CPB introduces new WE by Rising Tide cohort of business leaders

WE by Rising Tide cohort four program participants met for their first session on Aug. 7, 2024. Photo courtesy: Central Pacific Bank

HONOLULU, HI (Aug. 9, 2024) – Central Pacific Bank (CPB) is proud to introduce the newest participants of the 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 incredibly successful program includes 20 women entrepreneurs from around Hawaii and equips them with the knowledge and insights to accelerate their business operations to higher levels.

“The talent and drive of Hawaii’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 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii LLC
• Cheryl Kunimoto, Marie Hansen Properties, Inc.
• Ramona Lariosa, Haloa 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 please click here.

# # #

About Central Pacific Bank

Central Pacific Financial Corp. is a Hawaii-based bank holding company with approximately $7.39 billion in assets as of June 30, 2024. Central Pacific Bank, its primary subsidiary, operates 27 branches and 55 ATMs in the State of Hawaii. Central Pacific Financial Corp. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "CPF." For additional information, please visit: cpb.bank