Her Story
About Jasmin
Jasmin Lafradez is a Senior IT Business Analyst based in Honolulu, Hawaii, with nearly a decade of experience in business analysis, project management, and enterprise technology implementation. She currently serves at HEMIC, where she leads information gathering, user acceptance testing (UAT) coordination, and project planning for large-scale technology initiatives in the insurance industry. Her expertise includes managing complex system migrations, coordinating cross-functional teams, and supporting cloud-based core system implementations. Prior to HEMIC, she held business analysis and implementation consulting roles at ADP, HMSA, IntelliSurvey, and Island Pacific Energy, building a diverse background across insurance, healthcare, human capital management, market research, and renewable energy.
Jasmin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Geographic Information Science and Cartography from the University of Washington, providing her with a strong analytical foundation that has supported her transition into information technology and business systems. She has continued expanding her technical expertise through certifications in Guidewire InsuranceSuite, AI Product Management, and Technical Product Management, reflecting her commitment to staying current with emerging technologies and digital transformation trends. Earlier in her career, she also served as a TEFL Volunteer with the Peace Corps in Ukraine, an experience that strengthened her adaptability, communication skills, and global perspective.
Throughout her career, Jasmin has built a reputation for delivering business-driven technology solutions through collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning. She has contributed to major initiatives involving cloud migration, enterprise modernization, and the implementation of AI capabilities, helping organizations improve operational efficiency and business outcomes. Guided by values of transparency, integrity, and open communication, she believes success comes from maintaining a positive mindset, embracing innovation, and seeking support when needed. She encourages aspiring professionals—particularly women entering technology—to ask questions, collaborate with others, and never be afraid to learn from failure as they build confidence and expertise.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jasmin
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to maintaining a positive mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities to learn, and never being afraid to ask for help when needed. I strive to remain adaptable, welcome innovation—including AI—and continuously look for better ways to contribute. I also believe success is built through collaboration, and I’m grateful to work with a strong team across all departments. Finally, I’ve been fortunate to have inspiring mentors, especially my current boss, Leila Kagawa, whose leadership and insight have had a lasting impact on my professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is, “Don’t be afraid to fail.” It has taught me to embrace challenges, take calculated risks, and view setbacks as valuable learning opportunities that foster growth and resilience.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to never hesitate to ask questions and embrace collaboration. Learning from others, seeking guidance, and working as part of a team will help you build confidence, expand your knowledge, and grow into a capable and successful professional.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is the adoption of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, decision-making, and customer experiences. At the same time, one of the greatest challenges is gaining enterprise-wide buy-in while ensuring that innovation is balanced with the strict regulatory and compliance requirements of the insurance industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally, are transparency, integrity, and good character. I believe in being honest, treating others with respect, and fostering open communication. Building trust through authenticity and collaboration creates stronger relationships and leads to better outcomes for everyone.
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