A university to celebrate Filipino American History Month Hawaii At the Mānoa event, Entre-Pinoy-Ship brought together a dynamic panel of Filipino American entrepreneurs who shared their incredible journeys, the influence of Filipino culture and the challenges they faced, and offered advice to young entrepreneurs. They also discussed their dreams for the future of Filipino American entrepreneurship. Hawaii.
Panelists:
- Carlo Tanjuaccio, CEO and Founder of GoLeanSixSigma.com + Kure
- Keith Furukawa, owner of Maui Chili Chili Oil
- Lalaine Ignao, co-owner and CEO Same Same
On October 27, the most modern Walter Dods, Jr. The event at the Center was organized by the Shidler College of Business Marketing Instructor and the Pacific Asia Entrepreneurship Center.PACE) Faculty member Constancio Paranal III, PACE Program Manager Adelene Ortiz and PACE Leader and Hawaii Student Entrepreneurs President Daniella Pasion. The event provided a platform for the Filipino American community to explore the stories and experiences of successful entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact in the state.
“Besides noting the significant contributions of Filipino Americans Hawaiithe goal was to share our stories of struggle and hardship and allow those stories to transcend borders,” said Paranal. “It’s a reminder that in our shared challenges there is opportunity, and in stories there is wisdom and strength. As the panelists noted, it’s about building our tribe and part of expanding our community, including non-Filipinos.
Finding passion and purpose
Each panelist revealed what motivated them to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. Their stories varied, but shared a common theme of a relentless drive to create something meaningful and impactful. For Tanjuakio, what he was passionate about was finding the problem. Ignao was driven by the passion to share stories, while Furukawa was driven by the desire to be his own boss and the freedom to make his own way.
The discussion highlighted the profound influence of Filipino culture on their business decisions and strategies. Entrepreneurs were intentional about incorporating cultural elements and values into their ventures, from how they approached their businesses to the products they created. Apart from sharing its culture through our products, Ignao shared that part of its role is to educate customers about its importance and connections.
Despite the large Filipino American population Hawaii, the panelists candidly discussed the challenges they face while starting and growing their businesses. The panelists shared how they deal with the challenges of not being accepted or others not recognizing their worth, and how they sometimes deal with the internal struggle to change Filipino values of modesty and modesty.
The event provided a platform for panelists to provide valuable advice to young entrepreneurs. They encouraged business leaders to embrace their cultural heritage and use it as a source of inspiration.
Be bold and surround yourself with people who support your vision.
– Carlo Tanjuaccio
Tanjuakio advised young entrepreneurs to “be brave and surround yourself with people who support your vision.”
“You know the hard work you put into it, don’t doubt yourself,” Ignao said, stressing the importance of believing in your worth.
Emphasizing the role of networking, Furukawa noted: “Build your social capital. The connections you make now will play an important role in your future success.”
Senior management information systems and marketing major Joshua Rio said, “It was so inspiring to hear from those in the community who have gone through similar struggles and see them succeed. I appreciated the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful event!”
The event was moderated by Pia Arboleda, the director of the organization UH Manoa Center for Philippine Studies and Chair of the Department of Indo-Pacific Languages and Literatures.