voices of change
Hoku Kaʻaekuahiwi Pousima’s presentation felt like an invitation to place.
Representing Hui Mālama i ke Ala ʻŪlili, affectionately known as HuiMAU, Hoku grounded the audience in the ahupuaʻa of Koholālele, in the moku of Hāmākua on Hawaiʻi Island.
Representing Hale Kipa, Jennifer brought warmth, clarity, and deep kuleana to her case for support.
When Nohea Stevens stepped forward at the Summer 2026 Hōʻike, she began not with a fundraising goal, but with a story.
“Mahalo for this opportunity to share the moʻolelo of Kaʻala Farm,” she said. “Today I wanna share where we have come from, why this work still matters, and what it will take to carry it forward.”
When Kaulana Ing introduced himself at the Summer 2026 Hōʻike, his title only told part of the story.
“I am the COO, occasional janitor, and whatever else needs being done at Kula ʻo Kūlaniākea Hawaiian Immersion School,” he shared with a smile.
It was a lighthearted introduction to work carrying a much deeper purpose.
Andrea Dias-Machado began with gratitude. She named something many emerging nonprofit leaders know well: her organization is young. “We are a baby in all of this non-profit, this non-profit world,” she shared, humbled to be part of the journey.
Dr. Casie Wise stepped into the Hōʻike with humility, gratitude, and a powerful story of Native education advocacy. Her presentation focuses on building support for a long-range vision for NIEA’s Tribal Communities and Schools program.
Representing Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, Gale brought forward a case for support that was deeply rooted in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, culture, and the future of the lāhui.
“It took me a long time to start this business due to my previous careers,” says Bryson Hiro, founder of Hiro’s Cookies. But in February 2022, with flour-dusted hands and a heart full of purpose, he stepped boldly into a new chapter — and never looked back.
“The only way I’ll fail is if I quit.”
That’s the quiet fire that fuels Zachere Camara Andrade, founder of Blazin’ Snow, a mobile shave ice business bringing nostalgia, ʻono treats, and joy to Hawaiʻi Island—one party at a time.
But this journey didn’t start with colorful syrups and long lines.
As the founder and Executive Director of Ulu Aʻe Learning Center, Miki has spent over a decade weaving people back into the story of the land.
But like all great journeys, hers began with a sense of place — and a call to serve.