Empowering Hawaii's Future Through Hospitality and Education

Sacred Work

In this episode of Sacred Work, Julie Morikawa, President and Executive Director of ClimbHI, shares her inspiring journey from a young hula dancer on cruise ships to a trailblazing leader in the hospitality and education sectors. Drawing from her experiences in global hospitality giants like Expedia, Bellagio, and Aston Hotels, Julie explains how her passion for uplifting Hawaii’s youth laid the foundation for ClimbHI.

Julie opens up about the challenges she faced as a local student seeking career resources, and how her drive to fill that gap has redefined pathways for thousands of students across Hawaii. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, experiential learning, and building meaningful industry connections to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Key Insights from the Podcast Include:

• Building Bridges Between Industry and Education: How ClimbHI creates opportunities for Hawaii’s youth.
• Leadership and Impact: Why early mentorship shapes successful careers.
• Empowering Through Experience: The value of hands-on learning in education and hospitality.
• Navigating Challenges as a Leader: Lessons from Julie's journey to the top.

Discover how Julie Morikawa’s vision continues to transform Hawaii’s education and workforce landscape, fostering innovation, leadership, and community empowerment.