Sustainability Through Sound Solutions

About Us

The Principals of Naupaka Consulting, Dirk N. Soma and Jennifer D. Ingersoll, have over fifty years of experience in business, industry and community development at the local, national and international levels.

Their belief in the value of `Imi `Ike (to continuously seek knowledge) motivates their desire to be life-long learners.  This translates to their ability to provide the most relevant solutions to the assist their clients.

Please feel free to read more about each of the Principals below.

Dirk N. Soma

Born in Waimea, Kaua`i and raised in Aliamanu, O`ahu Dirk now resides in Kapa`a, Kaua`i. Upon graduating from the Kamehameha Schools and University of Hawai`i, Dirk entered into the Hospitality industry and held managerial positions on Hawai`i Island, Kaua`i and O`ahu.  He was then afforded an opportunity to enter into post-secondary education at Kapi`olani Community College where he spent ten years as an Assistant Professor and Department Chair with the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, and Assistant Dean for the Business, Hospitality and Culinary Arts Departments. 

With a strong urge to serve the Hawaiian community, Dirk has held positions with Kamehameha Schools' Extension Education Division as the Director for the Career Education and Lifelong Learning Program and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as the Community Outreach Program Manager.

As an entrepreneur, Dirk founded and sustained successful businesses in the areas of hospitality, economic development and education and career planning.  His client list includes major resorts, corporate and community economic entities and public and private educational institutions throughout Hawai`i, North America, and the Pacific. 

As a servant leader, Dirk has given back to the community in multiple ways.  He has served as past President of the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and the Hawaii Association for Career and Technical Education. Continuing to give back, he has served as a board member of the Travel Industry Management Alumni Association, a member of the Papakolea Community Development Corporation Economic Development Committee and the Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club. 

Dirk, who is of Native Hawaiian ancestry, lives by the motto that, "In life it's not what you acquire, it's who you inspire." 

Jennifer D. Ingersoll

Jennifer is one of the most dynamic, energetic and engaging people you will ever meet!  Her positive personality is infectious and you won’t be able to be but inspired every time you meet with her.  The refreshingly honest approach that she brings to the table, along with her sincere desire to make things happen and cagey sense of humor leave clients, partners, and competitors all in agreement that she is someone to respect and watch for in the coming years.  Jennifer, who is also half Cherokee, brings a cultural sensitivity to the integration of business development and successful long-term relationships.

Jennifer was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has relocated to Kaua`i.  Upon graduating from Olney High School, she attended Millersville University of Pennsylvania where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics/Computer Science. 

Jennifer’s career is quite diverse and she has held operational, administrative and executive level management positions with several firms including Pacifc Rim Defense, Computer Science Corporation, VWR International, Automotive Resources International, and Delaware Valley Frozen Distribution Services, Inc..  In these roles, Jennifer has been able to develop and refine her skills in the areas of management, leadership and strategic thinking, implementation and execution which includes market analysis, logistics and systems development, team-building and supplier diversity, and customer service and quality control. 

Jennifer is also a successful entrepreneur having owned and operated Unique Boutique, a women’s clothing salon specializing in haute couture, in Haddonfield, New Jersey.  As a published author of two cookbooks, Jennifer has been able to integrate her passion for cooking with her desire to share her positive perspective on life with others.

Jennifer served as a champion for Small Business in seeking ways to collaborate on projects of all sizes within the public and private sectors and leverage the capital and intellectual resources in order to meet client expectations and deliverables that exceed specifications and expectations.  She brings extensive knowledge and experience of the Federal Procurement process and has cultivated a strong network within the Department of Defense and Civil Agencies.

Jennifer truly believes that triple-win can always be achieved when it comes to business and personal relationships.  She possesses, and projects, a “can-do” approach to any challenge and seeks solutions that will lead towards both short- and long-term prosperity for all parties.  When asked to sum up her philosophy in both business and life, Jennifer lives by the mantra: “Want It, Work It, Will It, Win It!”

Website:             http://naupakaconsulting.com
Email:                 nchi@naupakaconsulting.com