Kimo Kippen, Founder of Aloha Learning Advisors, is a thought leader, speaker, and advocate for life-long learning and talent development. A native of Hawai'i, former chief learning officer at Hilton, recognized by CLO Magazine as Chief Learning Officer of the year (2015). Former Chair of ATD (2007), and VP of Learning at Marriott International, Kimo has been creating life-long learning solutions for hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

Kimo currently serves as a senior fellow and program director for two Councils of The Conference Board: Talent & Organizational Development Executive Council (TODEC) in New York City and the Learning & Development Council in Brussels, Belgium. Kimo's passion for learning, facilitating, and teaching has drawn him into the academic world as an adjunct professor at the Catholic University of America, and George Mason University. Kimo also serves on the RIT Advisory Board for the Saunders College of Business.

Why did you choose to attend RIT?

While I was living in Monaco (Monte Carlo), I saw an RIT advertisement about a 15-month graduate program. The flexibility of the entire program was interesting. For a working person who lived abroad, the scheduling and curriculum definitely aligned with my lifestyle.

Who influenced you most during your time at RIT?

There were many "whos" and many "whats (or things)" that were influential to my time at RIT. I loved the area. Upstate New York has a robust wine country. I made it a point to explore beyond Rochester - Niagara on the Lake, Skaneateles, Canandaigua, Finger Lakes. So many beautiful sights!

The "who" – the faculty was incredible. Stan Bissel, Gladys Winkworth Abraham and Paul Kazmierski (I actually won an award that is named after him from RIT), and Al Wilson. They were wonderful to work with. Very accommodating and attentive and made my experience a very positive one.

What were your favorite classes and why?

All of my classes were great, but if I had to choose – it would be two classes taught by Gladys Winkworth Abraham and Al Wilson: Instructional Methodology Development (IMD) and Criterion Referenced Instruction (CRI). Once we completed these classes, we earned our certifications in CRI and IMD – which are nationally recognized.

What significance does AAPI Heritage hold for you?

Oh wow – being a Pacific Islander is so close to my head, heart and soul. It is who I am. I am almost three-quarters Hawai'ian, my family is from Hawai'i. It is such an integral part of why I am, and who I am. It is my culture. I am proud to represent the AAPI community – especially the “PI” part. When asked, “Where are you from?” my response is that I am from Hawai'i, and then the U.S.

What would you like everyone to know about the AAPI culture/community?

The Asian Pacific culture is so vast and unique. So many languages, great culture and not to mention such great food. I am proud to be part of the AAPI community.

Fun Fact(s) about yourself?

• I grew up in Hawai'i.
• Late 1970s I attended Michigan State University (MSU), during the worst winter they had experienced in 150 years. MSU had not closed its doors in over 150 years for “snow days”. Great introduction to snow!
• After graduating, I lived in Washington, DC, London, Rome and then Monaco (Monte Carlo). Tidbit – Monaco is small; NY Central Park is 1.50 times as big as Monaco.
• My wife and I split our time between Warsaw, Poland, Washington D.C., and Honolulu, Hawai'i.