Where Are They Now? Bryson Cayaban - Youth Tour 2008

For this issue, we talked story with Bryson Cayaban, an alumnus from Youth Tour 2008. Bryson is from ʻEleʻele and graduated from Waimea High School. He is an aviation professional and lives in Houston, Texas.

Aloha, Bryson. What’s your favorite memory from Youth Tour?

My favorite memory was meeting students from across America. I enjoyed getting to know the operations of our electric co-ops and seeing the state-of-the-art equipment used with my own eyes. I was also excited about collecting and trading state pins with my  peers. Youth Tour was my first time to our nation’s capital. Visiting the memorable sites, the most humbling was walking to the Lincoln Memorial and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue. I also remember walking through the halls of President George Washington’s home. Equally, it was a privilege and honor to be the 2012-2013 Hawai‘i Youth Leadership Council Representative and waving our state flag with aloha pride at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual conference held in New Orleans that year.

Youth Tour was my first time to our nation’s capital. Visiting the memorable sites, the most humbling was walking to the Lincoln Memorial and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue. I also remember walking through the halls of President George Washington’s home. 

Equally, it was a privilege and honor to be the 2012-2013 Hawai‘i Youth Leadership Council Representative and waving our state flag with aloha pride at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual conference held in New Orleans that year.

Tell us about your path after graduation.

It’s been over a decade since I graduated high school. Since then, I began my career in luxury hospitality for a Canadian-based private hotel and resort company, where I spent a number of years learning the ins and outs of service, attention to detail and creating meaningful guest experiences, blending it with leadership roles I’ve held. 

I earned my bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism and events management from the School of Hospitality at Metropolitan State University of Denver, and it shaped the way I approach designing experiences that matter. I then transitioned into higher education, working in student life and philanthropy at public universities in both Colorado and Texas, where I oversaw programs that fostered community and supported students through important and transformative experiences. 

Over the last decade, my work in hospitality and higher education has taught me the value of leadership, collaboration and empowering people to succeed. I was accepted into a graduate business program at Louisiana State University, but during the pandemic period, I made the decision to refocus on family. That experience gave me a broader perspective and helped me realign my professional goals with what matters most to me.

Last year, I joined the aviation industry specializing in inf light services for a major mainline airline. That move was intentional: I wanted to see the industry firsthand and understand both the employee and customer experience from the best global airline in the industry. Long-term, my aviation goal is to build from that experience and blend it with opportunities in marketing—particularly user experience and innovation—while continuing to grow in employee relations. 

Having been a Youth Tour delegate roughly 13 years ago, I know how transformative the program can be. It inspired my early interest in leadership, civic engagement and understanding the democratic process, and it left a lasting impression on the importance of connecting with my community. Much like the mission of our electric cooperative, my career thus far has been built on service, collaboration and helping others thrive. It’s incredibly meaningful to continue supporting this program that shaped my own path and excel in giving the next generation of student leaders the opportunity to grow, lead and make a difference.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

During my free time, I enjoy traveling to both snowy and tropical places, tennis, run clubs, baking family dessert recipes, and spending time with my cat and all loved ones. 

Which one of KIUC’s Ho‘oka‘ana Waiwai shared values most resonates with you? 

Ho‘okela resonates with me the most because I warmly believe in being a servant leader, sincere quality and excelling in everything we all do, and doing it all through the aloha spirit.

Captions: Top: The Cayaban family took a holiday ‘ohana vacation to Colorado. From left  are Bryson, mom Georgette, sister BreeAnn, sister Braelyn and dad Fred. Bottom: Bryson Cayaban at Youth Tour 2008.