Rhena Singh was born in San Jose, California 30 years ago, and when she was 2 years old, Hawaii became her home. Rhena's mother had family in the islands, and they were living west side, town side, Molokai side and back. With a Rotary scholarship, Rhena graduated from Farrington High School and attended St. Louis University to study Medical Laboratory Science. After working for UCSF and UCLA medical centers, she decided to attend Cornell University and earn her Master of Business Administration degree. After some time as a Strategy Consultant and Entrepreneur, Rhena returned to Hawaii to give back to her community through education and healthcare.
Rhena joined the faculty at John A. Burns School of Medicine as Associate Program Director of Medical Technology to address the healthcare labor shortage of medical scientists in Hawaii, "They are the unspoken leaders in the medical world, and we are addressing the labor shortages and developing the scientists to keep our hospitals thriving."
Since the scholarship, Rotary has always been in the back of Rhena's mind, when Honolulu Club member Lucci Pinoliad sponsored her into our club, Rhena joined February 13th this year. "I feel I belong and want to be a part of something bigger ... to be with those who want to make a difference. It's the intrinsic value that gives me the motivation and energy."
Rhena notes with the surge of technology, people are feeling more isolated. "I would encourage all young professionals to join Rotary, because it gives a sense of community in the modern world that is so important."
Rhena leading a backpacking group in Patagonia
Rhena in Spain