Angela Arlene Choy (second from left) at the Po'okela Fellows award ceremony, joined by HPU faculty members Leslie Blood (far-left) and Harm-Jan Steenhuis (second from right).
MBA student Angela Arlene Choy was one of the selected interns by the City and County of Honolulu to participate in the prestigious Po'okela Fellows Internship Program. Choy was chosen by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Executive Services Division. She worked closely with her mentors Second Deputy Director/EA II Kimberly Ribellia-Collins and Administrative Services Officer (ASO) Francis Tabios of DPR.
The Po'okela Fellows Internship Program stands out as a unique opportunity for college students to intern within various city departments and agencies. It not only provides practical work experience but also connects students with mentors from the city's middle and executive levels. Moreover, the program involves interns in projects that directly benefit the public, fostering innovation and fresh perspectives.
Angela Arlene Choy with her award, standing next to Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
Choy's internship began in Spring 2024 and culminated in an awards ceremony on Friday, May 31, at the Ala Wai Golf Course Palladium. The event celebrated the interns' achievements, with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi serving as the keynote speaker.
Choy was honored as the primary lead out of the three Po'okela Fellows 2024 Cohort Leads. Along with Ronhelle Calimlim, a recent graduate of HPU’s College of Liberal Arts criminal justice program, Choy and Calimlim represented HPU among the 23 students in the prestigious program.
HPU Business Lecturer Leslie Blood J.D., faculty advisor of the Delta Mu Delta International Honors Society Delta Iota Chapter, and Business Professor Harm-Jan Steenhuis were present at the ceremony and celebrated Choy’s success.
Reflecting on the experience, Choy noted that the selection process was extensive, involving multiple interviews. Despite the challenging selection, the internship provided invaluable real-world experience and mentorship opportunities, contributing significantly to her professional development.
"The Department of Parks and Recreation internship has been a transformative journey," said Choy in her opening remarks. "My mentors entrusted me with a range of responsibilities, including participating in the career expo, gaining hands-on experience with the hiring process, and collecting applicants' fingerprints. I also had the opportunity to review the accuracy and completeness of budgets and assist in migrating and designing DPR web pages using WordPress. All of these deepened my understanding of workforce dynamics, highlighting that the human aspect is an organization's greatest asset."
The legacy of the Po’okela Program extends far beyond the confines of this internship. Many former fellows like HPU’s alumnus Chamara Silva, Mayor’s Office ASO have seamlessly transitioned into civil service positions, embodying the spirit of mentorship and paying it forward to the next generation of leaders.
Choy's experience in the program not only provided her with substantial professional growth but also reaffirmed her commitment to public service. She continues to work with the Department of Parks and Recreation and collaborates with fellow intern Natalie Narito from UH Manoa to innovate the program's branding, envisioning a future where more youth are inspired to pursue careers in public service.
