About Us

JoNelle Sood is Native Hawaiian, born and raised in the Bay Area. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA. JoNelle has over 20 years of corporate experience in Human Resources as a Talent Acquisition expert. She developed and managed global recruiting teams, designed and implemented HR systems, and implemented strategic programs, including University Programs and Contingent Workforce programs.

JoNelle is the second person in her family to attend and graduate college, an opportunity which she feels is a great privilege. Higher education was not a common practice nor considered a necessity in her family until her older brother advised her to attend. She saw firsthand that a degree opened doors and created possibilities for her to work in the high tech industry, opportunities which she would not have had otherwise. 

Throughout her career, she did not see a big presence of Hawaiian Natives or Polynesians in the workplace. JoNelle's long-term goal is to provide a means for Polynesians to attain higher education and to support active members in the Pacific Islander community to further sustain the culture and sense of pride.

Noelani DeVincent, a native Hawaiian, was born, raised and currently resides in Wahiawa, Hawaii on the island of O'ahu.  She had the privilege and honor to graduate from Kamehameha Schools Kapalama and attend Leeward Community College.  

Noelani is an active member in the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and practices. She is an avid hula dancer and the founder and Kumu Hula of Na Papa Hula o Noelani, a hula halau.  For the past 12 years, Noelani has worked as a Hawaiian Studies Kumu (teacher) in the Hawai'i Department of Education Kumu/Kupuna program at elementary schools in the Central O'ahu district. She is the current Pelekikena (President) of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawa (HCCW), which she has been a member of for 12 years. The purpose of the HCCW is to protect and maintain Kukaniloko, which is one of the most significant sites of Hawai'i and a wahi kapu (sacred site).  

She is the mother of two sons, whom she tries to keep connected to their kuleana (responsibility) for Aloha 'Aina. Noelani embraces and tries her best to perpetuate and preserve Hawaiian culture, which she loves so much. Her life is encircled with practices and teachings of her beloved Hawaiian culture and other indigenous studies and practices near and far. She is excited to be a part of Ho'omau Foundation, and all that this non-profit will do for our fellow Pacific Islander community.

Shane Kutaka was born and raised in Honolulu, HI, and resides in the Bay Area however, he spends a lot of time going back home each month.  He’s a proud graduate of Punahou and the University of Denver with a BS, in International Business where he learned how to snowboard.  Shane knows firsthand the challenges of living so far away from home and experiencing new weather conditions and longing for home.  Shane currently works for Cisco Systems on the Merger & Acquisition Team as an Engineering Integration Project Manager. 

Shane has a love for surfing, snowboarding, golfing, and being a soccer player. You can find him out on the “field” every chance he gets.   Shane has always thought about being a mentor or giving back to his community. He’s had some great mentors and influencers in his life, through college, and in his professional career, and would like to pay it forward.  He knows the guidance and the relationships he built have left a lasting impression on him and he’d like to be able to do the same for others.

Aaron is Native Hawaiian, born and raised in California. He is a versatile marketing and communications professional with proven experience in creating and managing programs that help accelerate growth. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with a Bachelor of Arts in English. His career started as a copy editor with one of Hawai‘i's most well-known business publications.Today, he plays a pivotal role in shaping global corporate communications strategies—overseeing programs such as owned media relations, organic social media, employee advocacy, and awards. 

As a second-generation college student, the advice from his parents to pursue higher education was instilled from an early age. However, when the time came, the greatest hurdle emerged: navigating the challenge of financing his education. Faced with the prospect of taking out loans for his first year, he diligently applied for numerous scholarships. Fortunately, he emerged as a recipient of the APIASF Wells Fargo Foundation Scholarship, amounting to $2,500. This firsthand experience highlighted the profound impact of scholarship programs and served as a significant aid in alleviating his financial burden.

Aaron decided to join us in our mission to make education accessible for all! 

Ari is a creative, visionary event planner with a passion for designing unique and inspiring experiences for large company events. She has a unique perspective, and dedication to creating truly amazing events always shines through. Ari is an avid traveler and has landed on the island of O'ahu.

Her love for the beautiful Hawaiian culture, traditions and its people is evident in her work, making every event a spectacular showcase of the vibrant and diverse world we live in. 

With a keen sense of business and a plethora of growth ideas for companies, Ari is a game changer. She is not just an event planner, but a connector of people, a storyteller, and a dreamer who knows how to make magic happen.