Generational Mentoring Ceremony Luncheon

Wednesday, April 19, 2017 marked the end of a 7-month mentorship program between Hawaii's top general managers and hospitality students from Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. HLTA 's President & CEO initiated the inaugural Generational Mentoring program with the assistance of Art Sarkissian of Here and Now Consulting, and involved sharing core values, learning emotional intelligence, and developing leadership skills. 
​
The close of the 7-month program was celebrated with a luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, where the mentors and mentees were awarded certificates and shared insight on their experience.  Mahalo to Dean Thomas Bingham of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Dr. Jerry Agrusa of Hawaii Pacific University, Steve Lundgren of Brigham Young Univeristy, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, and all of our Mentors and Mentees.

See what some of the mentors and mentees said about the program:

“I couldn't have been happier to be matched with Grace as my mentee! We both agreed there were 3 sessions we felt were most valuable -  identifying her Core Values, E.I. and Influencing skills.  These were our lengthiest and deepest discussions. It has been a rewarding experience for me to  participate in this first inaugural mentorship program and I hope this will be expanded and offered to more TIM students next year. Thank you Mufi and HLTA for jumpstarting this program to develop our future industry leaders!” Phyllis Branco, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo.

"Through HLTA’s well structured program by Art Sarkissian of Here and Now Consulting and the excellent guidance by Mr. Niel Mason at Outrigger Ohana East, I have gradually understood the essentials to become a successful General Manager. I feel blessed to have been chosen for the program and given the opportunity to be better prepared for a career in the Hospitality Industry. I am very thankful to all the great professionals I have met and especially to Mr. Mufi Hannemann and the entire HLTA for believing in me as a HPU Student," Isabella Brostroem, Hawaii Pacific University.

"I was thrilled to share topics i.e. “Emotional Intelligence” and “The Power Of Storytelling” which certainly were not initially available to me as I shaped my hospitality career.  As for my student…Wow!!!  Look out hospitality universe…this generation is beyond impressive.  Trang is a bright, articulate, fiercely goal oriented future leader who will no doubt generate success… this program allowed me the opportunity to do a little storytelling of my own, which I hope will add some light to Trang’s many future opportunities and experiences," Thomas Foti, Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui.

"I am so grateful I got the opportunity to be mentored by Lynette Eastman. She is an amazing lady and I learned a lot from her experiences and her knowledge that she shared with me. I learned how to prepare myself for my future potentials ahead of me, and learned how to be professional in the business world especially in the hotel industry. I loved every minutes of our meeting when Lynette was talking about what to treasure in life. Lynette cared about the potential of others. She cared about her employees and every body around her. One of the vital items she taught me was very well explained are core values and how these will help me in life with finding a career.  I will always remember this mentorship program because it taught me how to be a professional future employee and how to always walk that path," Toetu Lepule, Brigham Young University - Hawaii.  

“My personal experience with Generational Mentoring has been amazing. My mentor, Kelly Hoen, is a spectacular mentor and leader. She holds all the values and characteristics I look for in a leader. The skills I learned through this program will be the foundation of my career. My core values of Polished, Thoughtful, and Enthusiastic will help guide me in my leadership style and navigate me through my career. 
Thank you HLTA for this wonderful opportunity and I have really enjoyed my time," Derek Lin, University of Hawaii at Manoa.

“Mentoring our future Generation for a career in Hospitality is a great honor. My mentee, Estelle was so engaged and prepared for every session. An absolute pleasure. 
I learned a lot about what the next generation of our Hospitality leaders are looking for in their career experience. I feel this program is a great experience for both the Mentor and Mentee. 
Congratulations to HLTA for being the pacesetter on an industry wide program that looks to developing our next generation of hospitality Leaders," Cheryl Williams, The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort.

See below for the full list of mentors and mentees:
​
​Brigham Young University - Hawaii:
Steve Lundgren, Manager, Center for Hospitality & Tourism

Mai Endo
Mentor: Julie Arigo, Waikiki Parc Hotel

Toetu Lepule
Mentor: Lynette Eastman, Surfjack & Waikiki Pearl

Hawaii Pacific University:
Jerome Agrusa, Ph.D., Chair/Professor, Hospitality Tourism & Management

Stian Kronborg
Mentor: Denise Wardlow, Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
 
Isabella Brostrom
Mentor: Niel Mason, Outrigger OHANA

Grace Alvares
Mentor: Phyllis Branco, Hilo Nani Loa Hotel

Gabriella Andrade           
Mentor: Charles Young, Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
 
University of Hawaii at Manoa:
Thomas Bingham, Dean, School of Travel Industry Management

Derek Lin
Mentor: Kelly Hoen, The MODERN HONOLULU
 
Ederin Caraang
Mentor: Angela Nolan, Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas
 
Estelle Thach         
Mentor: Cheryl Williams, Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort

Kareezma Rodriguez
Mentor: Craig Anderson, Mauna Kea Resort

Trang Nguyen
Mentor: Thomas Foti, Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Sp