Fellows mentioned in this story: Josie Howard

From University of Hawai‘i News:

University of Hawaiʻi alumna Jocelyn “Josie” Howard received the Health Equity Champion Partner Advocate Award on behalf of We Are Oceania (WAO) at the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) Annual Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Howard is CEO of WAO, a non-profit dedicated to empowering Micronesian and Pacific Islander communities in Hawaiʻi, which was honored for its impactful work in connecting communities to accessible health insurance and vital services.

Howard, a co-founder of WAO, worked to establish the organization to meet the Micronesian community’s need for a dedicated resource center in Hawaiʻi. During the pandemic, WAO became a crucial support hub, serving not only Micronesian families but others in the community.

“It is truly an honor to receive We Are Oceania’s Award for the work we do in helping not just Micronesians, but everyone in Hawaiʻi access health insurance,” said Howard. “Our deepest gratitude and appreciation to our Micronesian communities; the Chuukese, Kosraeans, Marshallese, Pohnpeians, Palauans and Yapese; for your trust and willingness to allow us to serve you. This is truly a privilege. This award is for you.”

Continue reading at hawaii.edu.