THE ART OF HELPING TRAVELERS
Concurrent Session – Option C
Thursday, June 13, 11 a.m.
Jessica Lani Rich
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Travelers Aid of Honolulu and Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii
Jessica Lani Rich is celebrating her 15th year as the president and CEO of Travelers Aid of Honolulu and The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii. Jessica has devoted her life to helping others in crisis. She is also a Stephen Minister for the First Presbyterian Church.
The Travelers Aid program provides referrals for the disadvantaged to local homeless shelters. The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii program assists visitors who have been victims of crimes or other adversities. There are reportedly over 9 million visitors who travel to Hawaii every year, and the Hawaii program assists visitors in crisis every day. When an unfortunate situation happens, such as a lost or stolen wallet, a family member becoming ill, or even the death of a visitor, this experience can turn their dream vacation into a nightmare. Jessica has helped hundreds of travelers, including helping victims’ families involved in a tragic helicopter crash, and she supervises her staff and volunteers.
She also serves on the Board of Directors for Travelers Aid International.
Jessica is a TV producer and host of her own weekly TV show, Inspire You & Me,which is broadcast on the Family Broadcasting Corporation station every Sunday night statewide in Hawaii. She has helped to promote over 40 non-profit agencies on her TV program.
Jessica received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from San Francisco State University and completed graduate work toward her Master’s Degree at the University of Hawaii. She is a critical incident specialist and was trained in Baltimore. Jessica is a musician and plays the ukulele and is the leader of a musical group, The Mele Rotarians. She is also the author of the book, The Gift of Hawaii, Island Inspirations.Jessica keeps very busy with her non-profit agency work and her special community service projects.
