Embracing Cultural Diversity in Tech

Meet Jenai Akina, a proud Native Hawaiian who found herself navigating through the intricate tapestry of ethnicities and cultures while growing up in Hawaii. Through her journey in college and tech, Jenai has seen the value of embracing her roots and connecting with her community.

Navigating Challenges and Discovering Purpose

Jenai's path led her 5,000 miles away from Hawai'i to Harvard University, where she faced cultural shocks but found strength in community support. Transitioning into tech, Jenai initially focused on building her career, but through her role as a product manager at Amazon she experienced a longing to bridge her love for Hawai'i with her tech career.

Building Community and Making a Difference

Determined to create opportunities for Pasifika individuals in tech, Jenai co-founded the Pasifika ERG (Employee Resource Group) at Amazon, connecting with like-minded individuals and fostering a sense of community. This sense of community inspired her to organize events that brought Pasifika individuals together, providing a platform for networking and support in the tech industry.

Looking Toward the Future

As Jenai prepares to pursue her MBA at Stanford, she reflects on the impact of her journey and the importance of passing the torch of community building to future leaders within the Pasifika community. Her vision includes establishing annual events to continue fostering connections and promoting diversity in the tech world.

Embracing “Kuleana” - Our Collective Responsibility

Jenai's story underscores the significance of kuleana - the responsibility we have to our families, communities, and ourselves. As Pacific Islanders, embracing our cultural diversity and leveraging our strengths in storytelling and community building can propel us towards success in the business and tech world.

Get Involved and Stay Connected

If you're inspired by Jenai's story and want to support her mission of connecting and inspiring Islanders, reach out on LinkedIn to learn more about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. Remember, our collective strength lies in our unity and shared responsibility to uplift one another. Also, click the image below to attend the event that Jenai is hosting for Pasifika in Tech...

Conclusion

In a world where diversity and inclusion are paramount, stories like Jenai's serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Pasifika individuals in the tech industry. By embracing our kuleana and fostering a sense of community, we can overcome challenges, create opportunities, and make a lasting impact in the world of tech. Stay tuned for more Islander success stories and remember to embrace your kuleana with pride!

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