Innovative Strategist: Catherine Taschner '01

We enjoyed catching up with Catherine Taschner, affectionately known as Cat, to see what she's been doing since attending Assets. These days, she is the Director of Land Management with the City and County of Honolulu.  

When did you attend Assets School?
I attended Assets School from kindergarten through eighth grade.

After Assets, what schools did you attend?
I attended ‘Iolani School for high school, Scripps College for undergraduate, and the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii for law school.

Since graduating from Assets School, what have you been up to?
Professionally, after clerking at the Intermediate Court of Appeals, I was a partner at one of the large Honolulu-based law firms, practicing corporate and real estate law for about 10 years. I recently transitioned to work in government, and I am currently the Director at the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Land Management.

Personally, I traveled as much as I possibly could before “settling down.” I now enjoy spending time with my husband and two sons.

What does your work entail as the Director of Land Management with the City and County of Honolulu? 
I provide leadership and oversight over the City’s Department of Land Management (DLM). DLM is a relatively new department, and it was established to provide real estate support to other City agencies and departments. We assist with land transactions (such as acquisitions, leases, licenses, and disposals) and provide property management services for the City’s rental housing portfolio. Most of our work is focused on priority issues, such as affordable housing, homelessness solutions, land conservation and stewardship, and other governmental functions. Having previously practiced real estate law, transitioning into this role was relatively seamless.

What interests you the most about your work?
I was lucky to grow up in Hawaii, but rising costs and lack of affordable housing are forcing a lot of local families to seek better opportunities elsewhere. I came to work at the City because I feel a responsibility to make Hawaii a better place, so that my kids can grow up here too.

One project I am proud of was the purchase of a building, which was previously used as a school and included over a hundred dormitory rooms. The school moved to a different campus, so the City purchased the building, and it is now being used as an emergency shelter and housing units to help get homeless families with young children off the streets and stabilized into housing. I recently saw some testimonials of people actually living in the building, and it made me proud to know that my efforts went towards keeping families safe, and keeping families together.

Share some ways attending Assets helped you. How did Assets prepare you for your future and your career? What are some of the lessons you learned at Assets School that you still use to this day?Assets played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today. From K-8, I had incredibly supportive teachers who allowed me to be curious and to direct my learning. Mrs. Susan Hulick taught me compassion and how to explore new things with optimism and without fear. Mrs. Marie Frick taught me how to read and write critically (no dead words!), which became the foundation for my professional career as a transactional attorney. Mrs. Lissa Brouwers taught me how to think analytically through problems, especially when there are competing assignments, interests, and demands. I apply these skills daily, and I am grateful for the flexible environment that Assets provided me with to learn, grow, and flourish.

What are some of your favorite memories of Assets School? 
Assets has the most epic playground ever. I remember when it was built, and they let the students assist with little tasks like putting soap on the screws during construction. I still remember my favorite hiding place during tag, and I loved playing “the woodchips are lava!” I also loved participating in May Day and other celebrations on the stage. 

I was involved in the Student Council, serving as vice president in eighth grade in 2001. I was also in swimming.

What do you like to do for fun? And why do you like doing it? 
I enjoy seeing the world through my kids’ eyes. We spend most of our free time exploring new hikes, beaches, restaurants, and parks. As they get older, I am looking forward to traveling a lot more.

What’s next for you, personally or professionally?
I’m really happy where I am at, and I am actually kind of enjoying not knowing what’s next. I am grateful to Assets for giving me excellent foundational skills, because I am confident that I have the tools to build a happy and productive life.