Olena Heu

Olena Heu is an accomplished television personality, entrepreneur, and journalist with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Speech Communication from Hawaii Pacific University. In 2024, she furthered her expertise by earning a certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy from Harvard Business School Online.

As an award-winning reporter and news anchor, Olena has received numerous accolades for her journalistic excellence, including the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award, multiple Society of Professional Journalists Awards, as well as a Telly Award and an Emmy nomination for her recent work. In 2004, the Kauai native proudly represented the Aloha State as Miss Hawaii at the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City.

Today, Olena is the founder of a successful global marketing and communications firm. She also produces and stars in Da Best Hawaii, a TV show and podcast available on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartPodcasts.

In her spare time, Olena actively gives back to the community. She serves on the American Heart Association Leaders Board, the Hawaii Pacific University Communications Advisory Board, and the HPU Alumni Council. She was previously a member of the Hawaii Society of Business Professionals and a featured speaker for the Distinguished Leaders Forum. In addition, she served as Communications Director and as President of the Board of Directors for the Miss Hawaii Organization.

In the spring of 2019, following genetic testing and a strong family history of breast cancer, Olena made the courageous decision to undergo a prophylactic double mastectomy without reconstruction. This choice came just months after losing her mother to a three-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. The disease had also affected her aunt and grandmother on her maternal side.

Genetic testing revealed that Olena carries a RAD50 mutation, significantly increasing her already high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Determined to take control of her health, she opted for the preventative surgery, reducing her risk of breast cancer by more than 90%.

Since her surgery, Olena has become a passionate advocate and public speaker focused on breast cancer prevention. Her journey has inspired many, and in the summer of 2020, she was honored with the Breast Cancer Hawaii Award of Courage for her advocacy work.

You can watch Olena’s preventive mastectomy journey on YouTube.

Olena is a freelance journalist, writer, educator, marketing expert and communications specialist. 

Services include writing, content creation, digital marketing management, photography, consulting, television hosting, voice-over acting, education/training and motivational speaking. 

Reach out and follow me @olenaheu

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Send an email direct: info@olenaheu.com

Or submit a contact inquiry or website chat message to get in touch. 

My BLOG: http://www.mypointofheu.com/

(Photo Courtesy: Craig Bixel)