Keala served as Executive Vice President of Education & Workforce Development at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii until January 2025 when she retired and transitioned to her current role as Consultant. In the role, Keala was responsible for the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s education and workforce development strategic initiatives that create strong talent pipelines, connecting Hawaii residents with in-demand careers in Hawaii businesses.
In her consultant role supporting the Chamber of Commerce, Keala is partnering with public sector, employers, education and philanthropy partners to establish Hawaii’s Workforce Generational Commitment, ensuring Hawaii residents have a path to a career that enables them to learn, work and thrive in Hawaii.
Keala’s career included roles at Nike, Inc., Microsoft, Hawaii Pacific Health, The Queen’s Health System and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.
As a Native Hawaiian woman born and raised in Honolulu, Keala is a strong advocate for Hawaii families and believes that everyone should have access to a high-quality education and that education is the foundation for success.