CPB introduces new ‘WE by Rising Tide’ cohort of business leaders

On Friday, Central Pacific Bank introduced the newest participants of its “WE by Rising Tide” program in co-sponsorship with the aio Foundation, and in partnership with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership. The program includes 20 women entrepreneurs from around Hawaiʻi and equips them with the knowledge and insights to accelerate their business operations to higher levels.

“The talent and drive of Hawaiʻi’s women-owned businesses continue to impress us, and we’re thrilled to offer this comprehensive program to help them expand and grow professionally,” said Susan Utsugi, CPB group senior vice president of Business Banking and WE by Rising Tide founding member.

The free 10-week program offers a rigorous curriculum, including:

• Financial Management: Gain expertise in managing finances for established businesses.
• Marketing and Branding Strategies: Develop a personalized growth plan with individual consultations.
• Networking: Build valuable connections with successful women entrepreneurs and executives.

The following 20 women are participants in the 2024 class:

• Alexis Akiona, Lexbreezy Hawaiʻi LLC
• Joy Bitonio, KOMO Studio
• Brandy Cajudoy, Cajudoy Construction LLC
• Jamie Champagne, Champagne Collaborations LLC
• Jessica Cole, Jess Cole Films
• Chelsea Deptula, Surfvivor Media, Inc.
• Ashley Gundaker, State Farm – Ashley Gundaker LLC
• Cynthia Ishikawa, Masa Fujioka & Associates
• Kuulani Keohokalole, People Strategies Hawaiʻi LLC
• Cheryl Kunimoto, Marie Hansen Properties, Inc.
• Ramona Lariosa, Hāloa Construction LLC
• Cori Nakamoto, Cori’s Cake Dreams LLC
• Cristina Nishioka, Beyond Pastry Studio
• Miriam Olivas, Barrio Café LLC
• Madeline Price, Sol Medical Wellness & Aesthetics LLC
• Jana Sasada, Haleola Essentials LLC
• Leilani Sills, The Keiki Dept
• Jasmine Silverstein, HeartBeet LLC
• Celeste Sison, The Wellnest LLC
• Mahina Tuteur, Surf Shack Puzzles LLC

“We are thrilled by the impressive pool of accomplished women entrepreneurs who applied to our program,” said Colleen McAluney, director of the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership. “We look forward to providing a supportive network for this cohort of inspiring women as they scale their enterprises.”

For additional information on the WE by Rising Tide program and to see the 2024 program schedule click here.