About Us

Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

A Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Social Media

Bluesky • Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Meet the Laser Focus World Team

Editorial

Sales

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology
My Watchlist
Indicators
Industrial Laser Index
Markets
Stocks
ETFs
Tools
Markets:
Overview
News
Currencies
International
Treasuries

Bridging Generations: Wendy Awai-Dakroub’s Journey in Hawaii’s Tech Landscape

By: Small Business Trendsetters

Wendy Awai-Dakroub, the founder of Ohia Technology, is spearheading a unique initiative in Hawaii. Her company, a tech startup, focuses on customized software development with a particular emphasis on serving the indigenous Hawaiian community. Wendy’s journey, marked by her return to Hawaii after years abroad, highlights the challenges and triumphs of blending technology with cultural heritage. 

Rediscovering Native Language and Culture 

Returning to Hawaii after living in the Middle East for 20 years, Wendy encountered a resurgence in the use of the Native Hawaiian language. This cultural revival inspired her to help local companies develop software and websites in Hawaiian. Despite her initial unfamiliarity with the language, Wendy leveraged her tech background and connections to meet this growing demand. 

Adapting to Change During COVID-19 

The onset of COVID-19 forced Wendy to pivot from the food and beverage industry to tech. Leveraging her experience in online ordering systems, she quickly assisted small businesses in Hawaii to transition to online platforms. This shift not only kept her business afloat but also highlighted the significant digital divide in Hawaii, especially in education. 

Addressing the Digital Divide 

Hawaii’s lag in adopting new technology became evident during the pandemic. Schools struggled with outdated equipment, and many students lacked access to computers and WiFi. Wendy collaborated with other IT professionals and organizations to bridge this gap, but the challenges underscored the need for a more robust tech infrastructure in the state. 

Developing Local Talent 

One of the most pressing issues Wendy identified was the lack of local talent in IT. To address this, she initiated the Tech Savvy Teens program. This program connects at-risk teenagers with kupuna (seniors) in need of digital literacy assistance. The teens not only help the seniors with technology but also receive IT certification and internship opportunities, fostering a new generation of tech-savvy individuals in Hawaii. 

The Power of Intergenerational Connections 

The Tech Savvy Teens program has led to heartwarming stories of transformation. Teens, initially reluctant to participate, have found purpose and confidence through their interactions with seniors. Seniors, in turn, benefit from increased digital literacy and the companionship of younger generations. This program exemplifies the profound impact of intergenerational learning and community building. 

Promoting Digital Literacy and Workforce Development 

Ohia Technology sponsors Tech Savvy Teens, offering certifications through its partnership with Microsoft and Certiport. The goal is to create a sustainable cycle of workforce development, equipping teens with skills and opportunities while addressing the digital needs of the community. 

Challenges and Hope for the Future 

Despite the progress, Wendy acknowledges the ongoing challenges. The high cost of living in Hawaii drives many native Hawaiians away, and there is a scarcity of female indigenous professionals in IT. However, Wendy remains hopeful, encouraged by the enthusiasm of young Hawaiians eager to contribute to the tech industry and preserve their cultural heritage. 

Importance of Certification and Community Support 

Wendy’s involvement with WBEC-West and other certification programs has been crucial in securing contracts and credibility for her business. These certifications open doors to government contracts and larger projects, enabling her to create more jobs and opportunities for Hawaiians. 

Looking Ahead 

Wendy envisions a future where local events and resources make it easier for Hawaiian businesses to access certifications and opportunities. She calls for more support and recognition of the unique challenges faced by businesses in the Pacific Islands. 

Through Ohia Technology and the Tech Savvy Teens program, Wendy is not only bridging the digital divide but also fostering a new generation of tech-savvy, culturally grounded Hawaiians. Her story is an inspiring example of how technology can be harnessed to preserve heritage and create a brighter future for all. 

For more information about Ohia Technology and Tech Savvy Teens, visit ohiategcnology.com and techsavvyteens.org. To listen to her full journey, click this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/technology-digital-literacy/ 

About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)  

WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain. 

More News

View More
Coming in Hot: Retail Data Drives Momentum in 3 E-Commerce Stocks
Via MarketBeat
Topics Economy
Tickers AMZN ETSY SHOP
MarketBeat Week in Review – 09/15 - 09/19
Via MarketBeat
Topics Economy
Tickers AAPL AMZN AVGO BE CRWD JOBY
Tesla: 2 Reasons to Love Musk's $1B Buy, 1 Reason to Be Bearish
Via MarketBeat
Tickers TSLA
Azure Leads While AI Excitement Fuels Microsoft Stock
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence Economy
Tickers MSFT
Darden Restaurants: A Textbook Buy-the-Dip Opportunity
Via MarketBeat
Tickers DRI
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.