Professional Engineer

I am a wife to my wonderful husband Maui, and I am a mommy to 4 boys and 1 girl ranging from ages 23 years old to 8 years old (Manaiakalani, Kūaliʻi, Hānaiakamalama, Ko'olau and Waipahē). I graduated from the University of Hawaii Mānoa with two Bachelor's degrees: one in Civil Engineering and one in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. I have worked in the engineering field for almost 20 years, focusing on traffic engineering. I enjoy watching my kids grow up and talking story with them to see their perspective on life.

What are your thoughts on aging? I didn’t realize how much aging would impact me physically. I used to hear my older friends talk about it, but I always thought, nah, that won’t happen to me. But it did (LIKE A TRAIN!!) and it was a wake-up call. At the same time, growing older has brought me perspective. Things that once felt so important, like worrying about what others think or always trying to please people, don’t hold the same weight anymore. I’ve learned to let those things go and focus on what truly matters and invest my energy in the people who genuinely value me.

What wonderful things can younger women look forward to at your age? Younger women and girls, might think that it's scary getting older. Let's inspire them! One of the best parts about this stage in life is finally owning who I am and enjoying the payoff of all the effort I put in during my 20s and 30s — from moving forward in my career, to building a stronger partnership with my husband, to seeing my kids grow up into good people. Love it all!!!

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self care. I love having friends who truly love me for me and are there to encourage me when times get tough. I treasure the ones I can just meet up with, talk story, vent, laugh, or just be real with. Make time for those random moments to meet up with your friends.

Share one experience/story. We all have life struggles. But the big share is how did you over come and lift yourself up? Advice to other women to empower them. I’ve learned that everyone goes through something...some people just hide it better than others. You never truly know what a person is facing, so always be kind. I’ve also learned that when you let go of people or situations that don’t serve you, it can feel lonely. But that space also makes room for the right friends and family to come into your life...the ones who TRULY love you for who you are. My advice to other women: own your worth, protect your peace, and remember...you are capable of so much more than you think.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self? To my 14-year-old self: Girl, you’re fine. Just cause boys not chasing you, or you feel like you’re not the tiny one, doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you. You are good. One day, you’ll meet a husband who truly loves you, and you’ll have children who fill your life with joy. You’re beautiful. Own it, girl.

Twenty years from now, when you look at these portraits we took together, what do you think you will say to yourself? Damn girl...you look good!