Donna Loo
Donna Loo: Laulima No Na ‘Ohana, Lihue, Kauai, Hawai’i
Donna Loo is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Laulima No Na ʻOhana, a a faith-rooted, community-centered initiative dedicated to removing social, economic, and systemic barriers that prevent kūpuna (seniors) and their caregivers, particularly those who are socially and economically disadvantaged, from aging in place with dignity, connection, and hope. Grounded in the Hawaiian value of laulima (“many hands working together”), the project supports seniors through transportation access, caregiver support, navigation of essential services, and community-based resource connection. By addressing isolation, limited mobility, financial vulnerability, and gaps in access to care, Laulima No Na ʻOhana works to restore wholeness, strengthen ʻohana, and reshape unjust systems that leave elders behind.
Starlet Luczon Joao
Simply Local
Kahului, Maui, Hawai’i
Founded by Starlet Luzon Joao and her husband Clint, Simply Local is a centrally located cafe and gift shop that offers 20+ local business, artisans, and musicians the opportunity to display their crafts and merchandise, along with food items that represent the cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands while generating income to support and raise multigenerational families on Maui.
Harvey Chun
Harvey Chun, Aloha Community Shed, Honolulu, Hawai’i
The mission of the Aloha Community Shed is to encourage healthy physical, social and mental opportunities for senior men and women to share friendships, experiences and projects with pride, dignity and Aloha in a welcoming environment for the benefit of members and community. The Aloha Community Shed builds projects for the local community, such as raised garden planters and benches, and also sells artisan items in pop-ups and craft fairs. Harvey Chun is a Director of the Aloha Community Shed and has been a member for 4 years.
Summer Rothwell
Founded by Summer Rothwell, Open Mind Yoga Hawai’i is a yoga based after school program with a simple mission - to create a space for autistic kids to play, learn and grow, through aerial yoga, sensory play and social activities. With the use of a hammock, children who have difficulty participating in other sports can have a safe supportive experience through yoga.
Leslee Matthews
Leslee Matthews is the Founder, Managing Attorney and licensed social worker at Speak Up and Out Law (SOUL), a legal empowerment law firm dedicated to social justice and ending domestic abuse in Hawaii. The team at Speak Out & Up Law is focused on working to end violence against women and girls, building community with uncommon allies, elevating the voices of those who have been silenced, and enhancing service provision to underserved communities.
Angela Moy and Aileen Maquiraya
LKE Dojo is a Muay Thai martial arts dojo and training program designed to equip women with self-defense training and self-empowerment through women-only safe spaces and holistic classes for training and meditation. Founded by Angela Moy and Aileen Maquiraya, LKE Dojo seeks to disrupt the martial arts world by providing training for Queer people and women, two communities underserved and marginalized in the sector.
Nelson Crabbe and Nikola Rodriguez
Nelson Crabbe and Nikola Rodriguez, ‘Awa Bird Nursery, Hilo, Hawai’i
‘Awa Bird Nursery is a small organic nursery committed to growing ancestral Hawaiian crops, including kalo (taro), ulu (breadfruit), and ‘awa (kava). These sister plants often grown together, are called '“canoe plants" because they were so important to the ancestors that they made it onto the canoes. Local availability of these crops will increase food security for native Hawaiians, offering locals more affordable, healthy options for food and beverages.
Josh Hayashi
Josh Hayashi, Mission Management Company, Honolulu, Hawai’i:
Mission Management Company provides churches with alternative property based income options by matching them with mission-aligned partners who range from non-profits to real estate developers. MMC works with both churches in decline and thriving churches who need assistance in fully utilizing the assets of their church facility.
Kamaile Pahukoa
Kamaile Pahukoa, Ke’anae Market, Maui, Hawai’i
Ke’anae Market was created by Kamaile Pahukoa, granddaughter of one of the church members of Ke'anae Congregational Church on the island. The market offers local vendors, farmers, and artists the chance to sell their products on the heavily traveled tourist road to Hana. Vendors at the market include farmers, local artists, bakers (the area is famous for banana bread), and candy makers.
Due to the legacy of colonization, generational poverty, and racism in Hawai’i, The church is in danger of losing their property; funds from the market will help with church expenses, maintenance and restoration. Read more about Kamaile’s work here.