Kelli Namba

I went into journalism thinking I would become a writer, but I quickly learned that I needed to find ways to boost my resume in the competitive job market, so I applied to graduate school to get my MBA. This opened new doors for me to work the fields of marketing/communications, business development, nonprofit, entrepreneurship, human resources, and insurance.

In 2017, my husband and I launched Namba Consulting LLC, a business + marketing/communications company based in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. My full-time focus on began in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic when I found myself in between jobs, stuck at home, and getting requests from friends and former employers to take on contract work. I’m now incredibly grateful to have found a way to pursue my passion for nonprofits and small businesses by helping them achieve their goals.

Professional:

• American Marketing Association
• Shop Small Hawaii, Volunteer Committee – VP of Membership

Education:

• Master of Business Administration – Chaminade University of Honolulu
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Expertise:

Every organization is unique. As such, I believe in mindful listening to truly understand their issues and challenges. I then tailor my approach to meet their needs in a way that’s mutually agreeable and beneficial. “Fit” is very important to me, and I take the time to build relationships and get to know current and potential clients. If things don’t work out, I’m more than happy to make referrals and/or offer alternatives.

I focus on helping organizations that can’t afford to hire employees or expensive agencies to handle their marketing/communications needs. Many small nonprofits and small businesses are doing great work; they just need help getting the word out to their stakeholders. I craft messages and narratives that fit with their overall goals and strategy, and I work collaboratively with my clients and other partners to make the magic happen.

Having worked for and with nonprofits and for-profits in a variety of industries, I have a greater understanding of their challenges and can be more strategic and creative in my approach. Together, we create win-win solutions that accomplish their goals, and because these sectors have close connections to our local community as social service providers and economic drivers, we create exponential impact.

Get in touch with Kelli