Mink Leader Stories
PICTURED: Susan celebrating her First-Place win at the YWCA 2025 Shop Small Hawaii Pitch Competition, a milestone that reflects her growth as an entrepreneur.
SUSAN’S STORY:
Building Akina Global with Aloha and Purpose
Susan S. Akina is a proud member of Cohort 8 of the Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance.
Susan is an experienced and award-winning U.S. immigration attorney with more than a decade of dedicated experience, during which she has guided hundreds of individuals, families, and businesses through successful immigration cases.
Before founding Akina Global, she practiced at the world’s largest immigration law firm and gained formative experience at the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project. Her work has been featured in the New York Times and AARP, and she is a graduate of the prestigious NAPABA (National Asian Pacific American Bar Association) Leadership Advancement Program. Since launching Akina Global, she has continued to build a strong reputation for excellence, with attorneys across Hawaii and the mainland regularly referring complex employment-based matters to her. Trilingual in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, Susan also serves on the Executive Committee of Hawaii’s chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, where she contributes to advancing immigration advocacy throughout the state.
Why did you start your own law firm?
I started my own law firm to build a practice that reflects both my values and my experience as a working mom. After years in demanding environments that left little room for family, I knew I wanted a different path—one where I could be present for my children while still delivering exceptional legal service. Creating my firm has allowed me to practice law with intention, grounding my work in aloha and pono so that excellence, integrity, and warmth guide every client interaction. It has been empowering to shape a career that honors both my professional calling and the kind of mother I strive to be.
What is your challenge?
One of my biggest challenges has been building visibility and community in Hawaii as I grow my firm. Having been raised in New York City, most of my lifelong connections were thousands of miles away, so establishing myself here meant beginning with a blank slate. But that challenge also became an opportunity—it pushed me to step out with intention, show up in new spaces, and build relationships rooted in aloha. Learning how to market myself and connect with the right clients has stretched me in powerful ways, helping me grow not just as an attorney, but as a leader and entrepreneur committed to serving this community with integrity and heart.
One moment that truly pushed me beyond my comfort zone was signing up for the 2025 Shop Small Hawaii Pitch Competition. I was nervous, but I committed to showing up fully—and practiced relentlessly. My 6-year-old became my enthusiastic timekeeper, cheering me on through every rehearsal, so this award feels as much his as it is mine. I was also
fortunate to have the thoughtful guidance of the YWCA Business Incubator facilitator, whose mentorship helped me shape my pitch with clarity and confidence.
This award will allow me to invest in targeted marketing and greater visibility, helping me expand my reach, deepen my presence in the community, and continue offering high-quality, values-driven legal advocacy. I’m grateful for the chance to grow in a way that honors who I am and the service I want to bring to Hawaii.
Pic: Susan celebrating her First-Place win at the YWCA 2025 Shop Small Hawaii Pitch Competition, a milestone that reflects her growth as an entrepreneur.
