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Like a pier holding up a bridge, Ms. Elaine Owens supports our team by setting a firm foundation for all of our members. Elaine has exemplified the qualities of a great mentor and friend through robotics. For her outstanding mentoring and generosity, Team Kika Mana (TKM) is proud to nominate Elaine for this year’s Woodie Flowers Award.

It started back in 2000 with TKM’s inaugural FIRST team where she was the team captain. “Elaine has always been a responsible and hard worker,” says long-time robotics adviser and electronics teacher Mr. Milton Lau. “Very rarely did she let her emotions get to her. Even when she succeeded at things, she was always very humble.” Through robotics, Elaine found her passion for electrical engineering. After graduating from McKinley High School, she went on to the Rochester Institute of Technology where she obtained her Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. Upon returning to Hawaii, she began her career at Hawaiian Electric Company in the Distribution & Planning Department. Aside from her work, Elaine uses her personal time to mentor. Although allocated little vacation time as a new employee, Elaine uses her days off to assist at our various competitions.

As a mentor, Elaine nurtures us with support and not superiority. By communicating and interacting with each student as a friend, she effectively teaches problem solving skills, gracious professionalism, and teamwork. “Whenever I couldn’t understand something – the game, electronics, or programming – she was patient and found ways to explain them using simple real-life examples” reflects junior Fu Quan Feng, “encouraging us to think for ourselves.” Her enthusiasm has inspired us to become better people and has helped develop many long-lasting friendships within TKM. Junior Wendy Wu notes, “She's someone I can look up to and has inspired me to work hard...” Elaine's generosity knows no bounds, as programmer Sam Hu says, "She's willing to sacrifice her own time...to teach us everything she has learned."

Besides assisting TKM, Elaine helps other teams in our area. In 2008, 20 new Hawaii teams joined FIRST. Elaine was one of the three featured presenters at a workshop for new mentors. Often volunteering for local robotics events, she exemplifies gracious professionalism by helping other schools with difficulties in programming or electronics. “She’s a role model that’s well known in her workplace, at our school, and in the community,” says Alan Do, former TKM member and collegiate mentor.

Elaine's enthusiasm is abundant. She teaches us dance moves to the songs commonly played at regionals and encourages us to have fun. “She took the inspiration FIRST gave her some nine years ago to a higher level by returning to inspire the next generation,” says Erica Lei, TKM co-captain , “It’s something I hope to be able to do in the future.”

Elaine has been recognized by superiors of her company and community leaders for her outstanding efforts in furthering robotics education in Hawaii. Furthermore, she has written editorials in the newspaper and was highlighted in magazine articles to inform students statewide who might be interested in pursuing a career in electrical engineering. Her loving personality creates a fun and comfortable environment. Her passion has inspired many to become creative when difficult situations arise. Through teaching us that “nothing is impossible as long as you try your best," we have learned that there is more than one way to solve a problem. Elaine is more than a mentor to us; she is our friend and a guide over the bridge to our future.