Director’s Desk: Strength

   Director’s Desk: Gathering Strength   

       A Year in Review at ChangeMakers     

As we come to the close of 2025, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude and pride. This year has been one of steady building, thoughtful growth, and renewed commitment to the communities we serve. It has not been about rushing forward, but about laying strong foundations that will carry us well into the future.

Throughout the year, ChangeMakers has launched and expanded programs designed to meet real needs in real time. From education and training initiatives to small business and nonprofit support, our work has continued to focus on creating pathways that lead to stability, opportunity, and long-term impact. These program launches represent countless hours of planning, collaboration, and trust-building, and they reflect our belief that community-centered solutions work best when they are built together.

One of the most significant milestones of 2025 was stepping into the role of One-Stop Operator for the island of Hawaiʻi’s American Job Center. This responsibility marks a major step forward for ChangeMakers and for Hawaiʻi. It places us at the center of workforce coordination, connecting job seekers, employers, educators, and service providers in a more intentional and aligned way. This role is both an honor and a responsibility, and it reinforces our commitment to helping people access meaningful work and sustainable careers.

This year also strengthened our internal capacity. We welcomed a new Technology Director and a new Operations Director, two key leadership roles that position ChangeMakers for smart, scalable growth. These additions reflect our understanding that impact requires infrastructure. By investing in strong systems, technology, and operations, we are ensuring that our programs are not only effective today, but resilient tomorrow.

Beyond programs and leadership growth, our team has remained deeply committed to providing community resources throughout the year. Whether through direct support, referrals, partnerships, or convening spaces for collaboration, we have continued to show up where we are needed. This steady presence is at the heart of our mission. It is how trust is built, relationships are strengthened, and long-term change takes root.

Looking back, 2025 feels like a year of alignment. Our vision has sharpened. Our partnerships have deepened. Our capacity has grown. Most importantly, our commitment to serving individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders has remained unwavering.

As we head into the new year, we do so with confidence and humility. There is still much work ahead, and we are ready for it.

We are entering the next chapter not depleted, but grounded and energized. We are gathering strength, carrying forward the lessons of this year, and preparing to expand our impact with intention and care.

To everyone who walked alongside us in 2025, thank you.

Your trust, collaboration, and belief in this work make all the difference.

We look forward to continuing this journey together in the year ahead.