Meet Grace Nushida, Sales Manager at UHA Health Insurance
Introduce yourself with your degree information, and tell us what you do now.
My name is Grace Nushida, and I’m the sales manager at UHA Health Insurance. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Speech from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in the Spring of 1996.
What inspired you to join UHA Health Insurance and what are your top priorities with the company?
Throughout my career, I’ve led sales teams and worked closely with food service clients, helping them find solutions that fit their fast-paced, people-driven environments. But my journey took a personal turn when my mom suffered a stroke and was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just before the COVID lockdown. Being her primary caregiver during that time gave me firsthand experience with the challenges of navigating complex healthcare needs, especially the emotional and logistical toll it takes on families.
As her care needs increased, we made the difficult decision to move her into a memory-care unit, where she’s now thriving with more social interaction and structured support. That experience deeply shaped my perspective and inspired me to seek a role where I could make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
That’s what drew me to UHA Health Insurance. Its mission to bring a simpler, more caring approach to employee health insurance resonated with me on both a personal and professional level. UHA’s core values—caring, responsible, supportive, and trusted—are demonstrated at every level of the organization, beginning with the leadership team of President & CEO Howard Lee and extending throughout the company.
My top priorities at UHA are to lead with empathy, build strong relationships with our clients, and help employers create healthier, more supportive workplaces. I’m passionate about making health coverage easier to understand and access—especially for industries like food service, where employees often face unique challenges.
You previously worked in sales management and selling products or services to food service clients. How has the transition to the health insurance industry been?
My experience in food service sales taught me the importance of responsiveness, relationship-building, and understanding the unique pressures that business owners and staff face daily. That foundation has been incredibly valuable in the health insurance space, especially here at UHA.
At UHA, we specialize in supporting local employers, including many in the food and restaurant industry. Having worked closely with food service clients, I deeply appreciate the long hours and dedication they bring to their work. That insight helps me connect with them authentically and offer solutions that truly fit their needs.
What’s exciting is that UHA’s physician-founded approach and local roots allow us to offer simple, easy-to-implement plans that restaurant chains already trust. We also provide access to wellness programs like Active&Fit for as low as $10/month and vision benefits that include LASIK coverage and seamless Costco integration—benefits that resonate with food service teams who are constantly on their feet and need accessible, meaningful care.
So while the industry is different, the core of what I do—listening, solving, and serving—remains the same. And I’m proud to be part of a company that’s genuinely committed to better health and better life for Hawai‘i’s workforce.
Tell us about your time studying in Okinawa. How did that opportunity arise, what were some memorable moments there, and how did it impact your career path?
The Okinawa Prefecture offered a unique scholarship to support students in the U.S. who are committed to preserving their Okinawan heritage. With the encouragement of my Okinawan Sanshin Sensei in Hawai‘i, Grant “Sandaa” Murata, I applied and was honored to become the first recipient from Hawai‘i to study at the newly opened Okinawan Prefecture Arts University in Shuri.
Studying in Okinawa was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I had the opportunity to live in a foreign country where I didn’t speak the language fluently, which pushed me far outside my comfort zone. It was a chance to spread my wings, try new things, and most importantly to learn through trial and error.
One of the most memorable aspects was learning to listen beyond words. Since I couldn’t always rely on language, I became attuned to reading body language, tone, and the energy in the room. That taught me how to be present, empathetic, and to be observant. The skills I learned have served me well in sales and leadership.
Okinawa gave me the courage to fail, reflect, and grow. Whether it was navigating daily life or adapting to new cultural norms, each challenge became a lesson in resilience and humility. That mindset has shaped how I approach my career: I’m not afraid to take risks, ask questions, or embrace change.
The experience also deepened my appreciation for connection and community - values that align closely with UHA Health Insurance’s mission.
Looking back on your time at UH, were there any professors, mentors, or campus experiences that had a lasting impact on you?
My time at UH was incredibly formative. I had excellent professors in the College of Communications, and one of my elective courses with Glen Grant left a lasting impression. He was legendary among students for his captivating storytelling, while dressing up and sharing Hawai‘i ghost stories that made learning unforgettable. He showed me how powerful communication can be when it’s creative and authentic.
Equally impactful was my on-campus job in the Admissions and Records Offices, where I connected with students from other fields – many of whom now lead organizations and I have collaborated with in my career. More importantly, I learned how to work in a professional office setting. The managers I worked with in the Admissions and Records Offices corrected my mistakes in a supportive, non-threatening way, which helped build my confidence and shaped how I lead and mentor others today.
What is one piece of advice you would give to current students interested in careers in sales?
Be curious, and don’t be afraid to fail forward. Sales is one of the most dynamic and rewarding career paths, but it’s also one where you learn the most by listening, adapting, and sometimes stumbling.
Whether you’re selling a product, a service, or an idea, the key is to build trust through genuine connection. That means being present, asking thoughtful questions, and learning to read the room, even when words aren’t spoken. Some of the best lessons come from moments that didn’t go perfectly, but taught you how to pivot, reflect, and grow.
Also, surround yourself with mentors and teammates who challenge and support you. Sales isn’t just about numbers, it’s about relationships, resilience, and continuous learning.
Why do you think it's important to stay connected to the University and its alumni ‘ohana?
Staying connected to UH and its alumni ‘ohana is my way of honoring the roots that helped shape my career. Whether through time or financial support, giving back is a way to say mahalo to the institution that gave me the tools, confidence, and community to succeed.
As someone who works closely with businesses across Hawai‘i, I’m constantly presenting to, collaborating with, or servicing UH alumni. That shared connection opens doors, builds trust, and reminds me that we’re all part of something bigger. UH isn’t just where I earned my degree, it’s where I learned how to lead, listen, and grow. Staying connected keeps that spirit alive.