This story was originally published spring/summer 2025 issue of Shidler Business.
As the director of human resources at Young Brothers, Shannon Lum, BS ’12, MHRM ’17, doesn’t just manage teams— she connects people, communities and purpose across the Hawaiian Islands. With a deep belief in compassionate leadership and a foundation built at Shidler College, she’s helping move what matters most in Hawai‘i.
In her statewide role, Lum keeps the company’s mission to connect communities– not just cargo– at top of mind as she visits the neighbor islands. Her role encompasses working with employees, union leaders and local stakeholders. Early in her career, Lum says that she was focused on efficiency and outcomes, checking boxes and hitting deadlines. These days, her perspective has changed and she’s guided by the values of empathy, accountability and integrity.
Shannon Lum
“Over time, I’ve learned that impactful leadership comes from supporting and empowering others,” she said. “It’s not about having all the answers but creating space for others to grow, speak up and lead,” she said.
Lum says a big part of her evolution came after becoming a mother to 3-year-old Emi. Her daughter has taught her that being a role model to a child strengthens her as a leader across all areas of her life. She now understands the influence that home and work have on each other, and this awareness reminds her to lead with grace, flexibility and humanity.
Lum earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Shidler and says that her time at the TIM School helped her to see systems and service from a broader lens. Later in graduate school, her time in the Master of Human Resource Management helped her to pivot into human resources leadership.
Lessons from the field
Mentorship was a big part of Lum’s college experience. Her professor, Marie Kumabe, saw the potential in her before she did. Kumabe encouraged her to pursue her master’s and later to return home to Hawai‘i after she moved to the U.S. mainland for a job with Hyatt Hotels Corporation. The two women share a love of softball, which strengthened their bond and Kumabe continues to be a mentor to Lum today.
“Her support gave me clarity during uncertain times and her wisdom continues to shape how I show up as a leader,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for her presence in my life and career.”
As a student-athlete, Lum had long days on campus and her time was split between athletics and academics. Time management and perspective were of utmost importance as she struck a delicate balance between the two worlds. Playing college softball taught the former Rainbow Wahine that no one wins alone, and success is a team effort. Lum says that with her long days, having structure helped her to build discipline and resilience. She also learned to ask for help and rely on mentors, which is a habit she took with her into the workforce.
Lum shares that Young Brothers is a company that believes in investing in Hawai‘i’s future. Since 2006, in partnership with Saltchuck Giving Hawai‘i, the company has funded scholarships at Shidler College, UH’s College of Engineering and Honolulu Community College, with more than $562,000 awarded to students.
“Supporting higher education means creating opportunity,” she said. “It means ensuring that local students have a pathway to thrive right here at home.”
If Lum could go back in time and give some advice to her younger self, she would tell that young woman to say “yes” to what excites her and remind her that she’s more than capable. She would also remind her college self of something everyone can pull from.
"Trust yourself and the path you’re on, even if it’s not perfectly clear. You’re more capable than you realize—and your story is still being written."
