ClimbHI events train next generation of hospitality leaders

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Nonprofit ClimbHI is hosting its 13th annual Leadership, Exploration, Inspiration (LEI) event at the Hawaii Convention Center Monday.

Julie Morikawa, founder of ClimbHI, and Loke Yokoyama, a senior at Chaminade University, joined HNN’s Sunrise to talk about connecting youth with careers in the hospitality industry.

The event goes from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and provides over 700 high school and college students across Oahu with practical experience, mentorship, and an Exposure Fair, where local businesses and organizations can share career opportunities in short, interactive “speed-dating” style segments.

Twenty seniors from Chaminade University’s School of Business and Communication Senior Field Experience Class helped organize the LEI event.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) and Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) are partners in the LEI workforce development initiative.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with ClimbHI and our industry and community partners to bring this important program to life,” said interim president and CEO of the HTA Caroline Anderson. “Providing Hawaii’s students with real-world exposure to the many career paths within our visitor industry is key to our future.”

After Monday’s event, the LEI program will extend statewide with additional events in Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island with more than 1,000 students and 100 local businesses.

“LEI is one of the key stepping stones from exposure to careers all the way through to the hiring process, allowing students to achieve their dreams and helping local businesses with workforce development,” Morikawa said.

Visit ClimbHI’s website to learn more.

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