Striving for the highest

Leiya Margareth Torrano graduated from UH Hilo this May with a bachelors in business administration concentrated on healthcare management, a minor in philosophy, and a pre-law certificate.

When Leiya Margareth Torrano crossed the stage at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s 2026 Spring Commencement on May 16, she carried more than a diploma. The Honokaʻa-raised daughter of Filipino immigrants became the first in her family to graduate from college — and she had spent four years making sure other local students could follow her there. She even named the work: Kūlia i ka Nuʻu, strive for the highest.

Torrano graduated with a degree in business administration concentrated on healthcare management, a minor in philosophy, and a pre-law certificate. But for her, graduation was not just a personal victory — it was a tribute to her entire family. Reflecting on her grandparents’ and parents’ journey from the Philippines and their dedication to raising her and her sisters, she felt their presence as she received her diploma.

When Torrano crossed the stage during UH Hilo’s 2026 Spring Commencement ceremony, she became the first in her family to receive a college degree.

“I’m representing them — all of their investments, all of their energy — will be coming on stage with me,” Torrano shared before the ceremony. “This is for them and for me. They were really the ones that pushed me the most and inspired me.”

Torrano — pictured here with her mother, father, and sisters — credits her family for inpsiring her to achieve her dream of becoming a first-generation college graduate.

Being the first to navigate higher education came with uncertainty, but Torrano transformed those challenges into a mission to help others. As a Bonner Leader and member of the First Year Experience (FYE) team, she served as the visionary and architect behind the inaugural Thrive and Shine: First Generation Day event at UH Hilo. The celebration honored the resilience of those who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree.

Torrano held Thrive and Shine: First Generation Day in the fall, turning her first-gen experience into a capstone designed to break myths and build courage in future scholars.

Beyond the single event, Torrano’s primary goal was to establish a permanent first-generation network connecting current students, faculty, and staff. She transformed her personal experience into a capstone project — the Kūlia i ka Nuʻu college-prep program for local high schoolers — using campus tours, resource education, and peer mentorship to “debunk the myths and barriers” that often discourage potential college students.

“We’re navigating and eliminating the fear of what steps to take,” she explained, noting her desire to motivate others to get involved and never be scared of applying for opportunities.

Torrano’s time on campus was defined by bold risks that led to immense growth. From serving as President of HOSA to studying abroad at the University of Birmingham in England, she embraced every chance to expand her horizons. These experiences helped her shed her initial timidity, though she credits the Bonner Program for being most impactful in helping her strengthen her skills as a confident, grounded leader.

To local students considering their next step, Torrano’s message is clear: great opportunities exist right here at home. “People think they have to leave, but there is so much you can accomplish here — you just have to take advantage of what’s being offered to you," she insisted. She highlights UH Hilo’s tight-knit community where “you’re not fighting for attention because the professors know who you are.”

Following her heart and her passion, Torrano has already secured a job after graduation as a Service Supervisor for the Arc of Kona, where she will advocate for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Torrano with her parents after receiving the 2024 Ka Lama Kū Overall Leadership award as a sophomore. Since the founding of the program in 2007, this award has only been given five other times. It recognizes exceptional student leaders who have gone above and beyond in the work they do.

As Torrano moves forward into her professional career, her story serves as a beacon for every student at UH Hilo. It is a poignant reminder that with courage, community support, and a commitment to one’s passions, climbing to the highest peak is possible for everyone.