Recipients
Ho'omau Foundation's scholarship program supports Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) attending college and are active in the NHPI community, through mentorship and networking opportunities. Through our support for both academic success and the perpetuation of culture, we will help recipients succeed in their endeavors while maintaining and growing their cultural ties and identity. We aim to support their transition to college, nurture their cultural identity, and ensure they, along with more NHPIs, have opportunities and representation in prestigious fields.
We are excited to announce that we are awarding eleven scholarships for the school year 2024-2025! We are renewing scholarships for five returning students and awarding six to new recipients. In total, we've awarded forty-five scholarships in five academic years.
Our Recipients are receiving the Kamery Lee Jr. Scholarship for demonstrating dedication to perpetuate the NHPI culture, entrepreneurship, perseverance, and aloha.
Koa Chang
Koa is a Sophomore at Stanford University majoring in Computer Science. Originally from Honolulu, Koa has been a passionate advocate for STEM education and a dedicated mentor. His mission is to democratize access to education and resources.
In high school, Koa launched an open-source tutoring website called WorksheetWizz that provides free, downloadable worksheets, enabling students with internet access to learn independently. These resources, which complement his tutoring sessions, are available to anyone who needs them.
Koa is also the creator of Kumubot, an innovative tool designed to address gaps in cultural and linguistic education. It hosts many AI tools that embrace the Hawaiian language and culture. KumuBot has been used by students and faculty at Kamehameha Schools in Hawai’i, demonstrating its impact and effectiveness.
With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Koa is committed to bridging the educational resource gap for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. His efforts are paving the way for a more equitable future in education.
Tehani Kekuawela
Tehani is from the Island of Hawai’i and will be starting her Freshman year at Chapman University in Orange County, where she will major in Theater Performance. Driven by a deep passion for her Native Hawaiian heritage, Tehani aims to bring her culture to the screen, fostering education, pride, and appreciation for its rich traditions.
Tehani's dedication to her craft is evident through her impressive achievements. She has competed in the Merrie Monarch Festival, a prestigious competition celebrating Hawaiian culture and hula, often referred to as the "Olympics of Hula." Her performances reflect a commitment to excellence and a profound connection to her heritage.
Additionally, Tehani showcased her talent on an international stage, performing in the Hawaiian Rock Opera Pai’ea in Scotland, which blends historical narratives with modern interpretations.
In high school, Tehani founded the ‘Āina (land) Keiki (children) Club, a community initiative connecting children with the 'āina to promote environmental sustainability and well-being.
Tehani approaches all her endeavors with unwavering dedication and a desire to honor and elevate her culture.
Jada Lee
Jada is a sophomore majoring in Society and Environment at the University of California, Berkeley. Originally from the island of Oʻahu, Jada is committed to advancing equitable education and affordable housing for Native Hawaiians. She aspires to take on a leadership role in a nonprofit organization after graduation.
At Berkeley, Jada, along with three fellow students, helped redesign an elective course focused on Native Hawaiian curriculum. This course emphasizes Moʻolelo (stories), Hawaiian culture, and language, aiming to bridge the gap for Native Hawaiians who grew up outside the islands and may have limited exposure to their heritage.
In addition to her academic work, Jada has developed NativeDiscover.com, a comprehensive database of native plants and animals. This resource supports her teaching efforts both at the university and at a local elementary summer camp back on Oʻahu.
Jada’s initiatives reflect her dedication to preserving and sharing her cultural heritage while addressing broader social issues.
Ilihia Pohano
Ilihia will be attending University of Hawai’i - West Oahu, Hawai’i, where she will pursue a Bachelors in Creative Media. Already immersed in her dream career, Ilihia is currently an intern at ‘Oiwi TV and has directed productions for ‘Olelo Communication Media. Her films celebrate Native Hawaiian culture, and she is dedicated to bringing these stories to the big screen to amplify Native Hawaiian pride.
Beyond her film work, Ilihia is an accomplished paddler and a key member of her paddling club, where she earned 2nd place in the State Competition for her skills.
Ilihia is passionate about storytelling and deeply values the traditions and community spirit of aloha. She is committed to sharing and preserving these traditions while respecting and showcasing the rich heritage of her people.
Kawika Naweli
Kawika is a sophomore studying Computer Science at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. He is passionate about leveraging technology to advance environmental conservation and address socio-economic disparities within Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Kawika envisions using tech as a catalyst for positive change, aspiring to establish Hawaii as a thriving tech hub where locals can live, work, and flourish in their own communities.
In addition to his studies, Kawika actively works to connect tech professionals with his community. His innovative spirit is evident in projects like the Hawaiian Wordle, which combines the richness of the Hawaiian language with modern gaming and technology. Through these efforts, Kawika aims to bridge cultural heritage with cutting-edge advancements, fostering both technological and cultural growth in Hawaii.
Christina Young
Christina is a PhD student in the Nutritional Sciences program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Originally from the Bay Area, she relocated to O’ahu to be closer to her extended family and immerse herself in her culture during her college education. Christina’s PhD research focuses on exploring how the pae ʻāina (Hawaiʻi archipelago) can become a puʻuhonua (safe haven) for hānai waiū (breastfeeding) practices of Kānaka ʻŌiwi wāhine (women). After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in education and efforts toward dietary choices and health outcomes for indigenous peoples, emphasizing integrating traditional practices and foods with modern nutrition guidelines.
With a background that includes being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Lactation Counselor, Christina has experience and expertise in her field. Her commitment to her community is evident through her volunteer involvement in a community-based organization dedicated to growing staple foods for local food security. Additionally, Christina contributes to policy and nutrition development for a local nonprofit in Native Hawaiian health.
Christina’s dedication to blending cultural traditions and practices with modern nutrition recommendations makes her a valuable asset to the lāhui (Native Hawaiian community) and an advocate for holistic health solutions.
Returning Recipients
Hoʻohila Kawelo
Ho’ohila is a senior at Cornell University, where she majors in Environment and Sustainability with a concentration in Land, Air, and Water Resources, and minors in American Indian and Indigenous Studies. Her academic focus equips her with a broad understanding of ecological principles, preparing her to address environmental challenges on a global scale, particularly in Hawai’i.
Ho’ohila is dedicated to countering environmental degradation by fostering a sustainable relationship between humans and nature. Her commitment to this cause was further strengthened during a semester abroad in Ecuador, where she engaged in marine ecology coursework both in Quito and the Galápagos Islands. This international experience underscored the global significance of her focus on sustainability.
With a deep understanding of both local and global environmental issues, Ho’ohila is poised to make a meaningful impact in creating sustainable solutions for the future.
Carly Rose Raquino
Carly is embarking on her sophomore year in the Nursing Program at the University of Hawaii, Mānoa, where she was directly admitted as a Freshman. Balancing a demanding schedule, Carly is committed to integrating ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language) and traditional Native Hawaiian healing practices into contemporary healthcare. With a biliteracy certificate in Hawaiian, she is passionate about revitalizing and normalizing Hawaiian cultural practices within Hawaiʻi. Carly aspires to focus on homelessness in her career, aiming to advocate for marginalized individuals and address health disparities affecting underserved communities. Through her work, Carly is dedicated to advancing the healing and empowerment of the people of Hawai’i.
Mahina Silva
Mahina, originally from O’ahu, is entering her junior year at Menlo College in California, where she is majoring in Finance with a concentration in Accounting. Fluent in Hawaiian, Mahina is dedicated to blending her cultural heritage with her financial expertise to support organizations that serve Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. She has already made a tangible impact by providing financial advice to friends and family, feeling empowered by the knowledge she has gained. While she acknowledges there is more to learn, she is excited about the positive effects her education is having on her community. Beyond her studies, Mahina is a committed member of the Menlo College volleyball team, competing in the GSAC conference.
Alex Ueoka
Alex is about to enter her senior year at Columbia University in New York City, where she is pursuing a degree in Neuroscience and Behavior with a special concentration in Public Health on the pre-medical track. Passionate about mentoring and teaching, Alex finds great fulfillment in working with children through her roles in her hula hālau and various volunteer organizations, helping them achieve their full potential. Her aspiration is to become a physician and return to Hawai'i to serve her community, utilizing the knowledge and skills she is developing. At Columbia, Alex actively shares her love for hula, Native Hawaiian culture, and Hawai'i as a leader in Mālama Hawai'i, the university's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander club. She also enjoys mentoring students from Hawaii, aiding their transition to life in New York City and at the university.
Ariell Siliado
Ariell is a junior at the University of Hawaii, Hilo, majoring in Biology. While her long-term goal is to become an OBGYN, she is currently exploring a path in education due to her busy schedule working at a pharmacy. Inspired by the profound impact teachers have had on her own life, Ariell aspires to bring that same level of confidence and education to students in her home state of Kaua’i. On campus, she is an active member of the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander club and is committed to deepening her connection with hula.