Jennifer Okuma

Igoa: Human Resources Officer
Nofoaga o galuega: Ofisa o le Pulega o Taleni
Tausaga i le HIDOE: 29
Tausaga i le tulaga: 5

Jennifer Okuma, human resources regional officer in the Personnel Assistance Branch of the Office of Talent Management, was recently named HIDOE’s 2025 Employee of the Year. Award judges noted that during her career Jennifer has been instrumental in transforming human resources across the system as a collaborative partner who understands that hiring is not a one-size-fits-all process.

F: Fa'amatala fa'apuupuu lou ala faigaluega.
A: I began my career as a ninth-grade physical science teacher at Leilehua High School, my alma mater (Go Mules!). Over the next 24 years, I evolved from the classroom to the registrar’s office, and eventually into leadership as a vice principal for eight years. These experiences shaped my “big picture” view of education, leading me to serve as human resources regional officer, where I was privileged to support the teachers and administrators of the 42 schools within the Central District of O‘ahu. 

Q: O a ou tiute autu?

A: As the certificated human resources regional officer, I serve as the resource for the teachers and administrators in the district with any human resources issue they may have. My role is to guide them through the initial hiring process, managing leaves of absence, performance evaluations and ultimately, a well-earned retirement. I provide support with the processes so the teachers and administrators can focus on our students.

Q: How did you get into this field?
A: Coming from a family of educators, this career was a natural calling. I grew up spending the summers with my mom cleaning and preparing her third grade classroom and helping my aunty inventory the books in her library. With so many educators in the family, it must be in my DNA! 

Q: Vaega e fiafia i ai e uiga i le galuega?
A: I have always been a systems thinker. I love the challenge of improving our workflows to better support our principals and vice principals so they can focus on their campus and their students.

Q: Vaega sili ona luitauina e uiga i lou tulaga?
A: Oftentimes, I have had to help people during their most vulnerable moments, whether it be experiencing personal hardships or facing professional hurdles. Despite these challenges, I am committed to being compassionate and serving each employee fairly as these are the times when our support is needed the most.

Q: O le a sau fautuaga mo tagata e mafaufau i lenei tulaga?
A: My best advice is to never lose touch with the school-level perspective. I have learned that my experiences have helped in how I am able to serve the teachers and administrators. Understanding the daily reality of the schools and being able to see things through the lens of a principal or teacher allowed me to bridge the gaps in order to support and advocate for our employees.

Q: How does your job support students?
A: The best part of this job is recruiting teachers! It excites me to meet people who have a passion for teaching and helping them find the perfect school to call home. While April to July is our busiest season, the hustle drives me to make sure that every student has a teacher on day one!

Q: Fun fact about yourself?
A: As an empty-nester, I spend my weekends in my “she-shed” sewing and knitting!