Monica Toguchi’s ability to adapt and evolve is evident in her role as the third-generation owner of Highway Inn. The Oahu restaurant, which specializes in local favorites, has come a long way from the charming Waipahu establishment it started as 70 years ago, growing into a modern business with a location in the booming Kakaʻako neighborhood. The restaurants have thrived due to Monica’s ability to lead her family business into the future – without compromising the values that define it.

Bryan Andaya learned how to manage conflict with civility and diplomacy at an early age while growing up on the Big Island. His ability to problem-solve became essential as a young lawyer and eventually, as the vice president and chief operation officer of L&L Franchises, Inc. Bryan provides direction and leadership to the restaurant franchise that includes L&L Drive-Inn and L&L Hawaiian Barbeque, helping to spread the spirit of aloha throughout the world, one plate lunch at a time.

Before his current career as a bus operator with O‘ahu Transit Services, where he’s been for more than 30 years, Ralph Aviles was a professional featherweight boxer. At one point, he ranked third in the world in his division. Aviles says boxing helped him develop confidence, discipline, humility and respect – traits that he now strives to nurture in local at-risk youth.

Glenn Medeiros’ humble childhood on Kauai did not prepare him for the international fame he would achieve after winning a Hawaiʻi-based singing competition as a teen. After years in the music industry, Medeiros grew disenchanted with the life of a pop sensation and turned his attention toward Hawaiʻi’s education system, leading him to his current position as President of Saint Louis School in Honolulu.

At ninety-two years of age, Will Henderson has seen a lot of changes in the world. Today this retired Hawai‘i healthcare executive is still working out--at two gyms--and still willing to share advice with up-and-comers.

Ed Ginoza has dedicated his life to educating Maui’s public school students in science – in the classroom and beyond. His personalized approach to education has made its mark on countless young minds, earning him several top teaching awards throughout his career, including Hawai‘i State Teacher of the Year. Now retired, Ginoza coaches Maui High School’s team for the Hawai‘i Science Bowl, which they have won six times under his mentorship.

Larry Lindsey Kimura of Hawaiʻi Island was just a child when he began to sense that the Hawaiian language his grandmother spoke fluently was on the verge of extinction. Ever since, he has committed his life to the preservation and perpetuation of the language, as a teacher and developer of innovative programs, including Punana Leo, the Hawaiian language preschools.

Phil Arnone has built a career on telling Hawaii’s stories as a television director and producer. Revered for his passion and professionalism, he has directed Hawaii’s number-one local newscast, produced a popular kids’ show and now produces documentaries that explore some of Hawaii’s most important places and people.

Sabra Kauka strives to honor the place Hawaiian values have in our modern world. As a cultural practitioner and teacher on Kauai, she helps sustain and perpetuate Native Hawaiian traditions by sharing her knowledge with future generations.

William “Yama” Chillingworth served as a state judge on Hawai‘i Island for 25 years. After retiring from the bench, he traced his Native Hawaiian heritage, discovering a familial connection to the rare Hawaiian hawk and an urgent calling to photograph it.