Hawaiʻi is fortunate to have a long legacy of visionary leadership that has sustained and restored our communities and ‘āina even through the harshest conditions. The Omidyar Fellows program calls us to invest in and grow the skill and strength abundant in Hawaiʻi so we can build a resilient future together. This program is about putting ego aside and working together to overcome both personal barriers and systemic barriers, not as a solitary pursuit but as a collective action for future generations.

The Omidyar Fellows Program focused me during immense transition—Cohort 8 started during COVID!  I found the shared commitment to Hawai‘i is paramount to everyone’s success.

The Omidyar Fellows program provided dedicated space and time to build meaningful relationships with my Cohort and the broader Forum of Fellows. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work collectively, and in different ways, with other leaders who are committed to supporting our community and improving Hawai‘i’s future.

The Omidyar Fellows program provided the safe space necessary to be open and vulnerable to change which helped me to realize my full potential, both in leadership and in life, and the relationships between Fellows, built on trust and respect, are invaluable assets for the betterment of Hawaiʻi.

The Omidyar Fellows program was a homecoming for me: a rare and transformative opportunity to elevate my values, refine my purpose, and return home to my essential self. Alongside the resources and staff support, I am forever grateful for the friendships empowered by a shared commitment to address complex challenges and sustain meaningful change throughout the pae ‘āina.

The Omidyar Fellows program was a holistic, exceptional experience that exponentially escalated impact in my many roles as a community member, executive, colleague, partner, and parent. As a neighbor islander, my network expanded and I no longer felt as lonely in the journey towards a more just community due to the close and curated cohort—and the Forum of Fellows. I deeply appreciate the trusting relationships that support us to authentically serve with integrity while oftentimes holding different priorities.

The Omidyar Fellows program has had a tremendous impact on me. The program challenged me and I was able to immediately apply and share what I learned. The biggest benefit has been the relationships established with Fellows which has resulted in a number of projects and endeavors that we have been able to do jointly, leveraging our networks and resources to empower our communities.