Special section by Hawai‘i Leadership Forum in Hawai‘i Business Magazine

Throughout the years, leadership development programs have helped local leaders nurture skills, build confidence, and connect with peers across different sectors. While the programs’ participants may vary in background, they share a common dedication to the shared responsibility of addressing our islands’ most pressing issues.

Omidyar Fellows

Drive Impact and Catalyze Positive Change
omidyarfellows.org

Omidyar Fellows, the cornerstone program of the Hawai‘i Leadership Forum (HLF), is grounded in the belief that Hawai‘i’s strength lies in leaders who embrace the shared responsibility of addressing our islands’ most pressing issues.

After participating in a year-long curriculum, Fellows remain engaged through the Forum of Fellows, an ongoing and enduring element of the program that fosters continued collaboration, skill building, and impact projects.

In 2023, AJ Halagao, a member of Omidyar Fellows Cohort II, became the first Fellow to serve as president of HLF. “I’ve been grateful to be part of the Omidyar Fellows who are committed to making Hawai‘i better,” Halagao says. “It’s an honor that now, in my role with HLF, I also get to help develop, engage, and inspire other leaders to create positive change.”

Pacific Century Fellows

Hawai‘i’s Landmark Leadership Training Program
pacificcenturyfellows.com

Founded in 1996 by former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Pacific Century Fellows (PCF) has gained prominence as Hawai‘i’s landmark leadership training program. Modeled after the White House Fellows program, Fellows gain a deeper insight into civic duty through direct engagement with community, corporate, and government leaders. PCF aims to unite Hawai‘i’s emerging leaders from diverse professions and backgrounds to tackle challenges while fostering innovation and community service.

“Hawai‘i will face numerous challenges in the upcoming years,” said Mufi Hannemann, founder of Pacific Century Fellows. “To prosper economically and ensure a stronger future for our island home, we must identify and support the next generation of emerging leaders.”

Patsy Mink Leadership Alliance

Increasing Female Representation
mcblhawaii.org/mink-leaders

The Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance, a program at YWCA O‘ahu’s Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership, was launched in 2016 to increase the representation of women executives in Hawai‘i. Today they celebrate an alumnae base of 150 Mink Leaders representing women in diverse industries across the state.

“Our Mink alumnae are leaders and entrepreneurs who are committed to personal growth, professional impact, and community leadership,” said Colleen McAluney, director of Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership. “Ultimately, we hope to increase the representation of women executives in finance, health, energy, education, insurance, construction, legal, military, state and government agencies, and nonprofits.”

HANO Fellows

Serving Hawai‘i’s Unique Needs
hanofellows.org

Hawai‘i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (HANO) Fellows is a multi-month cohort program designed to support leadership development, share nonprofit management principles, and foster peer relationships in the local nonprofit community. Participants represent diverse missions and perspectives but are united by their dedication to serving the people and communities of Hawai‘i.

Melissa Miyashiro, a proud graduate of Cohort I of the HANO Fellows program, became HANO’s president and CEO in 2024. “Being in the HANO Fellows program helped me build my confidence, develop a strong peer network, and reignite my commitment to serving the community,” said Miyashiro. “The program empowers nonprofit sector leaders and connects diverse perspectives to further equity and justice in Hawai‘i.”

‘Ōiwi Leadership Accelerator

Culture-Driven Leadership
oiwileadershipaccelerator.com

With a mission to strengthen Hawai‘i’s local workforce, the ‘Ōiwi Leadership Accelerator (OLA) seeks to equip Native Hawaiians and kama‘āina with leadership skills grounded in Hawaiian culture, place-based, and community-focused values. Launched by People Strategies Hawai‘i in partnership with Kamehameha Schools and Hawai‘i Employers Council, OLA invites Hawai‘i-born professionals to commit to their growth while learning in a cohort-based community dedicated to improving their island home. 

“Our program aims to cultivate a new generation of Native Hawaiian and kama‘āina professionals in and for Hawai‘i, significantly increasing their representation in key positions across various industries throughout the state,” said Ku‘ulani Keohokalole, CEO of People Strategies Hawai‘i.