Alumni Spotlight: Troy Andrade 2007

Troy J. H. Andrade is a 2007 graduate with a BA in Economics and Political Science, and a minor in Music.  As a student, Troy was heavily involved in The dCenter’s Rieke Leadership Program.  In fact, Troy created the Rieke Leadership Award poster that hangs in the dCenter today (right next to the bookcase, check it out!)  Troy is originally from Manoa Hawaii and still remains close to many of his friends from PLU.

Troy, Jackie (Sasaki) ('07), and Noah

What type of work are you doing and why is it important to you?

I am currently an attorney at McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, LLP, where I specialize in complex commercial litigation, administrative law, and appeals in both state and federal courts.  Working as one of two Native Hawaiian attorneys in a prestigious and large law firm provides me with a unique opportunity to educate my colleagues on the socio-historic and political struggles of the Native Hawaiian people when dealing with issues sensitive to our people, such as land use, water rights, and sovereignty.

In my spare time, I am a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association’s Civic Education Committee, where I help to coordinate programs to elevate civic education in public discourse. As a member of the Civic Education Committee, I have been successful at advocating for implementing diversity initiatives, including spearheading the effort to convince President Barack Obama to posthumously award Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink (the first woman of color in Congress) the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

I have also achieved “All But Dissertation” status in my PhD degree in American Studies.  My dissertation will focus on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a semi-autonomous state agency that advocates for the interests of Hawaii’s indigenous population.  My work at the dCenter as a Rieke Scholar set the foundation for my pursuit of a PhD and law degree so that I can best advocate for the Native Hawaiian community.

 So far, what are you most proud of?

 I am most proud of my family.  My wife, Jackie-Lynn (Sasaki) Andrade (‘07), and I are PLU sweethearts.  I am proud of her because she has somehow managed to hold her full time job, volunteer as a volleyball coach for local teens, start her own business, allow me to pursue my passions, and be a co-partner in raising our son, Noah.  Noah is two and amazes me every day with his acts of generosity and his bold acts of defiance.  I often joke that he is going to be our future protester, advocating for justice in our community (even if right now that only manifests itself as his refusal to put his toys away).  I am proud of the kind boy that he is growing up to be.

What’s your fondest memory of PLU?

My fondest memory of PLU was preparing for and participating in our annual Hawai‘i Club Lu‘au.  The dCenter provided some of the resources for us Hawai‘i kids to gather to teach our culture and traditions to our PLU ‘ohana and the Tacoma community.

Why is The dCenter still important to you?

The dCenter was my home away from home.  A lot of my time at PLU was spent in the dCenter, whether it was organizing programs, hanging out with other students from around the world, or learning about and debating hot topic issues.  Being an ocean away from home, the dCenter, under Angie’s leadership (and with the support of SIL and the PLU Administration), provided me a safe place to find myself and figure out my passion and my vocation.  It was from the dCenter that I was able to get to confidence to join other clubs and organizations and be where I am today.  I am forever indebted to the dCenter, and I know I am not alone.