About Hopelin Cresencia
My Early Journey
Hawai‘i is my home, and it has always been in my heart.
As a four-year-old stepping off my first plane ride, I landed in Hawaii filled with excitement to reunite with my parents. My mom, dad and oldest brother had come to Hawai‘i two years earlier from the Philippines. They worked tirelessly to earn enough to bring me and my siblings here. This is a reminder of the sacrifices and long separations many immigrant families endure in search of opportunities and a better life.
As the youngest of seven, I began my journey in Hawai‘i at Salt Lake Elementary School.
I spoke no word of English, only Ilocano. The world was scary and intimidating. By sixth grade, I moved to Pearl Harbor Elementary School, where I built lasting friendships and continued to grow in confidence. Moving forward, I attended Aliamanu Intermediate School and later Radford High School. At Radford, I grew into leadership roles serving as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and ultimately Class President my senior year. The friendships formed during those years have lasted decades, and they remain among the greatest blessings of my life. Hawai‘i did not just raise me—it gave me a sense of belonging, purpose, and connection that continues to guide me today.
My Family Foundation
My father, Leonardo Rondon Sevilleja was a farmer in the Philippines. He grew tobacco, rice and many kinds of Filipino vegetables. In Hawaii he became a construction worker. My dad built with his hands and provided endlessly with his heart. My mother, Quirina Ugale Sevilleja, worked as a housekeeper and carried our family forward with quiet strength. As a little girl, I remember going with her to UH Manoa every Saturdays, where she cleaned dorm rooms while I rested or watched TV in the student lounge. Afterward, we would ride The Bus to my appointments and China town. Within just a few years of arriving here and speaking very little English, my parents bought and built our first home on Likini Street. Together they gave my siblings and I the foundation to always dream BIG. Though they did not complete formal schooling, they built a life devoted to family, love, respect and honor. Their example shaped my values, my work ethic, and my commitment to service and loyalty. I carry their legacy with gratitude and pride.
My Education
My Leadership teacher Mr. Lawrence once told me, “Hope, I see you going to the mainland for college. You’re a brave one!” His words gave me the courage to move to Seattle, WA. Educators have the influence to empower young minds in all their aspirations. Earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Washington, I became independent and resourceful. The opportunity to work in the Hawaii State Legislature brought me home. At the State Capital, I worked for the office of Terrance W.H. Tom who then was the only blind elected House of Representative to date. I am profoundly grateful for the wealth of knowledge I gained under his tenure. My adventures led me to Las Vegas, NV where I had the chance to be part of the grand opening of the beautiful Bellagio Hotel.
MY LOVES
In 2000, my father called me home after he was diagnosed with stage four terminal lung cancer. The eleven months of loving and caring for him will be among my most treasured memories. How precious an opportunity to give back to our parents who give us everything. In retirement age, my mom too experienced hardship when she had a stroke. It’s been 21 years since, and my siblings and I are forever grateful to the homecare operators dedicated to providing undying support and care for our mom.
In my seasons of heartache, God gave me the love of my life, Charlie Cresencia. He is the most tenderhearted and loving man I know. Like our parents, we worked tirelessly to provide a firm and solid foundation. I was fortunate to work in the two largest local credit unions as a Mortgage Loan Officer where I helped many local families realize their dreams of homeownership. I later got my licenses in Life Insurance and Real Estate.
Together, Charlie and I are blessed with four beautiful children: Josiah, Jayden Hope, Jordan and Justin. They are the reason I have the fight in me to do what I am going to do! Charlie and I built a life honoring the sanctity of marriage, protecting and providing for our family with upmost priority. As an Associate Pastor, I am compelled to share God’s love with the hope of bringing positive change and unity. With our faith in our Almighty Father and the grace of our Lord Jesus we move forward, not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.
