Karen Teshima has worked for over 20 years to build a healthier Big Island. Her career started at Bay Clinic, a non-profit community health center that serves one in ten island residents. As a health educator, Karen planned, organized, and implemented health education programs in reproductive health for young adults and professionals. As case management coordinator, she worked closely with patients and physicians to ensure that patients with complex illnesses received consistent care across a multitude of facilities and providers.
Karen has also written grants to expand patient navigation programs in Hawai‘i County. As executive assistant to Mayor Billy Kenoi, Karen was the administration’s lead on community health initiatives such as the Hawai‘i Island Beacon Initiative, the designation of Blue Zones Project® communities on the island, and the administration’s expansion of parks and activities for keiki and kūpuna. She also served as liaison within the administration for upgrades to the built environment to make biking, running, and walking safer for all. And she’s served on the boards of the National Cancer Survivors Network, Hawai‘i State Rural Health Association, Hawai‘i Island Healthcare Alliance, and YWCA Hawai‘i Island.
My Power 9
My favorite Power 9® is Right Tribe. My husband and I have had the same group of friends for over 20 years. Our Moai consists of 10 friends that encourage, support, and strengthen one another.
