Locations

Finding Lauaki: How Booz Allen Invests in Local Talent

Meaningful work from islands rich in community

Booz Allen’s connection to military clients like the Department of Defense means the firm maintains a natural presence in Hawaii. And with work that ranges from mission readiness to data science, threat reduction, engineering, and digital, Booz Allen relies on the expertise of our Hawaii team to inspire change.

While many consulting firms rely on remote or mainland workforces, Booz Allen is committed to creating opportunities for people who live in—and who are originally from—Hawaii. The firm’s broad range of work provides a unique opportunity to employ talented locals and help diversify the economy.

Ed Barnabas, a leader of Booz Allen’s Indo-Pacific region, notes that Hawaii is focused on technology adaptation and tech-enabling its workforce, and that Booz Allen has been an enabler of this vision for years. “How we support our community is as important as the mission we support for our defense partners,” Ed says. “From our efforts with FIRST Robotics and our Summer Games internship program to partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and mentoring students at the University of Hawaii College of Engineering, we believe investing in STEM efforts and connecting future technologists to careers in defense can happen in many facets and with all ages.”

What else makes the firm unique in a place filled with government and consulting influences? We spoke with a few of our team members who were born and raised in Hawaii to find out.

Beth Okuna, Digital Analyst

Background: I grew up in Pearl City and studied management information systems at the University of Hawaii. I currently work as a strategic engagements coordinator and data scientist. I’ll be working as a challenge leader for the Summer Games internship cohort.

Joining Booz Allen: I first joined Booz Allen as an intern in 2019. Hearing about the experience that the firm gives their interns made me decide to apply. The bright-minded individuals and empowering culture made my decision to return after graduation an easy one.

Beth’s Impact: I never would have imagined I would be on teams that help solve data problems, shape strategic guidance for military leaders, and coordinate internship programs for future leaders. Working at Booz Allen affords me the opportunity to be part of cutting-edge projects from an island that is steeped in community and deeply rooted in culture.

Kaimi Kahihikolo, Data Scientist

Background: I was born and raised in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. I earned a degree in astrophysics from the University of Hawaii in 2019. At Booz Allen, I work as a data scientist specializing in machine learning and data engineering.

Joining Booz Allen: I was drawn to Booz Allen because I wanted to work with a great team to apply my knowledge of artificial intelligence to help people.

Kaimi’s Impact: On the Hawaii team, I help deliver cutting-edge technologies to a variety of clients across the federal government. Currently, I assist CDC researchers in understanding the effects of COVID-19 and sharing accurate information with the public.

Camelia Lai, Data Scientist

Background: I grew up in Honolulu and have lived here all my life. I earned my degree in computer science in 2020 from the University of Hawaii (UH).

Joining Booz Allen: I joined the firm because I had a great experience with FIRST Robotics during high school and with an internship during college. Aside from its location close to my home, I found the firm’s ethical values appealing.

Camelia’s Impact: The most enjoyable thing about my work is introducing more efficient ways for my clients to conduct their daily operations—and knowing that these improvements make an impact on a national level. Booz Allen has provided opportunities to support my community through volunteer work—I’ve mentored students at UH, and I’m currently organizing a Hawaii FIRST Robotics alumni cohort.

At Booz Allen Hawaii, it starts with respect: respect for culture, respect for community, and respect for learning. In a place so steeped in tradition, Booz Allen works to cultivate programs that help create the brightest minds—so that we can continue to empower change together, both on the islands and across the country.