Val Aquino Okimoto: Courage in the Council Chambers
Val Aquino Okimoto graduated from Brigham Young University–Hawaii in 1999 with a degree in accounting. Today, the devoted single mother of two daughters balances family, faith, and public service while representing District VIII on the Honolulu City Council. From ten years as a special education teacher to serving in the Hawaii House of Representatives, Okimoto’s journey reflects her courage, conviction, and spirit.
Across Volleyball Courts and Continents
Federica Tonon, from Italy, graduated from Brigham Young University–Hawaii in 2006 with degrees in International Business Management and Intercultural Communication. A former BYUH volleyball player, she went on to earn her Ph.D. and build an international career, coaching Vanuatu’s women’s national team and several other national teams, teaching across the Pacific, and contributing to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
New Delhi, New Dream
Arun Singh, from New Delhi, India, graduated from BYU–Hawaii in Winter 2026 with a degree in Information Technology. During his time, he spent two years as a web designer for Alumni Relations, co-founded the Aikido Club, and reached the semi-finals of the Empower Your Dreams competition. Accepted into Ensign College for advanced IT certifications, Arun hopes to return to India and build a business of his own.
From Guam to Graduate
Patrikaela "Kaela" Kalima Martinez, from Guam, graduates from BYU–Hawaii Spring 2026 with a degree in Elementary Education. During her time, she co-founded the Micronesia Club and poured her heart into her role as Customer Relations Specialist in Alumni Relations. Chuukese by heritage, Kaela looks forward to returning home, getting sealed in the Yigo, Guam temple to her fiancé she met at BYUH, and spending her life teaching and serving those around her while sharing the BYU–Hawaii mission.
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