Her Story
About Elsie
Elsie Nahalea has been in her field since 2013. Her main areas of expertise are auditing and compliance along with financial management. In her current role, she manages grant application reviews, communicates with applicant sites, ensures compliance for funding releases, and handles post-award management including meetings with research recipients. She previously served as a federal contractor overseeing project management and worked at multiple research institutions managing grant funding at the post-award level, with additional experience in financial aid funding and student counseling. Elsie is currently a doctoral candidate in public administration and policy after completing her comprehensive exam. She began her exposure to grants work at age 17 at the USDA Research Basin.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elsie
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my hyper-independence and the friendships and family that have supported me. When family isn't there, friends step in, and when neither can, my hyper-independence carries me through.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice came from a past boss who said to leave a toxic job even if it means taking something lower paying, because no job is worth your health, whether mental, physical, or spiritual.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Persevere in the face of adversity, find a solid support system at work or home, do your best without burning out, and take care of yourself.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Accountability is my number one value - saying what you mean and meaning what you say, paired with clear communication, honesty, transparency, and kindness. We should hold space for others and remember we don't know what people are going through.
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