Meet Kerwin Higashi, Sodexo Education Vice President of Sales West
By Michelle Thomas, Senior Manager, Diversity Recruitment

Tell us about your background.

My career with Sodexo began 27 years ago.

Today, I wear several different hats within the company. My official job title is Vice President of Sales West for the Education Division. I am also a chair of the Northwest Business Group and an Executive Sponsor of PANG, which is Sodexo’s Pan Asian Network Group.

I’m from Hawaii originally and currently live in Seattle with my wife and two children. Since there were not very many choices for colleges on the island, I decided to go to the mainland to attend Seattle University, where I majored in Business Administration and minored in Economics. My very first job was at Seattle University working in the pots and pans room washing dishes. Honestly, even though I was a business major, the real reason why I decided to take this position was because I was able to eat for free while working my way through college! Eventually, I started working more hours and learning more about different areas of the campus food service operation and earned a promotion to student manager.

What led you to choose a career in this industry?

After graduation, I needed to find a job or my father was going to make me come home to Hawaii. Because I had done such a good job as a student worker, I had an open door to work for Saga, now Sodexo. My first job out of college was as a Food Service Manager Trainee at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. I stayed there for a year and a half. After leaving this position, Saga sent me to a 2-week management school. The first week was spent learning about the front of the house and the second learning about the back of the house operations. At the end of the course, I was charged with planning my career goals with the company. In my naiveté, I wrote down that I was going to become a District Manager in two years. While my manager did not discourage my lofty aspirations, he did let me know that it would take a lot more experience and a lot more than two years for me to become a District Manager. After putting in more time with the company, I did eventually reach my goal of becoming a District Manager.

What have been the biggest rewards in your career?

I consider myself very blessed where I am today. I have been given the opportunity to experience so many new things. I went from being a student worker in the pots and pans room to Student Manager, General Manager, Resident District Manager, Operations Support and finally Vice President of Sales. I had this wonderful career progression. A lot of people have sacrificed to get me where I am. The biggest reward in my career is the people whose lives I’ve been able to touch. When I have to go into a unit and make improvements, the people whom I work with say, “Wow, you have made a difference in my life.” The feeling that I get when I hear this is the best reward ever.

What makes Sodexo an employer of choice for diverse candidates? 

They walk the talk. When we talk about Diversity and Inclusion, we mean it. It is a part of the culture. Sodexo took a chance on a guy from Hawaii with a public school education. As I mentioned, I started in the dish room as a starving college student and moved up the ranks. I got all of the different jobs that I’ve had because of my ability, not because of the color of my skin. Sodexo gave me a chance.

What advice do you have for college students looking to begin their careers? 

I would say they need to research the company they want to work for. Look at what opportunities there are in the long run – not just the short term. They should look out five years and not be afraid to move around and try new things. Step out of your comfort zone when you are young and just go for it.

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