Program Mission
  • Raising awareness of the Chamber’s programs and benefits.
  • Engaging new Chamber members to increase membership retention.
  • Encouraging utilization of Chamber membership.
  • Serving as a liaison between Chamber staff and members.
  • Consulting with Chamber team on event planning and event goals

The Ambassador Program is a small volunteer group of Chamber members who donate their time to help strengthen Chamber programs and the membership experience. Ambassadors serve a term of one calendar year and can continue to serve if agreed upon by the Chamber and Ambassador.

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS

Brandon Bell

President & CEO, HI Insurance & Financial Services

“The Chamber provides the ability to network across a wide range of business owners and executives, to keep a pulse of what is currently going on in the economy, and to build relationships which create great ideas that are essential to the future growth of the business landscape in Hawaii.”

Learn More About Brandon

Brandon is the CEO/President of Hi Insurance & Financial Services. A serial entrepreneur, he is dedicated to lead this and the next generation of business owners in putting the State of Hawaii on the economic forefront.

Karen Chang Barr

Small Food Business Consultant, Ho’Onui

Learn More About Karen

Karen Chang Barr, founder and small and mobile food business consultant, was born and raised in Honolulu, and graduated from Kaiser High School and Washington State University. With a background in food service, government, sales and marketing, and small business development, her passion is to equip small and mobile food businesses to gain business fundamental skills to grow their business, legitimize the small and mobile food industry, support the use of locally-grown produce and keep locals at home in Hawai`i nei. After serving small food businesses and farmers, she saw a gap in business best practices and a lack of financial skills that prevented small businesses from seeking financing and growing their businesses. She currently offers free webinars, business startup master classes, and one-on-one coaching. She’s a strong supporter of community and is a current member of the Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise and Executive Women International Honolulu Chapter, and is a volunteer with the Eddie Aikau Foundation.

James Chun

Owner, Hawaii Wedding Studio

“Your friendly neighborhood entrepreneur”

Learn More About James

Edward Cordasco

Managing Partner, Chun, Cordasco & Associates

Learn More About Edward

Mr. Edward A. Cordasco III is the Managing Partner of Chun, Cordasco & Associates, Mr. Cordasco works side-by-side with Hawaii’s Small Business leaders to audit their current operational costs and insurances. His firm has helped local companies saved nearly $500,000 across multiple back-of-house line items through negotiations and due diligence. Mr. Cordasco is a former collegiate athlete and a proud alumni of Chaminade University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and his Master of Business Administration in Science, Tech, and Innovation. Mr. Cordasco cherishes the importance of community-building and relationships. He is a strong advocate for ensuring the business community is heard and supported. On his free time, he is enjoying life with his spouse, Marcia, and their pomsky, Xiao Lang.

Scarlett Diaz

Director of Client Strategy, Connext Global Solutions

“I am proud to be part of the Ambassador Committee, a group of business-minded volunteers who work to support local organizations. Through this committee, I have the pleasure of planning events and supporting networking endeavors which allow me the opportunity to meet so many amazing individuals.”

Learn More About Scarlett

Scarlett Diaz was born and raised in Houston, Texas and can be heard saying “y’all” if you listen closely. She attended the University of Southern California as a Trustee scholar and received her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations in 2013. She then began her career as a math teacher with Teach For America – Metro Atlanta. After completing TFA, she participated in the Business Sales Leadership Development Program at AT&T, which allowed her to build her career in tech/telecommunications sales while living in multiple places. In 2018, Scarlett moved to Hawaii in search of a new adventure and instead found a new home. While raising her daughter and working full time, she graduated with her Master of Business Administration also from the University of Southern California.  She currently is the Director of Client Strategy at Connext Global Solutions, a local company that builds dedicated, remote teams in different places around the world.

Guy Harshman

 

Business Development Manager, Approved Freight Forwarders, A DeWitt Company

“Do what’s right even when no one is looking-it’s called integrity”

Learn More About Guy

Guy comes from the metro Washington, DC area where he specialized in event planning. From wedding for dignitaries to charity fundraisers and Presidential Inaugurations. After the Clinton’s second inauguration, he travel for a well deserved holiday in Hawaii. While visiting friends, he took up the newspaper and found a position that interested him. That started the journey of the initial 5 years in the islands…Mahalo Liverty House and Estee Lauder! When 9-1-1 hit, Hawaii, as much of the country was in financial turmoil and Guy was faced with a decision to keep his position but moving back to the DC metro area or starting all over in poor economic times. Unfortunately, he let his job security overtake his love of the islands at that point and it took him 7 years to find a position to return to the islands. Lesson learned-when you have a love of a community and environment, you cannot choose monetary blessings over a place that brings you so much joy and contentment. That has been the start of a 20+ years journey of discovery and love of Hawaii. Guy currently is the Business Development Manager for one of the nations premier Freight Forwarding companies, Approved Freight Forwarders, A DeWitt Company and sister company of Royal Hawaiian Movers.

Carolyn Hyman

Senior Consultant, Hawaiʻi Public Radio

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”

Learn More About Carolyn

Carolyn is an experienced marketing and communications professional with deep personal and professional roots in Hawai’i. Her career has spanned industries ranging from construction and development to the arts and social services. She currently serves as a Senior Consultant with Hawaiʻi Public Radio and works with businesses and organizations to develop marketing and communications strategies. An avid listener and fan of HPR, she appreciates that her work helps give a voice to every corner of our community – that the station opens a window to experience different lives, places, and ideas. Dedicated to professional and personal development, she is a strong advocate for education and looks for ways to share knowledge and engage others at every opportunity. Carolyn currently serves on the Jarrett Middle School Foundation in Palolo and is proud to support the Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador.

Keven Matsuura

 

Vice President, Finance Factors

Learn More About Keven

In my 27+ years of experience in the local banking industry, I have served as a Branch Manager, Commercial Loan Officer and Residential Mortgage Loan Officer. In each of these positions, I have focused on determining what my clients’ needs are so I can provide the best solutions to help them achieve their goals. Over the years, I have assisted numerous clients – many with challenging situations that required advanced analysis and effort on my part to get their loan approved.

In my current position at Finance Factors as VP and Residential Mortgage Loan Officer, I am driven to help Realtors and their clients by providing clear communication, excellent organization and timely delivery of services.

I am a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.S. in Business Administration. In my spare time I enjoy traveling with my wife and two children, working out at the gym and playing golf.

YongChae Song

Account Executive, Hawaii Business Magazine

“For me, the Chamber has been a great organization to meet various people in our Hawaii’s business community and build relationships to share ideas and cultivate collaboration. I’ve made some great friends along the way.”

Learn More About YongChae

Yong Song was born in South Korea but grew up in Hawai‘i Kai. He graduated from Kaiser High School and then UH Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business with a degree in Marketing. He joined Hawaii Business Magazine in December 2023, bringing with him 23 years of promotion, product wholesale, print, digital media and radio sales experience. In his spare time, he volunteers for his daughter’s school PTA, enjoys spending time with family and enjoys a game of golf when he can

Hazel Unciano

Realtor, HireHazel Hawaii Real Estate

Learn More About Hazel

Hazel Unciano was born and raised in Honolulu Hawaii. After graduating from high school, she was awarded a business scholarship to Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. After her earning her degree in Business Management, Hazel returned home. In 2003, she completed her Real Estate license from Hawaii School of Real Estate and immediately signed onto Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties New Agent Training Office. In 2011, she moved to Prudential Locations. Coldwell Banker continued to track Hazel’s success and kept the door open for her return. In 2021, she accepted their invitation and decided to return home to Coldwell Banker Realty, Honolulu Office.

Will Yeh

Realtor-Associate, Coldwell Banker Realty

Learn More About Will

Will Yeh grew up in Foster City, CA just 25 minutes outside of San Francisco. He went to college in southern CA and graduated from California State University Long Beach in 2000 with a BA in Communication studies with an emphasis on debate and conflict management. After college, he continued his education pursuing a Master’s in Theology in order to become a pastor. After traveling the world doing ministry work, he made his way to Hawaii in 2012 and started a new career in real estate in 2017. With a determined passion to help people navigate huge life decisions like purchasing or selling a home and a strong background in understanding the importance of communicating in an effective manner, he strives to be more than just an agent in a transaction, but rather a friend and someone you can trust. You’ll find Will at various non-profit functions around town wearing his signature yellow-framed glasses; don’t hesitate to say hello. 

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