Dr. Adrienne Dillard, PhD, MSW, LSW, Board President is the Executive Director of Kula No Na Poe Hawaii, a nonprofit community development organization. She is a licensed social worker in the State of Hawaii with a Bachelors and Master’s degree from Hawaii Pacific University and a doctorate in Social Welfare from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Ms. Dillard has over 20 years of experience in community development, community-based participatory, and youth programming. She currently serves on the Board of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Hawaii’s largest community-based community development financial institution providing housing and small business loans to underserved communities statewide.

Kaipo Kukahiko, Vice President joined Hawaiian Community Assets in 2022 from HMSA Foundation. As a Native Hawaiian resident raised in the rural area of Kahalu’u and former Executive Director of the KEY Project, a community center serving the Kahalu’u community providing job and training opportunities for residents with few resources. With an organic personal connection to the area, the community, and its economy, Kaipo was recruited to reinforce the Board’s roots within our constituency.

Gavin Thornton, Board Treasurer, joined the Hawaiian Community Assets Board in 2022 and currently serves as the Deputy Director of the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization. A longtime advocate for economic justice and public service, Gavin previously served as Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, where he led successful efforts to create the Hawaiʻi Earned Income Tax Credit and increase the minimum wage. He began his career in AmeriCorps in Kona in 2002 and has since worked to ensure that low-income communities have access to safe housing, meaningful work, and financial stability. An Omidyar Fellow and recipient of the National Housing Law Project’s Housing Justice Award, Gavin has served on several nonprofit and legal boards and committees. He earned his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Jasmine Branco began her career in Public Service in 2002 at the Hawai’i State Capitol and has served our state at the County, Legislative and (most recently) Congressional levels. She has an understanding of the legislative branch of our government and the acute and long term needs of the communities that make up the state of Hawai’i. She holds over a decade of grant writing and development experience through work with nonprofit organizations throughout Hawai’i. Jasmine currently owns a small business in Hilo, is an alumna of Kamehameha Kāpalama and received her BA from Saint Mary’s College of California. Born and raised in Hilo, she is honored to raise her ‘ohana in the community that raised her and lives in gratitude to honor the legacy of our kupuna.

Kui Meyer, Board Director is a Residential Loan Officer at Freedom Mortgage. Ms. Meyer graduated with a BA in Business from the University of Colorado in Boulder. She has 18 years of experience in the mortgage industry in Hawaii having worked at Hawaii Community Lending, Bank of Hawaii, and HomeStreet Bank prior to her current position. She assists low- and moderate-income families across the state to access mainstream mortgage products for homeownership.

Anela Holt-Mizuguchi was born and raised in Hilo. She received her AS in Early Childhood Education in 2013 and used that to advance her career in the preschool setting with Kamehameha Preschool. She worked as a Teaching Assistant for seven years before taking a break to get her BA in English in 2022. She recently worked with ThirtyOne50 Management as an office clerk, where she was able to receive her HUD Certified Occupancy Specialist certificate. Her experience working closely with Native Hawaiian ‘ohana in the preschool, along with her new career path in housing management and resources, influenced her excitement and gratitude to be part of the HCA team.

Asha Nestico is a Community Services Specialist and Housing Counselor with Hawaiian Community Assets, where she provides financial education, housing guidance, and homeownership counseling to individuals and families across Oʻahu. With a background in investing and real estate, she has helped clients navigate the homebuying process as a licensed realtor, bringing valuable experience in housing markets and client support. 

An alumna of the University of Hawai‘i Maui College, Asha is currently pursuing a degree in psychology to expand her expertise in serving women, children, and families. She also draws on her training as a yoga teacher, health coach, and lomi lomi practitioner, integrating a holistic perspective into her professional approach. 

A proud mother of four and first-time grandmother, Asha is dedicated to empowering others to achieve stability and build strong foundations for future generations. 

Ashlee Agres was born on the island of O‘ahu and raised on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. She is a graduate of Waiakea High School. Ashlee has built a well-rounded career through roles in Banking, food service, secure logistics as well as construction. 

Her career experiences as a teller/ banking consultant, barista, money courier, and construction worker—each of which deepened her connection to the people of Hilo and sharpened her understanding of community needs. These roles not only strengthened her skills in communication, financial responsibility, and customer service, but also gave her a meaningful perspective on the diverse lives and stories within her hometown. Ashlee’s work has always been rooted in building trust and delivering with care, values that continue to guide her both personally and professionally. 

Ashleigh Loa was born and raised on Oʻahu, where she was nurtured by a community that instilled values such as compassion, kindness, and integrity from an early age. She remains committed to living out those values in her everyday work.

With a diverse background in the nonprofit sector, Ashleigh has gained invaluable experience, ranging from providing direct service as a housing specialist at a homeless shelter to leading as the executive director of an interfaith community organization focused on social justice issues and grassroots leadership development.

Ashleigh attributes her personal and professional growth and love for community to the mana wāhine of Wāhine Pōʻai, her 2022 Obama Foundation Leaders Asia-Pacific ʻohana, her many mentors, and the countless communities that taught her, challenged her, and uplifted her over the years.

Brandie Morales grew up in a multi-generational home in Waiʻanae, Oʻahu. After getting her Communications degree from UH Mānoa, Brandie has been working in the community providing care and support through various programs. She began working with fellow Native Hawaiians and Waiʻanae residents under Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, where she developed a greater passion to elevate the lāhui. Eventually, she transitioned to a Permanent Supportive Housing Program, followed by Partners in Care, before joining HCA. Brandie values how her work at HCA will help Hawaiians to thrive and to ultimately stay in Hawaiʻi.

Aloha mai kakou! ‘O Bree Maumausolo ko’u inoa, no Honolulu, Hawaii ma ka ahupua’a ‘o Ko’olaupoko mai au.

Bree is the youngest child out of three to her parents Lorianne Makalena and David Maumausolo. She has one sister and a brother who are 10 and 12 years older than her.

She is a proud mother and provider of two precious young children, daughter Jayzen (7) and son Breydan (4). Her hobbies include anything to do with DIY projects as well as arts and crafts. She enjoys dedicating her time, attention and love to the lord (first and foremost) and spending quality time with her children if not at home or church, then at the beach or park on the weekends.

In addition, she attended Hawaiian immersion school Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Anuenue in Palolo Valley from Papa Mala’o (kindergarten) through the end of Papa Eha (4th grade), from there she transferred to Aina Haina Elementary, moved on to Niu Valley Middle School, advanced to Kaiser High School for first two years and ended the rest of her schooling at Farrington High School where graduated high school and earned her diploma in May of 2011.

Her personal journey from sophomore year through part of junior year highly impacted her professional career in many ways, such as caring and fending for herself at such a very young age while living on the streets for 1 ½ years. During that time, she had very little to make it through the week on a full stomach, on most days she showered at the beach in cold water and slept in dark and cold places at night. Through it all she learned to be resourceful, self-sufficient, humble, appreciative and optimistic.

The path of her professional career has been paved for her since then… she knew that deep down in her heart she wanted to serve the community in every way she could while making a living at the same time. She’s worked for three different Community Health Centers island wide (Kokua Kalihi Valley, Waimanalo Health Center and Kalihi-Palama Health Center) and gained an enormous amount of experience and knowledge in many areas that deal with community health that can and has drastically improved the quality of life for people of Hawaii.

“As a client and now, new Employee of Hawaiian Community Assets, I can continue to give back to na keiki a me na kupuna of Hawaii nei whole heartedly by applying all that I know and experienced from a personal/and professional standpoint to fulfill HCA’s mission to build the capacity of low and moderate income communities to achieve and sustain economic self-sufficiency as well as teach and promote HCA’s philosophy of Kahua Waiwai.”

Camijei is a fourth-generation Hawaiian homesteader who continues to deepen her understanding of the reciprocal relationship between ʻāina and kanaka. She brings experience in Hawaiian library collections, Hawaiian medium education, and Hawaiian ancestry verification to her role here with HCA. She is dedicated to helping Hawaiʻi ‘ohana achieve stability and housing success, rooted in the understanding that the health of ʻāina and kanaka are inseparable.

Candace Shaw’s journey to Hawai‘i is rooted in a lifelong dedication to land stewardship, community resilience, and socio-economic justice. Raised on a multi-generational farm in rural Indiana, she grew up deeply connected to the land, hard work, and the responsibility of caring for both home and community.

She studied Political Science at Indiana University, where she explored the intersection of governance, advocacy, and justice. She launched her career in nonprofit service as a Volunteer Coordinator at the Bloomington Area Arts Council, gaining foundational experience in organizing, community engagement, and coalition-building. She went on to help found Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard a food pantry focused on equitable access to nutritious food, and to lead Valpo Reads A Book, a community-wide literacy initiative through the Porter County Community Foundation. She later served as Executive Director of the Valparaiso International Center, leading programs that celebrated cultural diversity, fostered cross-cultural understanding, and provided vital services to international residents and visitors.

Now a Community Services Specialist at Hawaiian Community Assets, Candace applies 30 years of experience spanning executive leadership in nonprofits, marketing and communications, real estate, and mortgage finance to support economic opportunity and housing access—particularly for Native Hawaiians and underserved communities.

Committed to housing education, tenant and homeowner protections, and sustainability, Candace remains engaged in community gardening and grassroots advocacy. Guided by a deep respect for Hawai‘i’s people and the ʻaina, she works to foster long-term solutions that uplift communities both now and for our seven generations.

Carlene was a former preschool teacher with the HeadStart Program. While working as a preschool teacher she recognized that parents are the most important advocates for their child’s education. To help parents and family members become advocates for their children, she moved to the INPEACE (Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture) Organization. There she became Parent Educator and a Community Advocate where she worked with parents teaching them skills they needed to become visible advocates for their children’s education, in their informal and formal education. 

She also worked as a Housing Intake Specialist at the Emergency Homeless Shelter, with Catholic Charities of Hawaii, and later became a Case Manager with the RURP Housing Stability Support Program where the focus was on working with families that were at high risk of becoming homeless. 

As a Native Hawaiian I am excited to be a member of the Hawaiian Community Assets looking forward to working with our Native Hawaiian community and extending that care to everyone that seek assistance from Hawaiian Community Assets. 

Damayanthi Fernando leads the execution of HCA programs statewide, aligning them with the agency’s strategic goals. She collaborates closely with HCA program managers and staff, providing support and guidance to help community members achieve their financial and housing goals.

Damayanthi has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for children and families. She began her work in health agencies serving families affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa. She then transitioned to immigrant and refugee resettlement programs, assisting children and families impacted by the Iraq wars and other regional conflicts worldwide.

After moving to Hawaii, Damayanthi served as Group Life Manager at Hawaii Job Corps-Maui, supporting youth and young adults from Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, including Palau, Pohnpei, the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Guam, and Kosrae.

Damayanthi holds a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA, and a master’s degree from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR.

Dana Penner was born and raised in Alaska and is one of five siblings. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage and has extensive professional experience with data production, project management and data management. Her prior background includes non-profit work serving youth and providing direct case management services to families. Most recently Dana was a Data Analyst at Maika’i Health in Hilo, a non-profit community clinic that works to address health inequities and provide access to healthcare for all.

Dana brings practical knowledge and experience with data management, as well as passion for equity and empowerment, to her role as Research and Data Management Director at Hawaiian Community Assets. She resides in Puna with her husband and two terriers, who enjoy going on walks. In her spare time, Dana also enjoys gardening and bike riding.

Danie-lyn, a proud fourth-generation Maui native, has a deep connection to the beautiful island where she was born and raised. With over 12 years of experience in affordable housing management and compliance, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that families have access to quality, affordable housing. Her deep roots in Maui and passion for her community are evident in her work and daily life.

Danie-lyn feels incredibly fortunate to raise her family on the island she holds so dear, continuing the legacy of her ancestors and contributing to the vibrant community she calls home.

Danielle Filiva’a has resided on the Kona side of Hawaii Island for ten years. She began her career at Konawaena Middle School as a tutor for English language learners. Transitioning into social work, she became a family homeless case manager, driven by the need for housing and resources for Native Hawaiians. This motivation led her to Hawaiian Community Assets, where she now provides essential financial and homebuyer counseling as a HUD-trained counselor.

As a proud mother of three young adults and five hanai children, all of whom are now young adults themselves, family remains at the heart of Danielle’s life. Over nine rugby seasons, her family has been deeply involved in the rugby community, witnessing not only her children’s growth in the sport but also its expansion within the local community.

Born and raised on Maui, Dionne Phillips has deep generational roots in Upcountry and Lahaina. She currently resides in Kula with her husband of 19 years, their 14-year-old son, and their one-year-old golden retriever. Dionne’s passion for real estate has led her to teach over 700 students and coach more than 100 top-producing agents, sharing her extensive knowledge and experience with aspiring professionals. In addition to her real estate endeavors, she serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the 2nd Judiciary, representing the interests of disadvantaged children in foster care and Child Protective Services. Dionne has also played a significant role in leading settlement negotiations for Native Hawaiian families impacted by renewable energy development. Outside of her professional commitments, she loves being a mom, traveling with her family, and baking for close friends.

Harli was born and raised on the island of Maui. Her tumultuous upbringing resulted in an overwhelming passion for people. She commits her life to the lord, her kane, and keiki. They are the driving force for everything she partakes in. In her free time, she loves to adventure with her ‘ohana. However, her education has been dedicated to helping others in need; especially other Native Hawaiians. She studied both at home here in Hawai’i at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo as well as in California at Woodland College. She then went on to study at UC Davis where she received her FEMA Emergency Management Certificate during the peak of the Northern California Wildfires in 2015. Her educational endeavors have focused on Human Services, Social Services, Hemodialysis, and Substance Abuse Counseling. Upon returning home from California last year she has focused on helping those affected by the wildfires. In the last year Harli has worked alongside Maui Food Bank, Common Ground Collective, Maui Emergency Food Task Force, Rotary Club, and is a member of The Hawai’i Oral Health Coalition. She is excited to enter HCA as the Disaster Recovery HUD Housing Counselor.

Heather Kaikuana was born and raised on the Big Island. She recently graduated from Hawaii Community College with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts in 2023. Heather is currently taking online courses with the University of Hawaii West Oahu campus to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology. Heather has over 11 years of experience in customer service, educating and assisting patients with their visual needs.

She is excited to start this journey with Hawaiian Community Assets as a Community Service Specialist. Heather intends to bring the skills she’s attained over the years, working with people one-on-one by helping the people of the community “achieve and sustain economic self-sufficiency.” Outside work, she has four beautiful, energetic children who constantly keep her on her toes. On the weekends, she spends time with her kids, whether watching them do their extracurricular activities or just hanging out with family. In Heather’s spare time, she loves to read and play volleyball.

Jessica Kaneakua (she/they/ʻo ia) is a Kanaka ʻŌiwi strategist and community-rooted leader. Grounded in ʻike Hawaiʻi and shaped by her lived experience as a formerly displaced Native Hawaiian in diaspora, Jessica leads with aloha and centers pilina, ensuring communities and ʻāina remain at the heart of systems-level decision-making. She is committed to meeting the needs of communities, particularly Indigenous and institutionally-excluded communities. She specializes in advancement, project management, community-engaged strategic planning, activism, community organizing, and more.

Jessica holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Macalester College, a Master of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peopleʻs Law through the University of Oklahoma. Jessica also prioritizes rest and joyful experiences with her ‘ohana and can be found with her keiki and kane enjoying the brackish waters of Hilo where they call home.

Kalynn Achuara serves as the Kauaʻi Program Manager for Hawaiian Community Assets, bringing a heart for service and a strong commitment to uplifting her community. She previously worked for Keoki’s Paradise, where she served in various managerial roles including beverage, service, and restaurant management. After serving a year as HR Manager with T S Restaurants, administering HR functions for both Keoki’s Paradise and Duke’s Canoe Club, Kalynn further discovered that what fulfilled her most was not the position itself, but the opportunity to live with purpose—listening to others, understanding their needs, and offering support and encouragement. She honed in on her passion for hearing others’ perspectives and providing guidance, an approach that continues to shape her work today. 

She later combined this passion with her business development experience at decision analysis partners, a technical consulting firm, to launch her own consulting business dedicated to supporting small businesses and strengthening local communities. “My business is rooted in faith and driven by Aloha.” Through this journey, Kalynn recognized that financial stability is one of the greatest barriers facing Hawaiʻi’s families—and she felt called to be a voice in breaking down those barriers. 

Guided by her faith and dedication to service, Kalynn is honored to support HCA’s mission to build the capacity of low- and moderate-income communities to achieve and sustain economic self-sufficiency, with a particular focus on Native Hawaiians. What encouraged her most to accept this position and move forward with this amazing opportunity was hearing Chelsie share in one of HCA’s videos: “any investment, there’s going to be a risk, but the risk to not try is definitely a more dangerous risk.” Inspired by these words, Kalynn reflects: “I am excited and grateful to serve alongside courageous leaders who share vision for a stronger, thriving Hawaiʻi.” 

Born and raised in Wailuku, Maui, Kawehi graduated from Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus and studied Public Health at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. As the oldest of 6 children Kawehi cherishes spending time with her family, especially her 6 nieces and nephews. In her free time, she loves serving in her church, tasting delicious foods from all around the world, learning about art, and reading.

Kawehi’s career path has allowed her to serve in other non-profit organizations where she worked with youth in substance abuse prevention programs, guided families in preparing their toddlers to be school ready, and helped foster parents navigate the ups and downs of caring for children within the foster care system. Through her experiences she has developed a firm belief that by helping others we can create thriving communities where all can benefit and lead fulfilling lives.

“As I start this new chapter at Hawaiian Community Assets I am excited to serve the Native Hawaiian community in helping individuals and families to achieve their goals of becoming more self-sufficient, especially in terms of housing in Maui County. I am grateful for this opportunity to grow and work with an organization and team who are passionate about the well-being and success of those from these islands.

Lara is one of eight children in a blended family from Oahu. She and her older sister were born on Guam, where their father was transferred by IBM to work on the military bases. What was supposed to be a one-year assignment turned into three years. Lara’s family moved back to Oahu before she was a year old, leaving her with no memories of Guam. She grew up in Kane’ohe and Hawai’i Kai and now lives in Kapahulu.

Lara has two daughters and six grandchildren. Her weekends are spent interacting with her grandchildren. The older ones enjoy playing ball or gaming, while the younger two like to play in the dirt and with their toys. She enjoys watching them grow. Her grandchildren also like to visit her mother’s condo to swim in the pool and play tennis. Due to the pandemic, they have stopped participating in group sports.

She graduated from Star of the Sea High School, which had its last graduating class as an all-girls school. In her 40s, she attended Kapi’olani Community College, earning Associate Degrees in Medical Assisting, Culinary Arts, and Culinary Arts in Institutional Food Service Management.

Lara worked for Liberty House during high school and later at a bank as a Teller, then at a credit union for 16 years. She started as a Teller, then worked as a New Accounts Specialist, Loan Specialist, Visa Specialist, and finally as a Loan Officer. She took time off to care for her family. While attending KCC, she worked in the Innovation Center and as a Storeroom Clerk. After several injuries, she was unable to work in a kitchen and later worked as an Escrow Assistant (DCPU), disbursing escrow files upon recordation.

“I hope to bring my knowledge of the financial industry and the escrow knowledge I have gained to Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawai’i Community Lending, along with the customer service skills I have developed over the years. Being able to relate to the people we serve is very important to me.”

I am born and raised on the island of Kaua’i. I recently just had my first child with my long-time partner and am now just returning to work after getting into my groove with motherhood! I am very family oriented, so on my free time I love to just hang out with my family and my dogs. My family has a lo’i farm on the west side of the island that they not only use to farm, but also has some kids who come out on field trips to learn. Sharing was always something that my family encouraged, whether it was knowledge, kindness, recipes, or food. In high school, I was a part of a lot of extra-curricular activities and service learning activities where I made lasting memories. With my experiences and family upbringing, I knew I wanted to do something that would help benefit my community and help others thrive.

Linnea is from a small town called Guerneville in northern California. As a kid she spent all her time outdoors, playing in the dirt, and building imaginary worlds alongside her two younger sisters, in a blissful, pre-internet childhood. Both of Linnea’s parents were born and raised in nearby Santa Rosa, and so she was lucky to grow up in a close orbit of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and extended family. After high school, Linnea went to Chapman University in Orange, CA to study Theater Performance. By senior year of college, the classes that had most captured her attention were “Intro to Women Playwrights” and “Post-Colonial Feminist Theory”. So, she decided to switch gears and enrolled in a graduate program in Gender Studies at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. Since graduating with her master’s degree in 2013, Linnea has worked for numerous nonprofit organizations while building her skillsets in grant writing and fundraising.   

As a grant writer, Linnea strives to incorporate asset-framing and the principles of community centric fundraising into her work, always with the goal to share skills, advance justice and equity, and to take a critical look at the practices in fundraising and philanthropy that have historically upheld inequality. She loves cooking, gardening, reading, spending time at the beach, being an auntie, hanging out with her neighbors, and learning about spiritual ecology and rematriation.  

Linnea lives on Hawaiʻi Island with her partner, in Kurtistown. She is excited to join the HCA ʻohana and contribute to movement for housing justice here in Hawaiʻi. 

My name is Mahealani Kua and I was born and raised on the Hawaiian homestead lands of Keaukaha in Hilo. I graduated from Hilo High School in June of 2000, then moved to Las Vegas where I worked as a Call Center Agent for 5 years. Following that job, I became an Administrative Assistant for one of Las Vegas’s largest electrical supply chains, where I was employed for almost 11 years. I moved back home to Hilo in 2016 with my husband and 3 children. I was a stay at home mom for almost 6 years here, and in the mean time obtained my medical assistant certification. I decided to re-enter the workforce when my youngest child turned 5 and became old enough to go to school. I recently worked at AlohaCare for the past two years as a Care Navigator working remotely, and I am currently in my second year as a part-time, online student at Southern New Hampshire University, studying to get my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Living away from Hawai’i taught me how important it is to give back to the village that raised me, and I developed a deep passion for helping our Native Hawaiian people. I have a deep sense of humility, pride, and gratitude for my roots and the core values that I was taught, it carried me throughout my life and I look forward to helping the people in our community achieve their goals.

Makana Reilly is a lineal descendant of West Kauaʻi, born, raised, and empowered by the beauty of Kahalaopuna, in Mānoa, Oʻahu. After completing a BFA from the University of Miami, her educational journey led her to a Masters in Hawaiian language at UH Mānoa. Fluent in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, a language instilled in her from birth by her mother, Makana resides on Kauaʻi with her ʻohana, where they share a profound connection to the realm of Kanaloa. She is a proud mother of two daughters who share her passion for ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, contributing to their collective commitment to preserving their language, worldview, and cultural practices.

Makanaʻs deep sense of kuleana to Hawaiʻi has shaped her professional journey, with over a decade of service on multiple non-profit boards and experience in both private and non-profit sectors, equipping her with a diverse skill set. Her dedication to community empowerment and commitment to pilina and kuleana inform her impactful role as Director of Advancement & Communications at Hawaiian Community Assets.

Melissa Kaapuni was born and raised on the Big Island, she has deep roots in the local community and is committed to serving the needs of individuals and families in Hawaii.
Her educational journey began at Pahoa Elementary and then to Hilo High School, where she received a solid foundation in education. Later, she pursued her passion for understanding humans big and small with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and then a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.  Her education and experience enable her to understand and meet the unique needs of individuals and families at different stages of life.

Family is everything to Melissa, and she spends her extra time with her loved ones. Her love for family drives her passion for uplifting and empowering families in Hawaii.

As a lifelong resident of Hawaii, she understands the challenges faced by local families, particularly the high cost of living and limited availability of affordable housing.  Her diverse background, passion for empowering individuals and families, and dedication to positively impacting the community make her a valuable asset to Hawaiian Community Assets and the families they serve

Monalei, who prefers to be called “Mona,” attended Palomar Community College in California, where she obtained two degrees: one in general studies of science with a mathematics emphasis and another in Dental Science. She enjoys creating one-of-a-kind baby quilts, paddling, and kayaking with her children, and connecting with nature—until the mosquitoes start bothering her, that is!

Some time ago, Mona crossed paths with a woman named Lehua. Lehua’s story of trials and tribulations on her journey toward homeownership, along with her unwavering belief, deeply inspired Mona. This encounter taught her that anything is possible if you want it badly enough. Ever since, Mona has aimed for the stars, always working towards her goals. She carries Lehua’s “breath of belief” as she assists clients in achieving financial freedom through financial education.

As an adaptable professional, Mona hopes to bring her passion for service, creative solutions, and dedication to the Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawai’i Community Lending. She aims to serve as a bridge of knowledge, giving kānaka a fighting chance toward homeownership and financial freedom.

Shantel or “Shan” holds an Associate’s Degree in the Arts from Windward Community College and is completing her senior year of a Bachelor’s in Psychology at Liberty University. After more than 10 years in the nursing field, her journey led her into housing and community work, where she discovered a field that has become deeply meaningful to her. What began as an unexpected transition has grown into a beloved opportunity that she feels blessed and honored to take on.

As the oldest of five children and a proud aunty to many wonderful little ones, she brings a deep sense of care and responsibility to her work. Born and raised on Oʻahu, and as a Native Hawaiian, Shantel has witnessed firsthand the challenges of remaining in the islands due to the rising cost of living and essential needs, as well as the heartache of seeing loved ones move away from their homeland. Her passion is to equip Native Hawaiian families with the resources and ʻike necessary to remain, return, and thrive here. Whether counseling clients one-on-one, facilitating group homebuyer education workshops, or being seen at community events sharing resources and knowledge, Shantel is dedicated to serving and uplifting our pae ʻāina.

Waiʻaleʻale “Liʻi” Sarsona was born and raised in Waimānalo, Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu and is now residing in Waikahekaheiki, Puna, Hawaiʻi. Liʻi is a proud graduate of Ke Kula o Samuel Mānaiakalani Kamakau, LPCS and now holds a Bachelors of Arts in Hawaiian Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is also a ʻūniki graduate of Ka Pā o Lonopūhā, Academy of Native Hawaiian Healing Traditions.

Liʻi has been an active community member since her teenage years and understands the importance of empowering indigenous voices. This commitment led her to a career in communications, where she focuses on digital storytelling and design for Native Hawaiian businesses and organizations. Liʻi believes her kuleana (responsibility) is to advocate for indigenous voices, ensuring they share their own stories on their own terms.

Wanda was born and grew up in Honolulu (Kona) moku of O’ahu, located on the southern side of the island in the ahupua’a of Kapalama. Her mother’s ‘ohana are from Manu’a American Samoa and Wainiha, Kaua’i. Her father’s ‘ohana are from hana, Maui and Kapa’a Kaua’i. She was educated in parochial schools since elementary, high school and college.

Her aspiration to pursue a Law Degree was deterred by the sudden death of her mother and her assumed responsibility to help her dad care and raise her young sister. She has two adult sons (Maka’ala and Salesi). The eldest son is a screen writer and the youngest son an entrepreneur and real estate investor.

She enjoys with her family, watching movies and series on Netflix, Hulu, Prime, Disney and AppleTV! Her family’s interest in financial literacy and growing generational wealth has become a priority in their lives.

She is intrigued with metaphysics and quantum mechanics and other world views, and what keeps life interesting for her is encountering a wealth of perspectives. She embraces and strives to live her Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures.

After colleges, her professional career path took her in the direction of social services working primarily for non profits, Victim/Witness Kokua Center at the Prosecuting Attorneys Office, ALULIKE Inc., Bishop Museum, Queen Liliu’okalani Children’s Center(LT) and most recent Papahana Kualoa.

Zara Naiʻa Nicholson, a certified public accountant (CPA), was born and raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. She graduated from Kealakehe High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. She went on to complete her master’s in accounting at the University of Hawaii at Manoa on Oʻahu. After finishing her studies, Zara returned to Kailua-Kona to be near her family and live in the place she considers home. She obtained her CPA license in 2019 and specializes in financial accounting for construction and development projects.

Zara is deeply passionate about waʻa paddling and community service. In 2009, she and her team won the state championship in outrigger canoe paddling. Since her teenage years, Zara and her family have hosted and managed safety for the Pure Light Paddling Team during the Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race. In 2024, she had the honor of competing in the race herself. Additionally, Zara has served on the board of the Nakoa Foundation, an organization dedicated to teaching keiki how to sail Hawaiian sailing canoes. In her personal time, she enjoys free diving, watching native birds, and playing guitar with her two younger brothers.