Omidyar Fellows Hawaii

The Rockefeller Foundation announced today a $1 million grant to Elemental Excelerator, a leading nonprofit investor in climate technology for deep community impact. Together, The Rockefeller Foundation and Elemental will help fill both the financing and knowledge gap for entrepreneurs bringing critical decarbonization technologies from demonstration to commercial scale in frontline communities in the U.S.

“Elemental innovates at the edge of the market, deploying new financial products and services to de-risk technology,” said Dawn Lippert, Omidyar Fellow and Elemental Excelerator Founder & CEO. “This collaboration with The Rockefeller Foundation will enable us to fund more projects that reduce emissions and prioritize benefits for low-wealth, rural and energy transition communities.”

Elemental Excelerator and The Rockefeller Foundation Announce New Collaboration To Bring Climate Technologies to Underserved Communities Across the U.S. Elemental to catalyze climate solutions in frontline communities with $1M from The Rockefeller Foundation SAN FRANCISCO, CA | October 25, 2023 ― The

Amanda Corby Noguchi, who co-founded the Hawaii-based nonprofit Chef Hui, can cite countless examples of hospitality industry workers helping with recovery efforts in Maui following the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.

In mid-August, Corby Noguchi, her chef husband and Omidyar Fellow Mark Noguchi and an army of locals in Hawai‘i descended on the state’s second largest island after a fast-moving fire ripped through the town of Lahaina.

H-Town's Southern Smoke nonprofit helps hospitality workers devastated by West Maui wildfire Houston's Southern Smoke Foundation replenished its emergency relief funds following...

As deconstruction projects go, the one Re-use Hawai‘i did at Roosevelt High has to be one of the coolest ever for the non-profit that specializes in salvage.

It removed and saved the bleacher boards from Roosevelt’s gymnasium.

“The architect actually approached us and noticed that the bleacher boards were in great condition. They didn’t have a use for them in the new construction,” said Re-use Hawai‘i’s Executive Director and Omidyar Fellow Quinn Vittum.

“We came on as sub-contractor and salvaged all the bleacher boards and recycled all the framing that they were on.”

‘The stories live on’: Nonprofit ensures high school’s old bleachers get a second life The Roosevelt bleachers had a long life in the gym — and now they’re born again.

To help those who are food insecure, the Hawai‘i Foodbank has started an initiative called Farm to Foodbank, a plan to get healthier food to more people.

“Produce is really expensive, right? We all see that and for folks who are food insecure your food budget already takes up a much larger percentage,” said Amy Miller Marvin, Omidyar Fellow and President & CEO of the Hawai‘i Foodbank. “What we've been doing increase the amount of nutritious food. We want to be the healthy alternative for folks.”

Hawaii Food Bank Providing More Produce To Clients Hawaii Food Bank working to provide healthier food - especially produce - to clients.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business hosted its 30th annual Hall of Honor Awards on October 26, at the Sheraton Waikīkī. The evening celebrated the outstanding achievements of five distinguished alumni and raised more than $370,000 in support of Shidler college. These funds support the Shidler College of Business Advancement Fund, furthering its mission to bolster student programs, scholarships, faculty research, alumni outreach and special programs.

More than $370K raised to support Shidler college at 2023 Hall of Honor Awards | University of Hawaiʻi System News These funds support the Shidler College of Business Advancement Fund.

The HPM Foundation, the philanthropic arm of HPM Building Supply, has made a five-year pledge totaling $100,000 to the University of Hawai‘i Foundation to provide scholarships for students enrolled at UH campuses statewide, it was announced this week.

“Higher education is a catalyst that helps individuals to achieve their highest potential,” Jason Fujimoto, president, CEO and fifth-generation leader of HPM Building Supply, said in a statement. “For the last 50 years, the HPM Foundation has awarded scholarships to students on Hawai‘i Island, where HPM has roots stretching back more than a century. Now, as a company that has been fortunate to grow across all Islands, we are excited to support college students statewide in partnership with the UH Foundation through a new scholarship in honor of my grandfather, Bobby Fujimoto, and an expansion of our Building Future Builders scholarship for carpentry program students.”

HPM Foundation pledges $100K in scholarships for UH students statewide - Pacific Business News The HPM Foundation has made a five-year pledge totaling $100,000 to the University of Hawaii Foundation.

“Kupu is excited to partner with our friends at HILT and provide paid positions doing critical conservation work on Maui,” said Kupu CEO and co-founder and Omidyar Fellow John Leong. “In addition to the temporary relief this provides, we hope these opportunities lead to lasting positive change for ‘aina and those who choose to make conservation their calling.”

Nonprofit gets $1M to create jobs for residents impacted by fires The nonprofit Hawai‘i Land Trust has received a $1.1 million grant from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund to create temporary jobs for 48 Maui residents affected by the recent wildfires. Maui residents can now apply for six-month positions, with work beginning Dec. 4, to enga...

Elemental Excelerator, a leading nonprofit investor in climate technology for deep community impact, introduced its latest cohort, bringing its total amount of investments to $79M. With this latest cohort, Elemental is infusing another $12.5M into climate solutions and will spearhead the development of 15 transformative technologies crucial for heating and cooling homes, reimagining critical resource extraction, advancing carbon removal and transforming the food system. These 15 climate companies will join an existing portfolio of more than 150 investments.

Maui Nui Venison named to 12th cohort of Elemental Excelerator | Maui Now Maui Nui Venison was one of the 15 companies selected for the latest cohort. The company seeks to simultaneously alleviate the damaging impact invasive deer have on Hawaiʻi’s vulnerable ecosystems while unlocking a healthy, local food resource.

Omidyar Fellow Ann Teranishi has worked in myriad roles during her 16 years at American Savings Bank, culminating in her appointment as company president and CEO in 2021.

“I really had the opportunity to learn the company sort of inside and out, which I think was great preparation for the role,” Teranishi says.

Hawai‘i’s Women of Influence - Hawaii Business Magazine 10 wāhine who have stepped up to lead, from corporate executives to organizers of grassroots relief efforts on Maui.

Nine Hawai‘i organizations have received federal grants for projects that aim to increase access to green spaces. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Urban and Community Forestry Program awarded more than $42 million to local projects last month, as part of a national initiative.

Environmental education nonprofit Kupu has received the largest grant amount in the state — $20 million — for a project called MALU, or Meaningful Arboriculture to Limit Vulnerability in Urban and Community areas, which aims to increase green space while providing workforce development opportunities. In a statement announcing the funding, representatives of Kupu explained that the project “will provide funding, technical assistance and support to multiple local organizations working to increase tree cover in disadvantaged areas.”

Nine local organizations receive federal funding for projects to expand green space More than $42 million will be provided to nine Hawaii organizations. Kupu has received the largest grant amount of $20 million.

Congratulatons to Omidyar Fellow Stephany Vaioleti on being named president of Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital on Hawai‘i Island!

Queen’s Health System appoints new president of Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital | Big Island Now Stephany Vaioleti will join Queen’s senior leadership team in overseeing day-to-day operations at Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital.

Hawai‘i Leadership Forum is hiring an Office & Administrative Associate to manage our meeting spaces and provide administrative support for our activities, including the Omidyar Fellows program. Apply now:

Office & Administrative Associate - Hawaii Leadership Forum - Career Page Apply to Office & Administrative Associate at Hawaii Leadership Forum in Honolulu, HI.

Omidyar Fellow and Farm Link Hawaiʻi CEO Claire Sullivan grew up with strong values around food. She was taught to appreciate the many resources it takes—from land and water, to the people that grow, produce, and prepare food—to get it from farms, to stores, and finally, to your plate. Read more about her radical work.

A Crucial 'Link' Between Local Food Producers and Families | Omidyar Fellows Omidyar Fellow Claire Sullivan grew up with strong values around food. She was taught to appreciate the many resources it takes to get it from farms, to stores, and finally, to your plate. Today, Claire is CEO of Farm Link Hawai‘i, and for more than twenty years, she’s found fresh, innovative wa...

Chef Hui, led by co-founders Amanda Noguchi and Omidyar Fellow Mark Noguchi believe in the incredible strength of uniting in the wake of adversity. The recent fires in Maui have left our communities and local businesses in need of support, and after standing up several successful programs during the pandemic, Chef Hui is honored to stand beside the people and businesses of Maui through four core programs.

Chef Hui Supports Maui Relief Efforts | Omidyar Fellows Chef Hui, led by co-founders Amanda Noguchi and Omidyar Fellow Mark Noguchi believe in the incredible strength of uniting in the wake of adversity.

Jan Boivin, Omidyar Fellow and board member of the Hawaiʻi State Bar Foundation, shares an update on legal efforts for the Maui community.

Hawai‘i State Bar Foundation Provides Legal Services on Maui | Omidyar Fellows Jan Boivin, Omidyar Fellow and board member of the Hawaiʻi State Bar Foundation, shares an update on legal services relief efforts efforts for the Maui community.

“Kupu is excited to partner with DLNR and embark on this journey to engage local communities, protect Hawai’i’s natural and cultural treasures, and nurture a new generation of environmental stewards,” said Kawika Riley, Kupu vice president of external affairs and Omidyar Fellow.

Applicants sought for Nā Manu ʻElele Steward Program HONOLULU — Kupu, Hawaiʻi’s largest youth-focused conservation and sustainability nonprofit, is proud to announce its partnership with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) launching Nā Manu ʻElele Steward Program. The program will employ 24 individuals to steward sensitive...

Hawai‘i Leadership Forum is seeking an Office & Administrative Associate to manage our meeting spaces and provide administrative support for our activities, including the Omidyar Fellows program.

View the job description and apply today: https://hawaiileadershipforum.applytojob.com/apply/ROKtDSKi91/Office-Administrative-Associate?source=Facebook.

Pacific Business News is excited to announce the honorees for the Most Admired Leaders awards which include Omidyar Fellows, Sulma Gandhi, John Leong, Rich Matsuda, and Sherry Menor-McNamara.

Formerly known as the Business Leadership Hawai‘i awards, Most Admired Leaders recognizes exceptional executives who have made significant contributions in their companies and their communities. This year’s 27 honorees span a range of industries from nonprofits and education to health care and real estate.

PBN announces 2023 Most Admired Leaders - Pacific Business News The Most Admired Leaders awards recognize exceptional executives who have made significant contributions in their companies and their communities.

We Need to Feed People — Thousands of People
Weeks after the Maui fires, Hawaiʻi chefs continue to cook for displaced people while trying to keep their own restaurants afloat.

Weeks After the Maui Fires, Chefs Continue to Feed Thousands Following one of the most devastating fires in U.S. history, chefs came together to cook for displaced people while trying to keep their own restaurants afloat.

The Hawai’i Tourism Authority Board of Directors on Thursday approved $2.6 million to launch the Maui Marketing Recovery Plan, which will focus on a new Malama Maui campaign and rebuilding travel demand from the U.S. market to Maui after the devastating Aug. 8 wildfires.

“We extend our deepest aloha to the Lahaina and Kula communities and stand alongside the people of Maui during this difficult time,” HTA Board Vice Chair and Omidyar Fellow Mahina Paishon-Duarte said in a news release Thursday.

HTA approves $2.6 million for tourism recovery to accessible areas of Maui The Maui News The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Board of Directors on Thursday approved $2.6 million to launch the Maui Marketing Recovery Plan, which will focus on a new Malama Maui campaign and rebuilding travel demand from the U.S. market to Maui after the devastating Aug. 8 wildfires. “We extend...

Omidyar Fellow Dr. Elizabeth Ignacio is breaking barriers. She is proud to be a woman orthopedic surgeon, since 94% of the world’s orthopedists are male, and throughout her career, she has had the privilege of taking care of world-renowned professional athletes, medaled Olympians and Paralympians, world and national champions, and NCAA Division 1 athletes.

The ‘Iolani and Georgetown University graduate is also a Mindset and Well-Being Coach, believing that the pinnacle of healthcare is the idea of Cura Personalis – care for the whole person, in mind, body and spirit.

Episode 174: Only 6% of the world’s orthopedic surgeons are women. Hear from one of them Dr. Elizabeth Ignacio is breaking barriers.

It’s a confusing time to be a visitor with travel plans to Maui.

To shed more light on the topic, and to help travelers make the right call through these tragic times, Kevin and Cat arejoined by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s chief brand officer and Omidyar Fellow Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā to discuss this sensitive topic.

Have Aloha Will Travel EP117: How to Travel to Maui - Hawaii Magazine It's a confusing time to be a visitor with travel plans to Maui. The discourse on social media has made it even more confusing too, with influencers and

Alaska Airlines has promoted Omidyar Fellow Daniel Chun to regional vice president Hawai‘i — a move that the airline says underscores its commitment to long-term growth and community relations in the state.

Chun’s new role makes him the senior executive in Hawai‘i for Alaska Airlines, which started service here in 2007 and now operates the most flights between Hawai‘i and the West Coast.

“Alaska Airlines is proud and humbled to have served Hawai‘i for over 15 years, and Daniel’s leadership has helped us to do so in a way that reflects our values, including our emphasis on care and stewardship,” CEO Ben Minicucci said in a news release today announcing the promotion.

Alaska Airlines promotes Daniel Chun to regional vice president for Hawaii Alaska Airlines has promoted Daniel Chun to regional vice president Hawaii — a move that the airline says underscores its commitment to long-term growth and community relations in the state.

“My hope is that this tool gives families a way to talk to their children about the fire,” Honolulu Community College early childhood assistant professor Elizabeth “Liz” Hartline said. “Everyone needs a story, and finding a story that describes your experience is a first step when we’ve gone through trauma to start healing.”

Short story helps keiki deal with trauma from fires | University of Hawaiʻi System News Honolulu CC’s Liz Hartline wrote There was a fire: A story for young children on Maui to help children and their caregivers.

Omidyar Fellow and Hawaii Foodbank CEO Amy Miller Marvin talks about their annual food drive at hawaiinewsnow.com.

With Maui on the mind, Hawaii Foodbank gears up for its annual food drive Ahead of this year's annual food drive, Hawaii Foodbank CEO Amy Miller Marvin discusses the pivot to support Maui.

CEO and President of Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i and Omidyar Fellow, Sherry Menor-McNamara, tells KITV4 about the efforts.

The Hawaii Chamber of Commerce is raising funds to help businesses impacted by the Maui wildfires CEO and President of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce, Sherry Menor-McNamara, tells KITV4 about the efforts.