Amigo Spotlight – Paul Ohta

Paul first learned of Hope Builders in 1999 after joining St. Joseph Health System as a senior financial analyst.

During his time with the health system, Paul worked with several Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, Hope Builders’ founders.

“I had daily interactions with the Sisters in the office, or while visiting the hospitals or the Motherhouse which was just walking distance from office. I had many occasions to learn more about the history and heritage of the Sisters including going on a pilgrimage to France in 2016 to learn more about the origin of the congregation in 1650 in Le Puy, France. This allowed me to walk in the footsteps of Sisters and better understand who they are and how I connect to them.”

For over 20 years, Paul generously supported Hope Builders, and other ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph, through the St. Joseph Health Employee Campaign. After assuming the Executive Director of Finance role with the City of Hope in 2022, it was important for him to continue supporting Hope Builders’ mission. This year, he increased his investment to provide a trainee with an Amigo scholarship.

Paul also serves as a volunteer. He regularly participates in both Connect Over Coffee networking socials and Virtual Mock Interviews.

Of his time volunteering, Paul shares, “My time spent with the trainees has been so much fun. They are all so well prepared and professional, and they all want to show off what they have accomplished. I get to see how excited they are to be part of the Hope Builders program. I’ve had a blast and look forward to participating again in the future!”

Paul encourages other donors or individuals interested in learning more about the workforce development program to join him as a volunteer. Please find additional information below regarding the meaningful encounters volunteers enjoy with Hope Builders’ trainees:

• Virtual Mock Interviews: Volunteers help young adults practice their interviewing skills and build confidence in their job search. Virtual mock interviews are conducted over Zoom. Hope Builders staff conduct a brief orientation, then volunteers are assigned to individual breakout rooms with trainees for three 20 minute interviews.
• Connect Over Coffee: A quarterly opportunity to visit Hope Builders, meet trainees and staff, and learn more about our vision for the future. The event includes a speed-networking activity for trainees to practice their networking skills. Hope Builders also offers tours of the training facility and light refreshments.

 To learn more about Hope Builders’ volunteer opportunities please contact Jessica Hubner at jhubner@tsjhopebuilders.org.