CDR Azama was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, graduating from Sacred Hearts Academy in 1976. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering in 1980 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California she was directly commissioned a Lieutenant (junior grade) in the General Unrestricted Line. Assigned to the Nuclear Power School, Orlando, Florida as an instructor, she taught mathematics, thermodynamics, and mechanical theory course to enlisted personnel. In 1982, she jointed the staff of the director for Naval Nuclear Propulsion as a training assistant, supervising curriculum development for the Nuclear Power School and the Nuclear Field "A" School.

After a department head tour at the Detroit Military Entrance Processing Station (1984-1987), CDR Azama attended the Armed Forces Staff College, graduating in 1988. She then reported to the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska as an operations analyst, primarily supporting strategic arms reduction efforts. During this assignment, she completed her graduate study thorough off-duty education and was awarded a Master of Business Administration degree with highest distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

In 1991, CDR Azama was assigned as the Officer in Charge, Personnel Support Detachment Alameda, California, an executive-officer-equivalent tour. In 1993, she assumed duties as Chief Staff Officer, Fleet Activities Chinhae, South Korea. From 1994 to 1997 she served as a Cost and Financial Analyst at the Naval Center for Cost Analysis in Arlington, Virginia, specializing in evaluation of economic analyses supporting automated information systems acquisition programs. CDR Azama has served in her current billet as a Professor of Financial Management, Defense Systems Management College since graduating from the Advanced Program Management Course in August 1997.

CDR Azama's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Navy Commendation Medal and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.

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