UH Hilo political science major Christina Robledo learns the ropes at local chamber of commerce

Managing time between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and a professional job requires strong organizational skills and discipline. Christina Robledo sees the challenges as opportunities for growth.

At left is a profile photo of Christina Robledo. At right is the logo for the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce.
UH Hilo political science major Christina Robledo is employed at the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce in Hilo. (Courtesy photo)

By Laela Collier.

A senior studying political science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is the new administrator of membership and marketing at the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce.

Christina Robledo, who hails from Kula upcountry Maui but now considers Hilo home “where most of my growing up was done,” is working on a variety of tasks that allow a well-rounded understanding of how a chamber of commerce operates. She also is meeting key players in Hawaiʻi Island’s business community.

“The networking opportunities the chamber provides are something that you won’t see or find anywhere else,” she says. “I’m very lucky to meet and interact with a lot of Hawaiʻi Islands’ professional network. They’re business owners, CEO’s, presidents, who build up the community here.”

These interactions allow Robledo to learn from seasoned professionals and mentors who can provide advice. This network is likely to be beneficial after graduation, whether staying on Hawaiʻi Island or pursuing opportunities elsewhere.

The work also offers a crucial opportunity to bridge the gap between her classroom work and the professional world. Along with building networking skills, the experience provides practical business skills and insight into the local economy of Hawaiʻi Island.

What does an administrator of membership and marketing do?

In her role at the chamber, Robledo coordinates events, supports administrative staff, manages communications, helps grow membership, tends to the chamber’s social media presence, and assists with marketing campaigns. All this activity builds relationships with local business owners and professionals not just for the chamber but for Robledo as well.

She also handles day-to-day administrative tasks such as answering emails and taking phone calls.

“You do get a lot of phone calls from tourists asking where they should go, what they should do, what they should see, thatʻs always a lot of fun,” she says.

Community First Hawaii logo, blue with three blue shadow images of people.Before working at the chamber, Robledo was employed at Community First Hawaiʻi, a local nonprofit focusing on healthcare advocacy.

“I was their administrative assistant for two years,” she explains. “They work with rural communities on Hawaiʻi Island to [expand] healthcare access, bridging the gap between providers and rural communities.”

Managing time between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and a professional job requires strong organizational skills and discipline. Robledo sees the challenges as opportunities for growth.

“I do keep a physical planner on me at all times; it is color coded with about six different pen colors,” she describes. “Maintaining a strict hour by hour schedule is kind of the most important part for me. Making sure I keep on track for certain deadlines and making sure my work drawer doesn’t interfere with my school drawer.”

Future plans

After graduation Robledo plans to attend law school and hopefully pursue a career around public interest law, “with fingers crossed, immigration law,” she says.

“But plans change fast, and I am always interested in trying new things and experiencing the world in whatever way possible,” she says.

“The path forward is never crystal clear. I used to be on a medical path, so keeping an open mind about where the world takes me has led me to opportunities, [such as] the chamber and experiences at Community First, that I never could have imagined were possible for myself.”

Message to students: Come join the chamber!

For UH Hilo students, getting involved at local chambers offers a unique opportunity to blend academics with hands-on experience in the business world.

“There are a lot of opportunities that come with being a member,” says Robledo. UH Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College student membership at Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce is just $25. “The networking opportunities and being able to meet the professionals of our island, I think that experience is worth so much more than the price of the membership.”


Story by Laela Collier, a double major in psychology, and kinesiology and exercise science.

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