We had the good fortune of connecting with Marina Iliganoa Satoafaiga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marina Iliganoa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Two words: CALCULATED RISKS. In my career thus far, a recurring (and necessary) theme has been risk. Whether it be a first-to-market program or the decision to move onto a new role, without risk, my career would be quite stagnant.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a first-generation college student, my mother always encouraged my sisters and I to ‘go for it!’ And I realize that posture has essentially set me up for a career in Business! I was born and raised in the melting pot that is Hawai’i and the foundational principles of community has shaped how I conduct business. Whether building a Marketing program in Maui, Santa Barbara, or Los Angeles, it almost ALWAYS begins with WHO surrounds the asset. That keeps me busy. As the Marketing and Business Development Manager at The Shops at Montebello, I pride myself on making offline (and online) customer experiences unique and authentic. Understanding the target market, engaging my audience, and evolving with trends is a full time job, ha! My SVP encourages us to ‘fail fast’, and I couldn’t agree more! Taking the air out of the term ‘failure’ has been one of the more impactful realizations in my career thus far!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is my JAM! On the last ‘sister trip’, our itinerary consisted of Horseback riding in the Hollywood Hills (to see the Hollywood Sign), a stroll through The Broad (museum), a slide down OUE Skyspace LA’s glass slide (eek!), feeding giraffes and zebras while sipping wine on a Malibu Wine Safari (we scored our own car!) and a FUN dinner at Barton G LA! We did this all while toting around my 6-month-year-old niece! Shout out to our eldest sister who hung back on the non-kid friendly festivities. Ps. I would also highly recommend The Huntington Library’s Rose Garden Tea Room. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is for the FIERCE FEMALES that have paved the way! My ancestors, mother, sisters, and professional women (you know who you are!) who have poured into me!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinasatoafaiga/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-satoafaiga-92a46253/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marinailiganoa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.iliganoasatoafaiga/

Image Credits
Photos Courtesy of Ernie Peralta

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