CPB introduces new WE by Rising Tide cohort of business owners

WE by Rising Tide cohort five program participants met for their first session on Aug. 20, 2025. Photo courtesy: Central Pacific Bank<_o3a_p><_o3a_p>

HONOLULU, HI (Aug. 29, 2025) - Central Pacific Bank (CPB) is proud to announce the newest participants of the WE by Rising Tideprogram. Now in its fifth year, this successful initiative is co-sponsored by the aio Foundation and partnered with the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership. The program selects 19 women entrepreneurs from across Hawaii, providing them with the knowledge and tools to scale their businesses to new levels of success. <_o3a_p>

"We are consistently amazed by the caliber and ambition of Hawaii's women-owned businesses," said Susan Utsugi, CPB Group Senior Vice President of Business Banking and a founding member of the WE by Rising Tide program. "It is our privilege to provide this comprehensive program, empowering them to expand their operations and achieve new heights of success." <_o3a_p>

"The sheer talent of the women entrepreneurs who applied to our program was truly inspiring" said Brittany Montilliano, Director of the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership. "We are delighted to create a supportive community for this remarkable group as they embark on the exciting journey of accelerating their businesses." <_o3a_p>

The free 10-week program offers a robust curriculum with valuable workshops covering essential topics for business growth, including:<_o3a_p>

· Financial Management: Learn how to manage finances for established businesses to support future expansion.<_o3a_p>

· Marketing and Branding Strategies: Develop a personalized growth plan with one-on-one consultations.<_o3a_p>

· Networking:Build valuable connections with successful women entrepreneurs and executives.<_o3a_p>

The following 19 women have been selected for the class of 2025: <_o3a_p>

· Taleea Carvalho, Wailua Granola Co.<_o3a_p>

· Dr. Nancy Clarke, Pearlridge Pediatrics<_o3a_p>

· Amanda Cordes, Da Seafood Cartel<_o3a_p>

· Carly Di Mattia, Vernacular Pacific<_o3a_p>

· Anna Funk, Skin Deep Tattoo Waikiki<_o3a_p>

· Karen Furtado, Shear Magic Pet Salon<_o3a_p>

· Mahealani Gambill, Coconut Ave<_o3a_p>

· Dawn Hunt, Treehouse Coworking<_o3a_p>

· Lacyann Matsumoto, East Side Studio<_o3a_p>

· Haunani Miyasato, Kaulana Mahina<_o3a_p>

· Michelle Nelson, MK Equipment<_o3a_p>

· Kea Peters, Kākou Collective<_o3a_p>

· Jaclynn Sabado-Eitel, Paradise Now<_o3a_p>

· Nikki Savella, Cupcakes, BOOM!<_o3a_p>

· Karli Supera-Wilson, To Be Hawai'i<_o3a_p>

· Dr. Susan Tan, Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery<_o3a_p>

· Dr. Cheryl Twu, Wellness OBGYN<_o3a_p>

· Tina Wang, Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya<_o3a_p>

· Lei-Ann Young, ABS Janitorial Services<_o3a_p>

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For additional information on the WE by Rising Tide program and to view the full 2025 program schedule, please click here. <_o3a_p>

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<_o3a_p> About Central Pacific Financial Corp.<_o3a_p>

Central Pacific Financial Corp. is a Hawaii-based bank holding company with approximately $7.37 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025. Central Pacific Bank, its primary subsidiary, operates 27 branches and 55 ATMs in the State of Hawaii. Central Pacific Financial Corp. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "CPF." For additional information, please visit: cpb.bank<_o3a_p>