The deadline for applications is extended to June 6.
The ʻŌiwi Leaders Mentoring Program is a partnership program between
the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and People Strategies Hawaiʻi, bringing together emerging and seasoned Native Hawaiian leaders, executives, and community figures for mentoring, shared learning and growth with the goal to develop Native Hawaiian leaders and to build a pipeline of local talent for advanced leadership roles across our state.
Learning from the success of the ʻŌiwi Leadership Accelerator cohort program and the Project Ho‘omana small business program, we know
that one of the key critical factors
for growth and development is the opportunity to gain one-on-one mentorship, with meaningful, personalized guidance.
Mea Aloha Spady
Executive Director of the Kūpa’a Network
“Mentorship has shaped every stage of my growth—not just professionally, but in how I’ve found belonging in community. It’s not defined by age, title, or status. True mentorship is a reciprocal exchange of gifts and knowledge, a bridge that connects us across generations and experiences, guiding us toward a more inclusive and shared future.”
GROW IN
CONFIDENCE
GAIN VALUABLE CONNECTIONS
PREPARE
TO LEAD
-
Kehau Abad
VICE PRESIDENT
Uluhiwa Strategy and Experience, Kamehameha Schools
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George “Umi” Akana
PRESIDENT
Pono Petroleum &
Akana Brothers Construction -
Paula Akana
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Friends of ʻIolani Palace
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Ben Ancheta Jr.
PRESIDENT
Inkinen Executive Search
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Waiʻaleʻale Arroyo
VICE PRESIDENT
Kamehameha Schools' Hi'ialo Group
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Poni Askew
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC
& BUSINESS RESILIENCEOffice of Hawaiian Affairs
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Nalani Kaʻauwai Brun
DIRECTOR
County of Kauai-Office
of Economic Development -
Jo Kamae Byrne
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Conscious Business Leadership
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Jeanine DeFries
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Hawai'i Pacific Foundation
-
Richard Fernandez
RETIRED MILITARY
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Stacy Ferreira
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
-
Farrah-Marie Gomes
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT
for Student AffairsUniversity of Hawaiʻi
-
Neil Hannahs
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Hoʻokele Consulting
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Nicole Hokoana
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Maui Behavioral Health Resources
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Jalene Kanani
PRESIDENT & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Noho Home
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Micah Kane
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Hawai'i Community Foundation
(soon to be Parker Ranch) -
Cheryl Ka'uhane-Lupenui
PRESIDENT &
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERKohala Center
-
Jarrett Keohokalole
SENATOR
Hawaiʻi State Legislature
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Larissa Kick
VICE PRESIDENT
Community Grants and Initiatives, Hawai'i Community Foundation
-
Kenneth Makuakāne
KAHU
Music Producer, Writer, ArtistKawaiaha'o Church
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Monte McComber
CULTURAL DIRECTOR
Royal Hawaiian Center
The Festival Company -
Alapaki Nahale-a
ASSOCIATE
Islander Institute
-
Mahina Paishon
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Waiwai Collective
-
Lance Parker
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Alexander & Baldwin
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Lei Pedro
PUBLISHER & MARKET PRESIDENT
Pacific Business News
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Keani Rawlins-Fernandez
COUNCILPERSON
Maui County Council
-
Derek Sakaguchi
CHAIRMAN
Native Hawaiian Community Development Corp
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Stevette Santiago
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Chief Human Resources & Brand OfficerUHA Health
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Ray Soon
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Solutions Pacific
-
Rebecca Soon
CHIEF OPPERATING OFFICER
Solutions Pacific
-
Sunshine Topping
HAWAIʻI LEAD
Omidyar Group
-
Haʻaheo Zablan
GENERAL MANAGER
Kaimana Beach Hotel
“As we think about this special relationship, we reference the symbiotic relationship that the ʻiʻiwi bird and ʻōhiʻa lehua have. Both work to enhance each other. The ʻōhiʻa feeds the ʻiʻiwi, and the bird helps to pollinate as it gains nourishment from the nectar of the lehua.”
-ʻŌiwi Mentor
Ready to answer the kāhea? Fill out and submit the application below and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!
Application is now closed.
FAQs
(Updated May 2025)
PROGRAM STRUCTURE & EXPECTATIONS
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The program aims to develop Native Hawaiian leaders by connecting emerging professionals with seasoned Native Hawaiian mentors. Through one-on-one, personalized mentorship, the goal is to empower participants, deepen the community leadership pipeline, and foster mutual learning grounded in cultural values and pilina.
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Success will be reflected in mentees' increased confidence, connectedness, and readiness to lead, and in the strength of the mentor-mentee pilina. Meaningful progress is seen when both parties feel empowered and leave the program with new skills, insights, and strengthened leadership identity.
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Yes. Mentors and mentees are expected to meet monthly (July–December) and attend the kickoff and closing events. Mentees are encouraged to set their own goals and take initiative.
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There is no fixed curriculum. However, pairs will receive monthly themes, conversation prompts, and suggested goals to guide reflective and values-based discussions.
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Please contact the program coordinator. The team is available to help facilitate, and, if needed, consider reassignment to ensure a fulfilling experience for all involved.
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Yes. While there is no formal evaluation, regular reflection is encouraged, and the program team will offer support and optional check-ins throughout the mentorship journey.
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No formal reports are required. However, feedback may be collected to support continuous program improvement.
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The $500 fee supports the overall operations and delivery of the ʻŌiwi Leaders Mentorship Program. Specifically, it covers:
Program coordination and administrative support
A one-year membership to the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce
A makana (gift) for mentors to honor their pro-bono time and leadership
The kickoff breakfast event on June 26 at the Oʻahu Country Club
MENTOR RESPONSIBILITIES & BOUNDARIES
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Mentors are expected to be consistent, present, and open. This includes listening actively, sharing experiences, encouraging growth, and offering access to opportunities where appropriate.
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Around 1 hour per month for meetings, plus time for preparation or follow-up as needed.
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Not required—but if comfortable, mentors may offer access through professional introductions, event invitations, or shared resources, depending on the context and relationship.
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Communicate clearly and kindly. If needed, consult the program coordinator for guidance. Boundaries are healthy and necessary for a balanced relationship.
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While we encourage mentorship pairs to commit through December, we understand unexpected circumstances may arise. If a relationship must end early, we will work with both parties to ensure the mentee feels supported and receives value from their experience.
WORKING WITH MENTEES
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Mentees apply and participate in an interview. Matching is based on shared interests, values, and goals. Mentors complete a registration form that outlines their vision for the mentorship and strengths, helping us create thoughtful pairings.
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Mentees are early- to mid-career Native Hawaiian professionals who are committed to personal, professional, and community growth.
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Yes. You’ll receive a pairing packet with your mentee’s background and relevant details to help start your first conversation with intention.
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First, try reaching out directly. If the situation continues, contact the program coordinator so we can step in and provide support or guidance.
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Practice deep listening. Use open-ended questions to explore their values, strengths, and aspirations. Co-create short-term goals and reflect together on progress.
SUPPORT FROM NHCC & PEOPLE STRATEGIES
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Your main point of contact is Kaelin Tancayo-Spielvogel. You can reach the team at: 📧 mentorship@peoplestrategieshawaii.com
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Yes. The program includes optional check-ins, resources, and opportunities for community learning and engagement.
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Yes. The kickoff and closing events are covered by the program, and stipends are available for neighbor island travel, if applicable.
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While names are kept confidential, past mentors and mentees have reported career growth, expanded networks, and long-term relationships resulting from their experience.
LOGISTICS & COMMUNICATION
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In-person meetings are encouraged to build authentic pilina and connection. However, we understand scheduling realities—virtual meetings are acceptable as long as both mentor and mentee agree.
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We recommend using whatever works best for both parties. Options like email, phone, text, Calendly, Google Meets, Zoom, or shared calendars are all perfectly fine. Please note that the program does not provide individual Calendly or Zoom subscriptions.
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Yes. There will be an in-person kickoff on June 26 at the Oʻahu Country Club. If you’re unable to attend, please notify the program coordinator so we can help facilitate introductions and next steps.
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Yes. Begin with personal introductions, share your stories and values, and set shared expectations. Conversation guides and prompts will be provided to support this process.