Join the Capstone to Career Speaker Series to hear from guest speaker Val Aquino Okimoto as she shares her professional journey, career experiences, and lessons learned along the way.
This is a great opportunity to gain valuable career insights and learn from real-world experiences. All students are welcome!
About Val Aquino Okimoto
Councilmember Val Aquino Okimoto was born and raised on Kauai and is a proud graduate of Brigham Young University–Hawaii, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting. Prior to her graduation, Okimoto served as a full-time missionary in the Philippines Cebu Mission.
Before entering public service, she spent 10 years as a special education teacher with the Hawaii Department of Education. In 2018, she was elected to the Hawaii State House of Representatives, District 36, representing Mililani, and later served as House minority leader. In 2022, she was elected to the Honolulu City Council, representing District 8, which includes Mililani, Pearl City, and portions of Aiea and Waipahu. She currently serves as chair of the Council’s Budget Committee and vice chair of the Infrastructure, Transportation & Technology Committee.
Okimoto’s most sacred role and title is that of being a mom to her two daughters: Rebekah, who is currently serving a mission in the Japan Tokyo South Mission, and Emma, who is an eighth grader at Mililani Middle School. Okimoto is passionate about serving her community with integrity and has been a fierce advocate for government transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility, while doing all she can to ensure a safer and brighter future for Hawaii’s next generation.
Outside of her work life, Okimoto enjoys being outdoors; running, swimming, going to the beach, hiking, playing basketball, and thrifting with her daughters. She currently serves as the gospel doctrine teacher for her ward and as a temple ordinance worker.