?ōiwi Leadership Accelerator

What an incredible journey it has been! Today, we celebrate the first cohort of the ?ōiwi Leadership Accelerator Program, who have spent the past 8 months embracing their unique identities, cultivating their leadership skills, and building connections rooted in ?ōiwi values. From exploring self-awareness and cultural grounding to fostering relationships and driving impactful change, these ?ōiwi leaders have demonstrated resilience, growth, and aloha throughout their journey. Mahalo nui to our facilitators, supporters, and sponsors Kamehameha Schools, the Hawai?i Employers Council, and Alaka’ina Foundation, who made this program possible. To our participants, mai poina, you are the future of Hawai?i’s leadership. Let your dedication to your communities and ?āina continue to guide you. Ho?omaika?i to each of you on this milestone, and we look forward to seeing how your leadership journeys continue.

Meet Shellie Niles, a seasoned mental health counselor, advocate, and participant in the ?ōiwi Leadership Accelerator's first cohort! With over twenty years of experience in social services, Shellie serves as the Director of Advocacy and Community Relations at Catholic Charities Hawai?i. Since joining in 2022, she has helped drive impactful advocacy efforts, addressing social issues and policies that affect vulnerable communities across Hawai?i. With degrees in Family Resources and Counseling Psychology, Shellie brings deep expertise and compassion to her work. “One of the most significant impacts I anticipate this program having on me, both professionally and personally, is instilling confidence, effective tools, and a values-driven foundation to take on the challenge of being an effective leader.” Learn more about our team at https://lnkd.in/gi5SMYe5

Meet Makana Tani, a higher education leader, cultural advocate, and participant in the ?ōiwi Leadership Accelerator's first cohort! From the ahupua?a of Kāne?ohe, Makana is committed to uplifting his community through his work at Windward Community College. With eight years of experience, he transitioned from supporting students in the TRiO Upward Bound Program to his current role as Operations Coordinator, where he oversees facilities and community engagement. Makana brings Hawaiian perspectives to every facet of his work and life, guided by his dedication to his Native Hawaiian culture. “Participating in the ?ōiwi Leadership Accelerator program is an amazing opportunity to grow not only in my leadership skills but also to be comfortable in being a leader as kanaka. I am a proud Native Hawaiian and I would love to share that love with those in my community.” Learn more about our team at https://lnkd.in/gi5SMYe5 #oiwileaders #oiwileadership #businessskills #HawaiiLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #Community #HawaiiBusiness

Meet Pi?ikea Kalakau-Baarde, a leader in Hawai?i's education sector and a participant in the ?ōiwi Leadership Accelerator's first cohort! Pi?ikea is from Waimānalo, O?ahu, and has been working in the education sector in Hawai?i for almost a decade. She started her career in education as an English teacher at Wai?anae Intermediate, and she believes that her experience as a classroom teacher has been the basis for all her subsequent achievements. Pi?ikea holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Hawai?i Pacific University, a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Chaminade University. Pi?ikea is a Teach for America Hawai?i 2015 alumna, and in 2023, she joined the TFA Hawai?i staff to continue serving public school students in Hawai?i by supporting their future teachers. “I have always found myself at the intersection of Western and Indigenous theory and practice, and work every day to prove that the two can coexist to benefit all of Hawai?i.” Pi?ikea's commitment towards Hawai?i's education makes her an inspiring member of our program. Learn more about our team at https://lnkd.in/gi5SMYe5

Meet Nalani Kaku, a passionate leader in environmental sustainability and community empowerment, and a participant in the ?ōiwi Leadership Accelerator's first cohort! A graduate of Kamehameha Schools and UH West O?ahu, Nalani has contributed to Hawai?i’s local businesses, startups, and educational institutions. Her deepest passion lies in environmental sustainability and community empowerment, leading her to join Kupu in her current role as Executive Assistant to the COO. There she focuses on streamlining operations to support conservation efforts and sustainable practices. “As a modern native Hawaiian, I find myself grappling with the complexities of identity. Caught between two worlds, I’ve had to decide where to anchor my sense of belonging and nurture my identity. Ultimately, I recognized that my answer lays in giving back to the land that had raised me.” Learn more about our team at https://lnkd.in/gi5SMYe5 #oiwileaders #oiwileadership #businessskills #HawaiiLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #Community #HawaiiBusiness

Meet Shannan Lokelani Quiamno, a servant leader, community builder, and participant in the ?ōiwi Leadership Accelerator's first cohort! A kama?āina of Kalihi raised on family lands, Shannan brings over 30 years of customer service leadership experience to her role as Customer Service Manager for Hawaii Dental Service. She is passionate about collaborative work, building strong communities, and lifelong learning. Outside of work, you can find Shannan enjoying time with her ?ohana, exploring new places, or paddleboarding at Kaiona Beach Park. “This program has helped me increase my confidence. I don’t second guess myself as much and know that it’s okay if things are not perfect. I have an inner confidence that I got this, I can do it.” Shannan's commitment to service and community makes her an inspiring member of our program. Learn more about our team at https://lnkd.in/gi5SMYe5 #oiwileaders #oiwileadership #businessskills #HawaiiLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #Community #HawaiiBusiness

Meet Kellen Sasano, a skilled HR professional and a participant in the ?ōiwi Leadership Accelerator's first cohort! As the Senior Human Resources Generalist for the East-West Center, Kellen manages all aspects of HR operations, from talent acquisition to employee engagement. With over 20 years of experience, he excels at building strong relationships within organizations, fostering trust and collaboration. Kellen’s expertise in aligning policies and procedures ensures both operational efficiency and compliance. “This program and executive coaching has been a game changer for my growth. I have a desire to learn more about my culture and be more aware of what is happening in my community.” Kellen’s deep understanding of the human element within the workplace make him a valued member of our program. Learn more about our team at https://lnkd.in/gi5SMYe5

Do you know of someone who should apply? Send them our way! Accepting new applications for our Spring cohort starting November 1st.

Meet Kayla Economou, a leader with a passion for navigating equitable transitions to renewable energy and a participant in the ?ōiwi Leadership Accelerator's first cohort! Coming from Kahuku with roots in Samoa, Kayla works at the intersection of climate policy and technology, starting as a lead coordinator for international climate efforts at UNFCCC COP conferences, where she provided technical assistance on capacity building and technology to climate-vulnerable countries in the Pacific. Now, in her role at Elemental Excelerator, she supports over 150 climate tech companies in fostering equitable practices. She dedicates her life’s work to ensuring Pacific Islanders can continue to live and thrive on the islands their ancestors have called home for generations. “I am eager to find methods and places where I can show up in ways that are true to myself as a Samoan woman.” Her focus on building a sustainable energy future for Pacific Islanders makes her a standout in our program. Learn more about our team at https://lnkd.in/gi5SMYe5

Meet Katie Ka?ahanui, a leader for justice, community healing, and a participant in the ?ōiwi Leadership Accelerator's first cohort! Born and raised in Kaimukī, Katie is deeply inspired by the intersections of criminal justice and mental health. As the Executive Coordinator for Safe & Sound Waikīkī, she champions the creation of safe, supportive communities. With advanced degrees in Justice Administration and Criminal Justice, and currently pursuing an MS in Counseling Psychology, Katie is committed to individual and collective healing. Giving back and showing a deep respect and responsibility for the community we live in are also some of her driving values. “?ōiwi leadership is so much more than learning about Native Hawaiian food, places, and beliefs. It is about the love, the determination, and the inclusiveness that needs to be there so that all these things can be created and even exist.” Her leadership in both criminal justice and mental health make her a powerful force for change within our program. Learn more about our team at https://lnkd.in/gi5SMYe5