“If there’s one thing we know how to do, that’s apply to schools.”
Andrew Aoki speaks candidly about his extensive educational background, having studied in top universities including Harvard, Stanford, and University of Michigan.
But despite his broad educational experience, Aoki chose to serve the public.
He is a co-founder of 3-Point Consulting, which works with community-based organizations in their business strategic planning, combining their social mission with business reality of staying financially viable.
In addition, he co-founded College Connections Hawaii, an education consultancy firm focusing on providing educational information, accessibility and counseling to children and families.
Greater Good Radio welcomes Andrew Aoki, a man of true simplicity and contentment.
He says, “Think really deeply of what’s important in your life and make your life reflect that. If you’re clear about what you want and not want too much, you can be pretty happy on all fronts.”
And when asked about how he views social entrepreneurship, he answers, “Not only would I recommend that, I feel that we have an obligation to do that I mean if our society is going to get better and if you have young kids and if you think about the world they’re going to live in years from now. If you want them to live in a place that’s safe and bring out the full quality of their life, you have to invest now.”
In this interview, Aoki talks about public service as a genuine calling in his life. Listen to the main interview and aftershow to find out more about how he handles a life dedicated to serving other people.
Some questions asked:
BIO:
ANDREW H. AOKI
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2002 – present 3Point Consulting, LLC (www.3pointconsulting.com) Honolulu, HI
Principal and Co-founder
Founded public interest research and consulting firm.
Provide a full range of services to government, corporations, non-profit organizations, special projects, community groups, and others.
1999 – 2005 College Connections Hawai‘i, Inc. (www.collegeconnections.org) Honolulu, HI
Co-founder and Director of Operations
Founded nonprofit educational firm to improve educational opportunities throughout Hawai‘i.
Jointly oversaw all aspects including statewide operations, financial strategy, board of directors, development, staff supervision and community relations.
Provided college entrance workshops, college advising, tutoring, and low-cost test preparation classes to thousands of students in communities with traditionally limited access.
2000 – 2002 HMSA Foundation Honolulu, HI
Executive Administrator
Oversaw $1.2 million annual grant making program to positively impact health in Hawai‘i.
Designed and directed the Hawai‘i Uninsured Project – a statewide effort to reduce the number of uninsured people in Hawai‘i.
1999 – 2000 YMCA of Honolulu, Atherton Branch Honolulu, HI
YouthMapping Project Director
Supervised program director and other staff in statewide asset mapping project.
Implemented youth leadership and community development programs in diverse communities across the state through collaboration with numerous service organizations.
Planned and conducted most successful fundraising campaign in branch history.
1997 – 1998 State of Hawai‘i, Office of the Auditor Honolulu, HI
Analyst
Planned and conducted performance audits of state agencies including the departments of education, health, and business, economic development and tourism.
Researched background materials, interviewed agency personnel, designed and implemented surveys, analyzed financial and organizational issues, wrote and edited audits.
1993 The Honorable Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Representative Honolulu, HI
Intern, Honolulu District Office
Responsible for constituent casework involving immigration, military affairs, and various federal, state and county agencies. Wrote inquiries and correspondence on behalf of the Congressman.
1991 – 1992 Department of Education, Waikiki School Honolulu, HI
Counselor
Planned and implemented drug awareness program for students, teachers and parents.
Counseled “at-risk” youth and organized peer mediation program.
1989 – 1992 YMCA of Honolulu, Nu‘uanu Branch Honolulu, HI
Program Director
Responsible for recreation, leadership development, athletic and international programs for 800 – 1000 youth annually. Supervised 80 staff and 100 volunteers annually.
Received YMCA Professional Director certification in 1991.
EDUCATION
1995 – 1997 Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government Cambridge, MA
Master of Public Policy
Selected as a Kennedy Fellow for exceptional academic ability and professional distinction.
Completed advanced economics and advanced statistics curriculum tracks.
Specialized in economic development, social policy and state government.
Co-authored award winning Policy Analysis Exercise – An Economic Development Policy for the Oglala Nation. Collaborated with the Oglala Sioux of Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
1992 – 1995 University of Michigan Law School Ann Arbor, MI
Juris Doctor
Tutored students in 14th Amendment law.
Visiting student, Richardson School of Law. Emphasis on law of Hawai‘i. Fall 1994.
Authored American Democracy in Hawai‘i: Finding a Place for Local Culture, University of Hawai‘i Law Review.
1986 – 1989 Stanford University Palo Alto, CA
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Founding member of Ho‘oikaika – a student organization promoting higher education for Native Hawaiians. Conducted workshops at Stanford University and Kamehameha.
Tutored students in Ravenswood District of East Palo Alto, California.
OTHER EXPERIENCES, AFFILIATIONS, AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Hawai‘i Women’s Coalition, 2003 to present
Hawai‘i Family Economic Self-Sufficiency Standard project of the Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women – Advisory Committee, 2002 to 2004
Forgiveness Project of the Hawai‘i Justice Foundation – Committee Member, 2002
Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation, Ho‘okele Award for Nonprofit Leadership, 2002
Hawai‘i Community Services Council – Interim Executive Director, 2002, Board member 2003 to present
Island Scene Magazine – Freelance Writer, 2002 to 2004
National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i– Board member, 2002 to present
‘Olelo Community Television – Board member, 2002 to 2003
Hawai‘i Together, Governor’s post-9-11 Task Force on Social Issues, 2001 to 2002
Hawai‘i History Day – Volunteer judge, 1998 to present.
Hawai‘i State Bar Association – Member since 1995.
YMCA of Honolulu – Volunteer 1981 to 2001.
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