May 2024 Graduates

July 1, 2024

Congratulations on Misimatoka Unutoa and Bronson Kainoa Azama's graduation from UH Mānoa in May 2024! 🎓

Misimatoka Unutoa is from our inaugural class of 2020. Misi will be working at Camp Smith on Oahu, where he will be dedicated to serving at INDOPACOM. His commitment to empowering Pasifika communities led him to join the APIA Scholars Scholar Advisory Board, where he will advocate passionately for Pasifika representation and narratives in education.

Misi will be embarking on a journey to pursue his Masters in Higher Education at UH Manoa alongside his work at INDOPACOM. His experience in student affairs during undergrad inspired him to explore Pasifika narratives in STEM and advocate for curriculum changes that reflect our diverse perspectives.

As a Pasifika individual in engineering, he is driven to amplify the voices of Pasifika-STEM alumni and encourage more Pasifika youth to pursue STEM education. He believes in the power of storytelling to inspire and empower, and he aims to make a meaningful impact in bridging the gap in STEM education for our communities.

Hear what Misi has to say about Ho’omau Foundation, “The Hoʻomau Foundation is a dedicated organization supporting Pacific Islander students in higher education through scholarships and community-building initiatives. With their assistance, I was able to pursue and complete my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Beyond financial support, the foundation provided a platform to connect with fellow Pacific Islanders across the country, fostering a sense of community and shared identity. Under the inspiring leadership of Director JoNelle Sood and her wonderful staff, the foundation’s commitment to education and cultural solidarity continues to inspire and uplift countless students like me.” 

Kainoa Azama, a dedicated advocate for Hawaiian rights and social justice, graduated from UH Mānoa with a double major in Political Science and Hawaiian Studies - Kūkulu aupuni. His impactful journey includes serving on the Honolulu Youth Commission, interning with the Olohana Foundation, and coordinating volunteers at the Ko'olau Foundation and Hawai'i Rising Voices Changing Coasts Hawai'i Hub.  Through Fresh Tracks, as a trainer associated with the Native Youth Climate Adaptation and Leadership Congress (NYCALC), Kainoa gained further training and opportunities as a young kānaka maoli leader. This initiative provided him with the platform and skills necessary to speak at conferences alongside NYCALC, a program aimed at empowering young indigenous leaders to address environmental challenges, especially those related to climate change, within their communities. Recently appointed as PRiMO Indigenous Knowledge and Environment Co-Steerperson, Kainoa's commitment to community and advocacy shines through.

Throughout his academic career, Kainoa made history as ASUH Mānoa's first Kānaka Maoli male President in its 111-year history. He also chaired the University of Hawai'i Student Caucus and contributed to the Ka Lau O Ka Lāhui board, elevating student advocacy on Hawaiian Rights, History, and global social justice issues. With plans to attend law school, Kainoa aims to further support Native Hawaiian law and continue his unwavering dedication to his community and heritage.

We are filled with immense pride for Misi and Kainoa, as they represent two of the six Kamery Lee Jr. Recipients who have graduated from college, each making significant contributions in their communities. 

JoNelle Sood, Founder & President had this to say,  “I’m so proud of Misi and Kainoa.  They both work extremely hard and are dedicated to their families and their communities. I know they will continue to do great things and have a lasting impact on the world.