As a first-generation student navigating through the complexities of higher education, Ms. Theresa Dao is passionate about highlighting student talent from the local communities of Hawai’i to sustain a diversified workforce and pipeline that will not only serve but represent our local populations. By promoting leaders that are local to the community, Ms. Dao hopes to inspire the future generations in pursuing careers by providing them with higher education and employment opportunities.

 

Ms. Dao graduated with her Bachelor's of Science degree in Integrative and Organismal Biology in May of 2020. During her undergraduate studies, Ms. Dao was motivated in mentoring her peers in her roles of Teacher Assistant, Peer Mentor, Scholarship Ambassador, and the Health Professions Undergraduate Research Worker. Following graduation, Ms. Dao supported COPE Health Solutions with workforce development through the implementations of the Medical Assistant program, Registered Nurse program, Clinical Lab Scientist program, and the Pharmacy Technician program at various Adventist Health locations across the country. Ms. Dao was promoted to Program Manager at Adventist Health Castle Hospital (previously known as Castle Medical Center) where she directly oversaw day-to-day Health Scholar operations, focusing on the educational and professional endeavors of students in the COPE Health Scholars Program and providing support to the Adventist Health Castle team.

 

Currently Ms. Dao is pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Hawaii at Manoa with her end goal of serving as a Family Nurse Practitioner to improve healthcare accessibility to underserved populations in Hawai’i. In her spare time, she participates in a medical mission based in Honolulu Harbour, known as the Seafarer’s Ministry, where she provides medical care to migrant fishermen from Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. She also is a member of Olakino Clinic, a Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center for men who are committed to conquer their addictions to alcohol or narcotics.

 

In December of 2022, Ms. Dao joined Hawaii Workforce Pipeline as the Windward Work-Based Learning Coordinator. She directly supports the Windward CTE Intermediary in researching work-based learning opportunities for K-12 public school students on the Windward side of Oahu (from Kahuku to Waimanalo). To contact Ms. Dao, please email info@hawaiiworkforcepipeline.com.