Empowering Leaders for a Brighter Future of Hawai‘i
Quick Facts
Empowering Leaders for a Brighter Future of Hawai‘i
Hawai‘i, a state surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich in cultural heritage, is poised to face numerous challenges in the years to come. As we look ahead, we must recognize the importance of leadership in shaping our island home’s future. In this blog post, we will explore the inspiring stories of leadership programs and initiatives that are fostering a new generation of leaders committed to making Hawai‘i a better place.
Omidyar Fellows: Driving Impact and Catalyzing Positive Change
The Omidyar Fellows program, launched by the Hawai‘i Leadership Forum (HLF), is a cornerstone leadership development program that has been empowering leaders to drive positive change in Hawai‘i since 2010. With a focus on developing skills, building confidence, and fostering collaboration, the program has produced a network of over 150 Fellows across diverse sectors. AJ Halagao, a proud Omidyar Fellow and now the first Fellow to serve as president of HLF, embodies the program’s philosophy. “I’ve been grateful to be part of the Omidyar Fellows who are committed to making Hawai‘i better,” he says. “It’s an honor that now, in my role with HLF, I also get to help develop, engage, and inspire other leaders to create positive change.”
Pacific Century Fellows: Hawai‘i’s Landmark Leadership Training Program
Pacific Century Fellows (PCF), founded by former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in 1996, has become a landmark leadership training program in Hawai‘i. Modeled after the White House Fellows program, PCF brings together emerging leaders from diverse professions and backgrounds to tackle challenges and foster innovation and community service. With a vision to increase the representation of women and minorities in leadership positions, PCF aims to create a more inclusive and equitable future for Hawai‘i. Melissa Miyashiro, a proud graduate of PCF Cohort III, now serves as the president and CEO of the Pacific Century Fellows.
Patsy Mink Leadership Alliance: Increasing Female Representation
The Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance, established by YWCA O‘ahu’s Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership, is a transformative leadership development program designed to increase the representation of women executives in Hawai‘i. With a focus on personal growth, professional impact, and community leadership, the program has empowered a diverse group of women to take on leadership roles across various sectors. Colleen McAluney, director of the Patsy T. Mink Center, highlights the program’s impact: “Our Mink alumnae are leaders and entrepreneurs who are committed to personal growth, professional impact, and community leadership. Ultimately, we hope to increase the representation of women executives in finance, health, energy, education, insurance, construction, legal, military, state and government agencies, and nonprofits.”
HANO Fellows: Serving Hawai‘i’s Unique Needs
Hawai‘i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (HANO) Fellows is a multi-month cohort program designed to support leadership development, share nonprofit management principles, and foster peer relationships in the local nonprofit community. With a focus on serving Hawai‘i’s unique needs, the program has empowered Nonprofit Professionals to take on leadership roles and drive positive change in their communities. Melissa Miyashiro, a proud graduate of the program, now serves as the president and CEO of HANO.
‘Ōiwi Leadership Accelerator: Culture-Driven Leadership
The ‘Ōiwi Leadership Accelerator (OLA), launched by People Strategies Hawai‘i in partnership with Kamehameha Schools and Hawai‘i Employers Council, is a groundbreaking program that seeks to equip Native Hawaiians and kama‘āina with leadership skills grounded in Hawaiian culture, place-based, and community-focused values. With a focus on strengthening Hawai‘i’s local workforce, OLA aims to increase the representation of Native Hawaiians and kama‘āina in key positions across various industries. Kuulani Keohokalole, CEO of People Strategies Hawai‘i, highlights the program’s vision: “Our program aims to cultivate a new generation of Native Hawaiian and kama‘āina professionals in and for Hawai‘i, significantly increasing their representation in key positions across various industries throughout the state.”
