Hawaii 2022 Women In Business Champion

Susan Utsugi, SVP & Division Manager – Business Banking of Central Pacific Bank is Hawaii's 2022 Women In Business Champion.



Susan Utsugi has always been a small business champion and recognized early on that women-owned small businesses often had unique challenges.  As Business Banking Division Manager, Susan actively advocates for women-owned businesses and leverages her role at the Bank to help develop and execute women-owned business programs at every opportunity. 

She devoted more than 100 hours over a three-month period to develop, coordinate and facilitate the WE by Rising Tide Program. During this 10-week program, women business owners created a community of support, helping each other solve common challenges and celebrate successes. Thanks to Susan, they networked with other women business leaders in Hawaii who provided inspiration, guidance and support.

She contributes money, time and resources to a wide range of deserving non-profit boards and has mentored many women business owners through The Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership, where she has served since its inception in 2013.