Young Professionals Program
ONWARD HAWAII FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Onward Hawaii Fellows Program is the premier fellowship program of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Young Professionals Program. Participants have unparalleled access to important businesses, agencies, and organizations in Hawaii and have opportunities to collaborate with leaders in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors who are driving important changes in the community and economy.
About the Program
The ten-month Onward Hawaii Fellows Program offers eight senior-level young professionals a unique, intimate, and highly interactive learning and development experience. The Fellows learn from each other and from leaders in government, business, and nonprofits, propelling them to become changemakers in our state.
Each month, the Fellows focus on an economic topic featured in the Chamber’s 2030 Blueprint and:
- Visit headquarters, production facilities, government offices, and other locations
- Engage in important discussions with leaders in the state
- Meet one-on-one with industry leaders (options are curated by the program each month)
Throughout the program, the Fellows also:
- Build lasting friendships and relationships
- Expand knowledge and networks in the business community
- Brainstorm solutions for socioeconomic problems
Become an Onward Hawaii Fellow
Submit your application by February 28, 2026. Candidates will be interviewed in March 2026.
Program fee: $975 (includes session lunches and incidental expenses, and an overnight hotel stay)
For questions, contact Kaya Ishimine, Associate Executive Director, at kishimine@cochawaii.org.
(Illustrative and subject to change)
- July: Kick Off & Leadership in Hawaii
- August: Business Services (e.g., Affordable Housing, Childcare, Workforce Development, and Technology)
- September: Entrepreneurship
- October: Military & Defense
- November: Manufacturing
- December: Travel & Tourism
- January: 21st Century Agriculture
- February: Maritime
- March: Small Business
- April: Final Debrief & Graduation
Requirements
- Ages 21 – 39
- Must reside in Hawaii
- Must be able to attend all sessions (one excused absence allowed)
- Must be a member of the Young Professionals Program (if selected, and not already a member, the membership fee will be added to the program fee)
The ideal Fellows have:
- Leadership roles in their companies or in the community
- Demonstrated community building experience
- An appetite to learn, grow, and lean into disagreement
- A desire to collaborate and make positive change in Hawaii
Cohort 1 (2025-2026)
Tony Butindaro
Executive Director
Kamaaina Hale Apartments
Denise Della-Sabas
Director of Business Development & Community Partnerships
Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
Matthew Lam
Director of System Finance Center of Excellence
The Queen’s Health Systems
Bianca Mordasini
Senior Director of Alumni and External Relations
Shidler College of Business
Seiichi Nagai
Founder & CEO
CivicNexus
Brianne Yamada Nitahara
Manager, Joint Use Infrastructure
Hawaiian Electric Company
Aly Wee
Owner & Hotel Consultant
Aly Wee Consulting
Nathan Yang
Partner
Cades Schutte LLP
