What up Leeward! Let's Dive Deep Podcast

Welcome to Career Connect—the podcast where real stories spark inspiration. In this episode, we sit down with Mark Balasbas to explore his passion for cars and the perseverance that carried him from late-start college student to professional dealership technician. From a roadside breakdown on the North Shore to a career at Servco Windward, Mark’s journey shows how dedication, learning, and attitude can drive success in any field.

🎧 Hosted by Leeward Community College’s ASUH🔧 Topics include:– How a broken-down truck inspired Mark to learn auto repair– Balancing school, work, and fatherhood as a non-traditional student– Why attitude can be more important than technical skills in the shop– The value of internships like the Servco School Program and Ford ASSET– How classes outside his field—like writing and photography—boosted his career– Staying motivated, safe, and healthy in a hands-on industry

💡 Whether you’re just starting your journey or making a career change, Mark’s story is proof that persistence, adaptability, and a passion for learning can take you further than you imagined.

#CareerConnect #AutomotiveCareers #LeewardCC #CampusToCareer #ServcoSchool #FordASSET #AutoTech #FromStudentToPro #NeverStopLearning #CareerAdvice #ASUH #HawaiiCareers #TechnicalEducation #DealershipLife #MentorshipMatters #LifeLongLearning #AutomotiveTechnology #StudentSuccess #SkilledTrades

Love Pono’s Summer dives into a talk with Kalei Ruiz, a counselor at Leeward CC campus about different relationships in the holidays. As members of the queer and LGBTQ+ community, they discuss the harrowing challenges as ASPEC and LGBTQ+ people in the holidays, visibility issues in our modern society, and how to navigate conversations during holiday get-together that can be uncomfortable. 

'Ōlelo O Ka Mahina is ASUH’s short series started by the Student Services Counselors that identify as Native Hawaiian.  The purpose of ʻŌlelo O Ka Mahina is to provide an audio library that we can reference that allows us to continue to practice ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.  

Stay safe, stay connected, and continue to gain knowledge!

Connect with us!

IG: asuh_leeward 

Welcome to Career Connect—the podcast where real stories spark inspiration. In this episode, we follow the remarkable journey of Kaylah Kelly-Weiss, from Leeward’s liberal arts program to a double major in Political Science and Hawaiian Studies at UH Mānoa—with her sights set on law school. Guided by determination, resourcefulness, and a deep commitment to her community in Wai‘anae, Kaylah’s story shows how passion, purpose, and persistence can transform uncertainty into a clear path forward.

🎧 Hosted by Leeward Community College’s ASUH📚 Topics include:– How campus programs like Lauhoe and early college jump-started her journey– The benefits of choosing liberal arts when your end goal is still evolving– Finding community, mentorship, and financial support through campus resources– How internships and volunteer work shaped her law career ambitions– Advice for students on taking action, making mistakes, and staying motivated– Why representing her home community fuels her drive for success

💡 Whether you’re still discovering your direction or chasing a big dream, Kaylah’s journey is a reminder that saying “yes” to opportunities can take you exactly where you need to go.

#CareerConnect #LiberalArts #LeewardCC #CampusToCareer #LawSchoolJourney #HawaiiStudents #NativeHawaiianEducation #StudentSuccess #InternshipExperience #MentorshipMatters #PoliticalScience #HawaiianStudies #WomenInLaw #CareerAdvice #FirstGenCollege #ASUH #HawaiiCareers #StudentVoices #FromCollegeToCareer #MotivationToSucceed

Welcome to Career Connect—the podcast where real stories spark inspiration. In this episode, we sit down with veteran IT leader Alan Ito to explore his journey from math major to CIO and startup innovator. Discover the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the challenges he faced along the way, and the innovations that continue to fuel his passion for technology.

🎧 Hosted by Leeward Community College’s ASUH💼 Topics include:– How Alan went from newspapers to networks in the early days of IT– The core skills every tech professional needs today– Aligning technology with organizational goals– Why communication is as critical as technical skill– Staying curious, resilient, and committed to lifelong learning

💡 Whether you’re just starting your career or aiming for your next big move, Alan’s insights will help you navigate a fast-paced industry and keep growing along the way.

#CareerConnect #TechCareers #ITLeadership #LifelongLearning #HawaiiTech #CareerDevelopment #LeewardCC #CampusToCareer #StudentSuccess #FutureOfWork #ASUH #STEMCareers #CareerAdvice

Welcome to Career Connect—the podcast where real stories spark inspiration. In this episode, we dive into Gabrielle Colobong’s remarkable journey from a nervous culinary student at Leeward to a high school culinary teacher shaping the next generation. Facing obstacles both personal and professional, Gabrielle’s story is a testament to resilience, passion, and turning uncertainty into opportunity.

🎧 Hosted by Leeward Community College’s ASUH🍽️ Topics include:– Discovering her calling through high school culinary programs– Being the only woman in her cohort and overcoming self-doubt– The transformative role of mentorship from Leeward’s faculty– Returning to teach alongside her former instructors– Why emotional safety matters as much as technical skill in the kitchen– Encouragement for introverts, overthinkers, and dreamers to take the leap

💡 Whether you’re stepping into the kitchen for the first time or charting your next career move, Gabrielle’s journey shows that the unknown can be the start of something extraordinary.

#CareerConnect #CulinaryArts #WomenInCulinary #LeewardCC #CampusToCareer #FoodIsCulture #CulinaryEducation #FromStudentToTeacher #MentorshipMatters #HawaiiCooks #CulinaryJourney #TeachingThroughFood #HighSchoolCulinary #CareerAdvice #IntrovertToLeader #ASUH #HawaiiCareers #StudentSuccess #BelieveInYourself

Welcome to Career Connect—the podcast where real stories spark inspiration. In this episode, we are joined by Kumu ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Collin “Kumu Kama” Kaʻaikaula, to explore his path as an educator and advocate for the rich Hawaiian culture. From his beginnings as an engineering major to becoming a kumu (teacher) of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Kumu Kama’s story is about connection, heritage, and inspiring others to embrace language as a living bridge to identity and community.

🎧 Hosted by Leeward Community College’s ASUH🌊 Topics include:– From student to kumu: coming full circle at Leeward– How Hawaiian studies and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi open doors to meaningful careers– The role of mentorship and community in professional growth– Strategies for keeping language alive beyond the classroom– Encouragement for students to follow what truly excites them

💡 Whether you are drawn to teaching, language, or cultural preservation, Kumu Kama’s journey invites you to pursue your passions with aloha and purpose.

#CareerConnect #HawaiianStudies #OleloHawaii #LeewardCC #CampusToCareer #IndigenousEducation #LanguageRevitalization #CulturalIdentity #TeachWhatYouLove #CollegeSuccess #MentorshipMatters #PassionAndPurpose #CareerGrowth #ASUH #HawaiiCareers #CommunityDriven

Aloha, Love Pono ʻohana October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in this Mukbang Monday episode, we’re diving deep into the patterns that can hide behind “too good to be true” relationships. From love bombing—those intense early displays of affection—to recognizing red flags in behavior and communication, we’re unpacking how unhealthy dynamics can develop and what healthy love truly looks like. Join the Love Pono team as we eat, reflect, and talk story about emotional manipulation, boundaries, and healing. It’s time to learn how to recognize warning signs, support survivors, and promote relationships grounded in respect and care. Need help or want to learn more?Visit: www.leeward.hawaii.edu/loveponoInstagram: @loveponoEmail: [email protected] Resources: • Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC): www.domesticviolenceactioncenter.org • BrightSky App – confidential DV resource finder • Title IX at Leeward CC – on-campus safety and reporting • 24/7 Crisis Line: 808-531-3771 (Oʻahu) Mukbang Monday is a Love Pono series at Leeward Community College where we share food, stories, and conversations about mental health, healthy communication, and living pono (in balance).⸻ Content WarningThis episode discusses emotional abuse, manipulation, and domestic violence. Some content may be sensitive or triggering for listeners. If you or someone you know is in danger or needs support, please reach out to a trusted friend, counselor, or one of the resources listed above. Remember—you are never alone, and help is always available.⸻#LovePono #LeewardCC #studentlife #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #leewardcommunitycollege #leeward #universityofhawaii #pauviolence #selflove #selfhelp

'Ōlelo O Ka Mahina is ASUH’s short series started by the Student Services Counselors that identify as Native Hawaiian.  The purpose of ʻŌlelo O Ka Mahina is to provide an audio library that we can reference that allows us to continue to practice ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.  

Stay safe, stay connected, and continue to gain knowledge!

Connect with us!

IG: asuh_leeward 

'Ōlelo O Ka Mahina is ASUH’s short series started by the Student Services Counselors that identify as Native Hawaiian.  The purpose of ʻŌlelo O Ka Mahina is to provide an audio library that we can reference that allows us to continue to practice ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.  

Stay safe, stay connected, and continue to gain knowledge!