Young Professional Issue Launch Celebration

Celebrate with us at the Young Professional Issue Launch Celebration at San Paolo Pizzeria on November 18, 2026

Hawaiʻi Pacific University is proud to partner with Pacific Edge magazine in support of its 2026 Young Professionals initiative.

Through this collaboration, HPU's student-led Tower Media team will gain valuable hands-on experience in marketing, communications, and storytelling while engaging with emerging leaders across Hawaiʻi. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to experiential learning, creating meaningful opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, build industry connections, and strengthen the skills that will prepare them for future careers. By contributing to professional projects alongside industry leaders and practitioners, students gain insight into the collaborative and fast-paced nature of today’s integrated marketing and communications landscape.

VIP | 4:30 PM

General | 5:30 PM

Program | 6:30 PM

Dress Code: Paniolo Style

Paniolo Style — Boots, Denim & Elevated Western Wear. Think modern Hawai‘i ranch style with a polished twist: cowboy boots, denim on denim, leather accents, Western-inspired shirts, flowy dresses, statement belts and optional paniolo hats. Dress it up, make it your own, and come ready for a night of networking and fun.

We’re excited to bring back our spotlight on Hawai‘i's up-and-coming leaders with the Young Professionals Issue 2026!

Enjoy a complimentary drink and pizza/pupu to kick off the night! After your first drink, a no-host bar will be available.

2026 Young Professional Issue Features:

• Malia Aiello – Marketing and Sales Manager, Pacific Historic Parks
• Violet Carlsberg – Head of Business Development, KBM Resorts
• Daira “Dee” Carrillo – Sales Vice President, First Onsite Property Restoration
• Mark Carpenter – News Anchor & Director of Special Projects – Sports Content, Hawaii News Now
• Dana Ellis – Hotel Manager, Hotel Wailea; Co-Founder, Abra Hospitality
• Heather Faustin – Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Make A Difference Counseling Services
• Isaiah Jordan-Micah Garcia – General Manager, ‘Ohana Beverage Company
• Leiʻa Haff – CEO & Founder, Marketing & Communications Executive, Puʻuwai Media Collective
• Summer Kaiawe – Attorney, Partner, Watanabe Ing LLP
• Dan Kaneko – Marketing & Communications Specialist, Hawaii Dental Service
• Shey Bo Gyeong Kim – Human Resources Generalist, eWorld Enterprise Solutions, Inc.
• Ryan Ko – Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Westman Group
• Jared Kushi – CEO, Koosh Media
• Kiana Smith – Director of Sales & Marketing, Hawai‘i Farm Project

More coming soon!

Parking: Validated parking is located in the Ilikai MARINA Condominiums Parking Structure. Entrance is on Harbor Lane from the ocean-side corner of Ala Moana Blvd, next to Red Lobster | $5 for 4 hours; do not forget to get validated and pay downstairs.

Uber/Lyft is highly recommended!!



It will be standing room only unless you have reserved seating.

No refunds!