Hot Shots – 7/6/22

Local Firm Creates Student Award

Omnitrak, a marketing and research consultancy firm, has gifted $50,000 to establish a new student award called the “Omnitrak Innovative Leaders Award” at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Shidler College of Business’ Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship, which is expected to open in fall 2023. The company initiated the gift in honor of its 40th anniversary. Pictured are (from left) Chris Kam, state Sen. Michelle Kidani, Vance Roley, Pat Loui, Sandra Fujiyama and Alan Ellis.

PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I

Robotics Team Presents, Receives Gift

Four students from Assets High School — (from left) Emily, Kahea, Leilei and Kelli Ann — represented the Assets Robotics Team, which gave a 15-minute presentation and demonstration at cybersecurity company Trellix’s Ko ‘Olina conference before more than 300 employees. The school received 25 Chromebooks, power drills, 3D printer filaments and other materials from Girls Who Code in partnership with Trellix. Pictured with the students is Trellix chief revenue officer Adam Philpott (center).

PHOTO COURTESY ASSETS HIGH SCHOOL

Philanthropist Goes ‘Big,’ Makes History

Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i has been selected to receive an unrestricted donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, whose $1.9 million gift is the largest donation from a single individual in the organization’s nearly 60-year history. The funds will allow Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i to expand valuable one-to-one mentoring and support for youth during an especially vulnerable time in their lives.

PHOTO COURTESY BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS HAWAI‘I