Spring 2024 Workshop #7

Speaker(s): Bill Thomas

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, ‘Āina, Career Prep

Description: This is a recording of our Spring 2024 Workshop #7 which was held live on April 9, 2024, with guest speaker, Bill Thomas. He is the Senior Advisor for Islands, Indigenous and International Issues at NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management. Bill has served in this capacity since 2009 and has also served as the first Director of NOAA’s Pacific Services Center (PSC) from 2002-2009. Join us as Bill discusses his passions and his journey throughout his career thus far.

Spring 2024 Workshop #6

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Scholars

Description: This is a recording of our Spring 2024 Workshop #6 which was held live on April 3, 2024. Current Nā Hokua scholars will share about the work they are participating in or have recently completed within their community colleges, workplaces, communities, and the larger lāhui. There will be four total presentations, including two live presentations, and two pre-recorded presentations. Each scholar will present about their activities across a range of experiences including but not limited to: an internship, informational Internship, ePortfolio. or Independent Career / STEʻĀM Exploration.

Spring 2024 Workshop #5

Speaker(s): Tracy Tam Sing

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, ‘Āina, Career Prep

Description: This is a recording of our March 28, 2024 workshop which featured guest speaker, Tracy Tam Sing. Tracy was born and raised on Maui, studied at the University of Hawaiʻi, Chaminade, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong and has 32 years of experience in the field of archeology. He is currently the Hawaiʻi State Parks Archeologist, studying past cultures based on physical evidence and supported by research of written records and oral history. Join us as we discuss Tracyʻs educational and career journey and the role of archeology in understanding our past, protecting our historical and natural resources, and influencing the future of our pae ʻāina.

Spring 2024 Workshop #4

Speaker(s): Koyu Wenty

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Technology, Career Prep

Description: This is a recording of our March 6, 2024 workshop which featured guest speaker, Koyu Wenty. Koyu grew attended the University of Hawaiʻi where she earned a degree in English literature. Working her way through local management trainee positions, Koyu has risen to the position of Senior Technical Recruiter for Amazon, building science teams focused on machine learning across Amazonʻs e-commerce enterprise. We discussed Koyuʻs career journey and explored the high demand skills that touch every corner of our lives.

Spring 2024 Workshop #3

Speaker(s): Kanekoa Kukea-Shultz

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, ʻĀina, Career Prep

Description: This is a recording of our February 21, 2024 workshop which featured guest speaker, Kanekoa Kukea-Shultz. He is the Executive Director of Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi, a tax-exempt charitable organization that manages 405-acres on the Windward side of ʻOahu, perpetuating the cultural and spiritual practices of Native Hawaiians through natural resource management and traditional agriculture. We explored Kanekoa's work in healing lands and communities through contemporary research and indigenous local knowledge.

Spring 2024 Workshop #2

Speaker(s): Hiʻilei Anderson

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, Career Prep

Description: This is a recording of our February 8, 2024 workshop with guest speaker, Hiʻilei Anderson. Hiʻilei is a Native Hawaiian student wrapping up her degree in construction management at Arizona State University this summer. She has completed three internship experiences in construction management, including two in the operations department and one in the estimating department. Field engineer internships gave her exposure to fieldwork and project closeout. Her estimating internship included the business perspective of bidding on a project. Hiʻilei joined us to share her experiences in school and internships as well as her interest in the construction industry.

Spring 2024 Workshop #1

Speaker(s): CJ Elizares

STEʻĀM Topic(s): ʻĀina, Career Prep

Description: This is a recording of our January 24, 2024 workshop with guest speaker, CJ Elizares. CJ is the ʻŌiwi Resources and Stewardship Manager for Mākena Golf and Beach Club. Being a genealogical descendant of Honuaʻula moku and a Kua of the Protect Kahoolawe Ohana, contributing to and participating in the continuum of Ea of place is integral to his work. ʻŌiwi knowledge and placed based values guide him to care for 1800 acres amidst a diverse community. CJ values collective contribution for getting back to native roots and liberating native futures in Hawaii.

Fall 2023 Workshop #7

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff, Kepano Kekuewa

Topic(s): Financial Literacy and Resilience

Description: This is a recording of our November 16, 2023 workshop. Our STEM Specialist, Kepano, discussed Financial Literacy and Resilience, which deals with the ability to thrive through periods of volatility while building towards economic stability. He expanded on these themes with a focus on the financial growth mindset, immediate action items to start building financial resilience, and navigating a course to a healthy financial future. 

Fall 2023 Workshop #6

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Students

Description: This is a recording of our November 15, 2023 workshop. This Student Share-Out workshop is an opportunity for current Nā Hokua scholars to share about the awesome work they're participating in within their community colleges, communities, and the larger lāhui. The experiences they will share can range from internship opportunities, informational interviews, community service events, or their participation with workshops, on-campus services and resources, etc. 

Fall 2023 Workshop #5

Speaker(s): Olin Lagon

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Technology, Engineering, ʻĀina

Description: This is a recording of our November 1, 2023 workshop, with guest speaker, Olin Lagon. Olin is a serial social entrepreneur, and works on community initiatives primarily focused on educational opportunities for keiki in Hawaiʻi. In addition, he has laundched multiple social ventures in Hawaiʻi, the continental U.S., and Russia. Olin has also invented and patneted numerous concepts that have been used by millions across the world.

Fall 2023 Workshop #4

Speaker(s): Lea Kekuewa

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, ʻĀina

Description: This is a recording of our October 17, 2023 workshop, with guest speaker, Lea Kekuewa. She is currently a Sustainability Assurance Associate with London, England based ERM CVS, an environmental services firm that provides independent assurance and certification for the world’s leading organizations. 

Fall 2023 Workshop #3

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff, Kepano Kekuewa

Topic(s): Career Guideposts

Description: This is a recording of our October 4, 2023 workshop. We discussed Career Guideposts: "In a rapidly changing, globally interconnected marketplace, how does one plan for a career path when today's jobs may not exist tomorrow and tomorrow's jobs have not yet been created? We will discuss career growth mindset, macro trends, and strategies to help you navigate the rapidly evolving career landscape."

Fall 2023 Workshop #2

Speaker(s): Emy Yamauchi-Wong

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Technology, Career Planning and Preparation

Description: This is a recording of our September 20, 2023 workshop which features STE'ĀM and Career Prep Speaker, Emy Yamauchi-Wong. Emy is the manager for clerical and technical divisions at ALTRES Staffing. She recruits, hires, trains, and mentors staff to promote career tracks in a variety of industries across Hawaiʻi. Join us as we discuss what a staffing agency is and the benefits and opportunities of signing on with such an organization. From temporary assignments to long-term placements, a staffing agency fills an important need by connecting people with work opportunities. We also discuss specific opportunities for Nā Hokua students that can satisfy career prep program requirements with the potential for additional stipends.

Fall 2023 Workshop #1

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff, Sean Nagamatsu

Topic(s): Personal Empowerment and Regulation

Description: This is a recording of our September 7, 2023 workshop. We discussed Personal Empowerment and Self-Regulation: "A new semester means new challenges, which means new opportunities for growth! Balancing everything can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you're gaining experience everyday, and each new situation you navigate adds to your unique mix of knowledge and skills. How can your experiences help you boost your confidence and achieve your goals? We'll discuss approaches and strategies for developing personal empowerment through both the successes and challenges that you encounter."

Spring 2023 Workshop #6

Speaker: Keʻala Peters

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology

Description: This is a recording of our Spring 2023 Workshop #6 which was held live on April 18, 2023 with STEʻĀM guest speaker, Keʻala Peters. Keala Peters is currently the Executive Vice President for Education and Workforce Development and Executive Director of Sector Partnerships for the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi. She has held a number of senior management and marketing positions in healthcare, consumer, and technology firms such as Nike and Microsoft. Join us as we discuss career trends and opportunities in Hawaii from the perspective of the Chamber of Commerce, the state’s leading business association.

Spring 2023 Workshop #5

Speaker: Dr. Noa Lincoln

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, ʻAina

Description: This is a recording of our April 11, 2023 workshop. We were joined by Dr. Noa Lincoln, a Native Hawaiian born in Kealakekua on Hawaiʻi Island. Noa has worked in marine and terrestrial ecosystem restoration and conservation around the Pacific, and has coupled these efforts with cultural and environmental education and community engagement. He has conducted analyses of land asset allocation for several organizations, bringing together concepts of cultural values, ecosystem services, and economics. Noa is recognized as an emerging expert in Hawaiian crops and cropping systems. His primary interests are in combining traditional and modern knowledge of land management to evaluate social utility, rather than economic, contributions. He is currently a research fellow with Ngai Tahu Research Centre at the University of Canterbury and an Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a focus on Indigenous Crops and Cropping Systems. 

Spring 2023 Workshop #4

Speaker: Naki Sabas

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, Engineering

Description: This is a recording of our March 29, 2023 workshop. We were joined by Naki Sabas, director of government relations and program manager at Alakaʻina Foundation Family of Companies, which supports Native Hawaiian businesses in federal contracting. Naki Sabas is a 2014 graduate of Kamehameha Schools with a bachelor’s degree in business from Oregon State University and a master of business administration from Washington State University, Naki has grown from interning with a global construction company to leadership positions in government contracting.

Spring 2023 Workshop #2

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff, Kepano Kekuewa

Topic(s): Career Guideposts

Description: This is a recording of our February 8, 2023 workshop. We discussed Career Guideposts: "In a rapidly changing, globally interconnected marketplace, how does one plan for a career path when today's jobs may not exist tomorrow and tomorrow's jobs have not yet been created? We will discuss career growth mindset, macro trends, and strategies to help you navigate the rapidly evolving career landscape."

Spring 2023 Workshop #1

Speaker: Pelika Andrade

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, ʻAina

Description: This is a recording of our January 23, 2023 workshop. We were joined by Pelika Andrade, a Native Hawaiian born and raised on the island of Kaua'i. She has been living and working on the Big Island for the past 18 years and has a long history with the coastal communities of West Hawai‘i, first as a crew member of the voyaging canoe Makali‘i and later as a researcher conducting shoreline monitoring along the North Kona and South Kohala shorelines. She has been involved with many organizations and projects working to better our environment through conservation efforts and lifestyle changes. For the past seven years, she has been developing alternate approaches to monitoring Hawaiʻi’s shoreline and supporting implementation of a management strategy that supports healthy, balanced communities in Hawai‘i.

Fall 2022 Workshop #6

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff, Kepano Kekuewa

Topic(s): Financial Literacy and Resilience

Description: This is a recording of our November 15, 2022 workshop. We discussed Financial Literacy and Resilience: "Many of the same macro forces that drive career opportunities also impact financial security for individuals and families. Financial resilience is the ability to thrive through periods of volatility while building towards future economic stability. We will expand on these themes with a focus on the financial growth mindset, immediate action items to start building financial resilience, and navigating a course to a healthy financial future."

Fall 2022 Workshop #5

Speaker: Dr. Alika Maunakea

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, ʻĀina

Description: This is a recording of our November 1, 2022 workshop. We were joined by Dr. Alika Maunakea. Dr. Alika Maunakea is an associate professor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaiʻi, with a focus in epigenomics, empowering community-based organizations with evidence-based research. Kepano demonstrated an informational interview with Dr. Maunakea focusing on his career in health science, the research he is pursuing, his approach to blending modern studies with health-related ancestral knowledge, and his thoughts on Native Hawaiian Health.

Fall 2022 Workshop #4

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Students

Description: This is a recording of our October 20, 2022 workshop. This Student Share-Out workshop is an opportunity for current Nā Hokua scholars to share about the awesome work they're participating in within their community colleges, communities, and the larger lāhui. The experiences they will share can range from internship opportunities, informational interviews, community service events, or their participation with workshops, on-campus services and resources, etc. For the Fall 2022 semester, two students (Leinaʻala Kealoha and Camille McComas) presented on their experiences participating in an internship, informational interview, and being connected to on-campus programs such as Po'i Nā Nalu.

Fall 2022 Workshop #3

Speaker: Kūnane Wooton

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, ʻAina

Description: This is a recording of our October 6, 2022 workshop. We were joined by Kūnane Wooton. Kunāne Wooton works in the world of contemporary medicine while preserving and perpetuating his connection to Native Hawaiian culture. A graduate of Kapiʻolani Community College’s nursing program, Kunāne worked his way from staff nurse to managing clinical services for Straub Medical Centerʻs emergency department. Despite the significant responsibilities of such a mission critical occupation, Kunāne finds space and time to practice Kanaka Maoli art, designing and fabricating artifact replicas and contemporary 3-dimensional art pieces inspired by Hawaiian philosophical concepts. Kunāne serves as an exhibits designer/preparator for the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum.

Fall 2022 Workshop #2

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff, Kepano Kekuewa

Topic(s): Career Guideposts

Description: This is a recording of our September 21, 2022 workshop. We discussed career guideposts: "In a rapidly changing, globally interconnected marketplace, how does one plan for a career path when today’s jobs may not exist tomorrow and tomorrow’s jobs have not been created yet? We' ll discuss career growth mindset, macro trends, and tools and strategies to help you navigate the rapidly evolving career landscape."

Fall 2022 Workshop #1

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff, Kepano Kekuewa

Topic(s): Personal Empowerment and Decision-Making

Description: This is a recording of our September 7, 2022 workshop. We discussed decision-making for personal empowerment: "The average person makes 35,000 decisions every day, and college gives you a bunch of opportunities to make decisions that can set you up for success for years to come. How do you make decisions that will empower you to determine your own path forward? We'll discuss approaches and strategies to help you make the journey your own."

Spring 2022 Workshop #6

Speaker: Kainalu Steward

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, ʻAina

Description: This is a recording of our April 19, 2022 workshop. We were joined by Kainalu Steward. Kainalu Steward, a native of Maui, found his passion for the ocean at a young age through ocean sports and time with ʻohana and friends at the beach. He graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Hawaiian Studies and a Marine Option Program (MOP) certificate from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. He is currently a graduate student in the Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science program under Dr. Haunani Kāne. His current research pertains to understanding sea-level rise and hurricane impacts to atoll island systems, specifically monitoring Lalo or French Frigate Shoals located within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Spring 2022 Workshop #5

Speaker: Kanoe Morishige

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, ʻAina

Description: This is a recording of our April 5, 2022 workshop. We were joined by Kanoe Morishige. Kanoe is an Oʻahu native who is currently completing her Ph.D. in Marine Biology at UH Mānoa. Her research focuses on biophysical drivers of intertidal ecosystems and reproductive patterns of ʻopihi and hāʻukeʻuke to create adaptive co-management regimes. She has worked for Nā Maka Onaona for 14 years, working alongside local communities perpetuating Native Hawaiian knowledge systems, integrating western scientific tools, and building youth leadership to support ‘āina momona, a healthy expanse around Hawaiʻi.

Spring 2022 Workshop #4

Speaker: Puakea Moʻokini-Oliveira

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, ʻAina

Description: This is a recording of our March 22, 2022 workshop. We were joined by Puakea Moʻokini-Oliveira. Puakea has lived and worked across the pae ‘āina learning about the interconnectivity of ecosystems with Kupu Hawaiʻi, Limahuli Garden & Preserve, a Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation fellowship, Nā Maka Onaona, and the Waipā Foundation. For two years, Puakea served as a Conservation Technician working to replace invasive canopy species with native, endangered, and regionally endemic species to improve the habitat conditions for ‘oʻopu wai. She is currently a Master of Environmental Management candidate at UH Mānoa. Puakea’s capstone project is focused on effectuating a positive influence on water resource stewardship through indigenous-driven, community-led stream monitoring programs.

Spring 2022 Workshop #3

Speaker(s): Gaylen and Noelani Kalipi

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, ʻAina

Description: This is a recording of our February 22, 2022 workshop. We were joined by Gaylen and Noelani Kalipi. Gaylen is the finance and IT associate at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Noelani is president of Kalipi Enterprises and focuses on strategic planning around renewable energy and food security. After working in Washington, D.C. for a number of years with the late Senator Daniel Akaka, the Kalipis returned to Hawaiʻi to raise their family while continuing to work in high impact roles. 

Spring 2022 Workshop #2

Speaker(s): Kuahealani Burgess and Lea Kekuewa

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, ʻAina, Mathematics

Description: This is a recording of our February 8, 2022 workshop. We were joined by Kuahealani Burgess and Lea Kekuewa of Hoʻōla Nā Hawaiʻi. Hoʻōla Nā Hawaiʻi is a registered student organization at Arizona State University (ASU) advocating for Native Hawaiian students and their endeavors at ASU.

Spring 2022 Workshop #1

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff

Topic(s): Nā Hokua, STEʻĀM

Description: This is a recording of our January 25, 2022 workshop. We introduced our approach to STEʻĀM and discussed its importance for the future of Hawaiʻi. In addition, we introduced community partnerships we are developing at the moment to imrpove and advance our efforts.

Fall 2021 Workshop #2

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff, Kepano Kekuewa

Topic(s): Nā Hokua, STEʻĀM

Description: This is a recording of our October 28, 2021 workshop. We discussed Financial Literacy: "Many of the same macro forces that drive career opportunities also impact financial security for individuals and families. Financial resilience is the ability to thrive through periods of volatility while building towards future economic stability. We will expand on these themes with a focus on the financial growth mindset, immediate action items to start building financial resilience, and navigating a course to a healthy financial future."

Fall 2021 Workshop #1

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff, Kepano Kekuewa

Topic(s): Career Guideposts

Description: This is a recording of our September 20, 2021 workshop. We discussed Career Guideposts: "In a rapidly changing, globally interconnected marketplace, how does one plan for a career path when today's jobs may not exist tomorrow and tomorrow's jobs have not yet been created? We will discuss career growth mindset, macro trends, and strategies to help you navigate the rapidly evolving career landscape."

Spring 2021 Workshop #3

Speaker(s): Pelika Andrade and Arama Kukutai

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, ʻAina

Description: This is a recording of our March 12, 2021 workshop. We were joined by Pelika Andrade and Arama Kukutai. Pelika is a Native Hawaiian born and raised on the island of Kaua'i. She has been living and working on the Big Island for the past 18 years and has a long history with the coastal communities of West Hawai‘i, first as a crew member of the voyaging canoe Makali‘i and later as a researcher conducting shoreline monitoring along the North Kona and South Kohala shorelines. She has been involved with many organizations and projects working to better our environment through conservation efforts and lifestyle changes. Arama is a seasoned entrepreneur and visonary leader in the agritech industry. He currently serves as a co-founder and partner at Finistere Ventures, a pioneering venture firm dedicated to identifying and nurturing promising agribusiness and food tech companies. He has over two decades of leadership within farming, agriculture investment, and sustainability. 

Spring 2021 Workshop #2

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff

STEʻĀM Topic(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, ʻAina, Mathematics

Description: This is a recording of our February 26, 2021 workshop. We talked briefly about sustainability and NOAA and we watched an interview with Captain Barry Choy. We then reflected on the material discussed and connected each theme to participants lives and experiences.

Spring 2021 Workshop #1

Speaker(s): Nā Hokua Staff

Topic(s): Nā Hokua, STEʻĀM

Description: This is a recording of our February 5, 2021 workshop. We introduced our program background as well as our specific approach to STEʻĀM. We then discussed STEʻĀM's importance for the future of Hawaiʻi.