In 2021, Evan Nishida finished his sophomore year as a biology major at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. While he planned to attend the John A. Burns School of Medicine, he began questioning if he was on the right path.
That summer, Nishida tried an internship with Island Wealth Management, a local firm that focuses on multi-generational financial planning and asset management. It was there that he discovered his passion for financial planning, leading him to shift his academic and career plans.
‘Donʻt try to do it alone’
“I leaned heavily on my counselors as sounding boards while planning out my semesters,” Nishida said. “My best advice? Don’t try to do it alone—reach out, ask questions and seek guidance.”
He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Natural Sciences in 2023, all while completing finance certifications online. Today, Nishida is a full-time financial consultant at Island Wealth Management.
“Seeing the meaningful impact we can create in the lives of Hawaiʻi’s local families by turning complex financial decisions into clear, actionable strategies is what continues to drive our team every day,” he said.
Grateful for support
Choosing UH Mānoa came naturally for Nishida, a fourth-generation alumnus. But family legacy wasn’t the only factor.
“I was fortunate enough to be awarded the UH Chancellor’s Scholarship, the Mānoa Opportunity Grant and the ASUH Scholarship—all of which significantly reduced the financial burden on my family,” Nishida said. “Thanks to that support, I was able to pursue my degree without needing to take out student loans—an opportunity I remain incredibly grateful for.”
Building trust
As a student, one piece of advice stuck with him and continues to shape his career: people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
“That captures what makes working in Hawaiʻi unique,” Nishida said. “Being the smartest person in the room means nothing if people can’t trust or connect with you. My commitment to this perspective is what continues to shape and guide me as I grow in my professional journey.”
