Cohort 2

Cohort 2 completed its on-island programming in early February 2022. Fifty fellows in Hawai‘i and across the country were selected to participate in the month-long program centered on cultural education and community contributions through group volunteer projects.

Cohort Overview

STRONG LOCAL TIES: ~20% current residents, 25% returning kamaʻāina, 50% w/ family in HI, 90% with friends in HI
DIVERSE: 60% female, aged 23 to 50+, 80% solo travelers, 10% with minors
CROSS-INDUSTRY: ~30% tech, 15% finance/consulting, 10% nonprofit, 10% education, 10% healthcare
FINANCIALLY STABLE: 100% with remote, full-time jobs
SPREAD ACROSS CONTINENT: CA (20%), East Coast (10%), PNW (10%), Midwest (8%), South (8%), HI (36%)

Cohort 2 Fellows

Volunteer Partner Organizations (VPO) Projects

PAʻI Foundation: Create a multimedia center to educate residents and visitors on significant areas (geographic and educational) of the Native Hawaiian Culture and History
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii: With the help of our M&S volunteers, over 100 students from Campbell, Kapolei, Pearl City, and Waipahu will experience a high-quality work-based learning (WBL) experience
Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation (HAF): Development of a Localicious app or mobile website to promote businesses that buy local ag and seafood products
Future Farmers of America (FFA): Develop a strategic plan to grow membership and community engagement for Hawaii chapter
North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership (NSEVP): Create the awareness to double the number of GAP-certified (Good Agriculture Practice) farmers in Hawaii to meet State’s goal to double local food production by 2030
Suma Farms: Develop a community education and empowerment platform on sustainability innovation
Nimbus AI: Create a public-facing marketing/fundraising strategy for a solar energy forecasting startup to increase awareness of its services in both Hawaii and mainland markets
Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR): Develop a strategy and marketing plan for establishing Hawaii as a leader in sustainability innovation
The Pantry by Feeding Hawaii Together: Create a strategic and operational plan for client/volunteer expansion to partner with local growers
Kamehameha Schools: Creatively revitalize a historic and iconic building in the heart of downtown Honolulu, transforming it into a modern-day community and technology beacon that can showcase pathways for how we live, work and care in an economically resilient future

Cohort 2 highlights

Cohort 2 levitating!
Virtual Kick-off Orientation panel on Opportunities and Challenges with Hawaii as a Cultural Melting Pot. Moderated by Na'alehu Anthony, featuring Mahina Paishon-Duarte, Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, James Koshiba
Opening oli at Huilua Fishpond with Kahana ʻOhana
Learning about the ahupuaʻa system, ancient Hawaiian aquaculture, sustainability and kuleana at Huilua Fishpond
Beautiful day at Huilua Fishpond
Restoring Huilua Fishpond
Invasive species removal with University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources and Hawaii Botanical Society
Taking out the (invasive species) trash!
M&S Pau Hana, co-hosted by United Airlines and Elemental Excelerator: (L to R) Rep. Sylvia Luke, Jason Higa, Sen. Glenn Wakai, Rep. Scott Nishimoto, Richard Matsui, Nicole Lim, Kevin Yim
"Not Business as Usual" panel: moderated by M&S Director Nicole Lim, featuring Tiffany Hyunh (Elemental Excelerator), BJ Youngerman (United) and Senator Glenn Wakai
Bishop Museum Saturday morning
In the Kahili Room at Bishop Museum
Kanikapila ukelele lesson with Waikiki Malia by Outrigger ʻohana at our Olympic Village!
M&S Town Hall at our Olympic Village Headquarter. Mahalo for hosting us, Outrigger!
Uncle Eric sharing his manaʻo about the surrounding Waianae Valley at Kaʻala Farm
Loʻi time at Kaʻala Farm
Learning about the moʻolelo of kalo
Removing weeds from the loʻi
Gorgeous day learning about kapa and kalo at Kaʻala Farm!
Closing Ceremony and interim volunteer project presentations - George Pritchard, President and COO of Suma Farms sharing
Rylan Sekiguchi on the PA'I Foundation team presenting about their regional media center project with PAʻI's Aunty Vicky Holt Takamine and Jay Rojas in the background