EP 10: The Wisdom of Gen Z ~ Lessons from Rising Artist Rachel Radona

10/09/24 • 44 min

“Sometimes when everybody dreams about goals or what they want to reach in life, sometimes you feel like you have to do everything at once and you have to keep on pushing no matter what. But I've learned that good things take time and you definitely have to give yourself time to rest, time to grow, and good things will come eventually.” ~ Rachel Radona, Inspirational Muralist and Designer

The ʻōlelo noʻeau, “Aʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi” teaches us that “Not all knowledge comes from the same school; one can learn from many sources.” In this episode, Inspired by Aloha podcasters and Gen Xers Amy, Erin, and Shareen learn from a vibrant, articulate, and authentic up and coming artist, Rachel Radona. Her positive enthusiasm and aloha shows up in all of her endeavors as a UH Mānoa student athlete, inspirational artist, muralist, t-shirt designer, and entrepreneur.
Throughout the episode, Rachel exudes a charming optimism that will keep you smiling. She shares her unique perspective on aloha and what it means to her as kanaka ʻōiwi and a member of Generation Z. This lighthearted and fun conversation will not only entertain you, but showcases the promise, value, and hope of our future generations who live aloha.
“...to not know where my future is going right now is super exciting. That's like the best part ever because there's so many things out there that are open to me. There's so many doors that I have yet to step into. So that's the best part. I don't think anybody should be scared to have no clue what they're doing.” ~ Rachel Radona

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

Previous Episode

EP 9: A Champion of the People ~ Abigail Eli

Disclaimer: Please note that some topics discussed in this episode, including sexual assault and domestic violence, may not be suitable for children. Listener discretion is advised.
“When people are at their worst is when they need to be loved the most.” ~ Abigail Eli

"Inspired by Aloha" spotlights the extraordinary journeys of everyday heroes who make a difference in our world. In this episode, our hosts meet one of these exceptional champions, Abigail Eli, who shares her remarkable story of struggle and triumph, which ultimately inspires her to live a life full of compassion for others.

At a young age, Abi witnessed an act of bullying that ignited her passion for justice and hope. Since then, her journey has included helping those in need, fostering a loving home for her own children as well as numerous foster children, and providing a safe haven and educational opportunities for many more.
“Doing nothing is not an option. And I went home knowing that I needed to help these kids. And I could understand that one of the biggest things was education.” ~ Abigail Eli

Courageously overcoming her own trauma of assault and abuse, Abi has emerged stronger than ever. Today, she serves as the founder and executive director for the Makaha Community Center and the successful Christmas for Keiki Project. She has been featured in various articles and news reports for her visionary philanthropic work that supports Oʻahu’s Leeward Coast families. Her unwavering commitment to bringing hope and support to families is truly inspiring.

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

Next Episode

EP 11: Leading with Aloha in Hawaiʻi's Travel Industry ~ Christina Gabriel

“When I first started in this industry, I had the privilege of being a part of this training led by Dr. George Kanahele....and I was fascinated and captivated. The information that he shared truly resonated with me and I carried it through my entire career. And one of the things that he said was that when you say ʻaloha,ʻ you have to mean it. And if you don't mean it, then don't use it. And so I remembered that throughout my career.” ~ Christina Gabriel, Inspirational Leader and General Manager

In this episode of Inspired by Aloha, we dive into the remarkable story of Christina Gabriel, General Manager of one of Hawaiʻi’s newest lodging establishments in Waikiki. Born and raised on Oʻahu, this Pearl City native was first introduced to Hawaiʻi’s travel industry by observing her hardworking grandparents who both dedicated their lives to the hotel industry. Fueled by their legacy, she faced skepticism and challenges head-on. Despite being told she wouldn’t succeed in her college program, she persevered, climbing the ranks at major hotel chains across three Hawaiian islands and successfully inspiring others throughout her 30+ year travel industry career.

Today as a prominent general manager, Christina has not only shattered the glass ceiling in a male-dominated field, but also remains deeply committed to honoring Hawaiʻi’s indigenous people and ʻāina. By collaborating with Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, she ensures that visitors learn about Hawaii's rich history and traditions, emphasizing that the islands are more than just a tourist destination—they are a vibrant community with invaluable lessons on living with aloha.

Join the Inspired by Aloha hui as we hear her incredible journey, the wisdom she’s gained along the way, and her vision for a more culturally respectful and enriching travel experience in Hawaii.

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]