Her Story
About Maleia
Maleia Awana is an Engagement Specialist in the healthcare industry, bringing a diverse background in customer service, sales, marketing, account management, and business development to her current role with Kaiser Permanente. Her career began in customer-focused and sales-oriented positions, where she developed expertise in relationship management, business development, customer retention, and account support. She later transitioned into healthcare, allowing her to apply these transferable skills in an environment centered on connecting people with important resources and services. Maleia completed her Medical Coding/Billing Administration education at Hawaii Medical College in 2024. Her professional development reflects a broader commitment to understanding both the business and service sides of organizations. Throughout her career, she has been influenced by mentors and leaders who recognized her potential and encouraged her growth, including several influential women leaders and a former VP. Her experiences have also played an important role in shaping her approach to communication, empathy, relationships, and leadership. At the center of Maleia's professional philosophy is the belief that people want to feel seen and understood. She brings this people-centered perspective to her work in healthcare and to her involvement with professional and community organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce and young professional groups. Looking toward the future, she aspires to continue growing as a leader within Kaiser Permanente while encouraging younger generations to consider returning to Hawaii and building meaningful careers in healthcare. Her career reflects a commitment to connection, service, empathy, and continuous personal and professional growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maleia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the people who believed in my potential before I fully recognized it in myself. Throughout my career, mentors and leaders—particularly influential women leaders and a former VP who played an important role in my development—gave me guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to grow. Throughout all my experiences it has also shaped me significantly, strengthening my empathy and influencing the way I communicate, build relationships, and lead.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most meaningful lessons I have learned throughout my career is to not get stuck on the idea that professional growth is defined by a single industry or job title. My career has evolved from customer service, sales, marketing, and business development into healthcare, allowing me to carry the skills I developed along the way into a field where they can create meaningful impact, and that's what I feel is influence.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to recognize that confidence does not always have to come before an opportunity. Sometimes confidence develops because you are willing to step forward and take the opportunity. Believe in your potential, remain open to learning, and do not limit yourself to one particular career path or title. Your experiences, relationships, and willingness to grow can open doors you may not have initially expected.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities I see is the ability to connect people and communities with the resources they need to grow and thrive, particularly within healthcare. My own transition into healthcare has allowed me to apply my background in customer service, sales, marketing, and business development to an industry where connection and access can have an even greater impact. I also see an opportunity to encourage younger generations to return to Hawaii and pursue meaningful careers in healthcare.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the heart of my approach to both work and life is the belief that people want to feel seen and understood. I value empathy, genuine connection, communication, and making sure that the people I interact with feel heard and supported. These values guide how I build relationships, serve others, and approach leadership.
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