college graduate, Unyong is passionate about the transformative power of education and entrepreneurialism. Unyong has been recognized by Hawaii Business Magazine as one of the “20 for the next 20,” the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii as the “Young Professional of the Year,” Pacific Business News for “Women Who Mean Business” and “Forty Under 40,” and by the AFP – Aloha Chapter as the “Outstanding Professional Fundraiser of the Year.”
Unyong is proud to serve on the boards of the Domestic Violence Action Center, Navian Hawaii, The Mediation Center of the Pacific, and the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership.
Unyong holds a bachelor of science in Microbiology and a master of business administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Question and Answer with Unyong
What is your preferred communication style when mentoring (in-person, video conference, phone, informal check-ins, structured meetings, etc.)?
In-Person Meeting, Video-Conference, Meal
Why do you want to become a mentor in this program?
It’s my responsibility to pay forward what my mentors have given me.
What specific skills, knowledge or experience can you share with your mentee?
Leadership, communication, branding, career strategy, navigating workplace situations (especially for women), community/Board service.
What are your expectations for a mentor-mentee relationship?
Respect, mentee is prepared and takes ownership of her/his own growth, fun.
How do you approach problem-solving and conflict resolution?
Healthy debate, solutions mindset, win-win outcomes.
How do you envision success for your mentee, and how will you measure it during the program?
Expanded mindset, increase confidence, stronger sense of self/core values, 360 degree analysis ability.
