Meet Genevieve Suzuki, La Mesa City Councilmember
Introduce yourself with your degree information, and tell us what you do now.
My name is Genevieve Suzuki and I am a proud University of Hawai‘i at Manoa graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and minor in Speech. I was elected to the La Mesa City Council in San Diego County, California in the 2024 general election. I am also a family law attorney.
What made you decide to pursue a job in local government?
I have always felt a call to local government because it would allow me to serve as a bridge between my fellow residents and our city administration. It also helps me feel as though I am making a difference in a time when it can feel as though there is very little one can do to actually make change.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the council?
I am all about community services, which include our parks and the city library. I plan to be actively involved in our library’s renovation and am excited to be part of this positive development. As a director on the board of San Diego Community Power, I am also invested in reinforcing La Mesa’s commitment to renewable energy.
What led you to choose UH Mānoa for your education?
I was extremely fortunate to know many UH music faculty when I was in high school. Their mentorship encouraged me to attend UH Mānoa. It helped that I was able to attend college on a band scholarship. Without that financial assistance, it would have been very hard. I am grateful for UH Mānoa and for all of my music professors, including Henry Miyamura, Grant Okamura, Thomas Bingham, Gwen Nakamura, and Byron Yasui.
Tell us about a memorable experience from your time in the UH marching band?
I have so many good memories as a member of the UH marching band. Hanging out with my roommate, Jocelyn Kunimitsu, and going to sing karaoke with friends were some of my favorite times. And, of course, who doesn’t love being in the UH marching band during Homecoming. Getting dressed up and goofing around with your bandmates is always fun.
How did your involvement in student clubs/organizations prepare you for your career today?
In addition to being in the UH marching band, I was editor of Ka Leo O Hawai‘i and a student senator in the Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i. Looking back, my time as the newspaper editor and a student senator really shaped the path I’m on today. As a journalist, I learned how to approach strangers, ask tough questions, and work with a team to tell meaningful stories—skills that still come in handy every day. Being a student senator gave me firsthand experience in advocacy and leadership. I had to listen to my classmates, understand their concerns, and figure out how to make change within the system. Those roles taught me how to speak up, stay organized, and keep a clear head when things got hectic—pretty much the blueprint for my career in law and public service.
You're a proud member of the 'Match Made at Mānoa' alumni group. Can you share a bit about how you met your husband at UH?
Derek and I were in the UH marching band together. A group of us were hanging out before practice and I was trying out my friend’s saxophone. Derek was the only one who clapped for me. I probably should have said meeting him was my most memorable experience while I was in the UH marching band. We didn’t really get together until a few years later, but we have now been married for 24 years and have two children: Quinn, 16, and Deacon, 9. If it wasn’t for UH, I wouldn’t have met the three most important people in my life. So, thanks, UH!
What does being part of the UH ‘ohana mean to you and why should alumni stay connected?
Being a member of the UH ‘ohana means you always have a way of appealing to the public. Our university has a good reputation and everyone loves Hawai‘i. It also means being part of a network of awesome people who are always there when you need them. My college friends are hanai aunties and uncles to our kids. They were also vital to my campaign success. Staying connected as alumni is important because it helps grow our brand. The more we help each other, the better we are for it. It’s like I tell my kids: You need to hang strong with your family because when everyone does good, you do good.