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

Cross-cultural collaboration is at the heart of East-West Center President Suzanne Vares-Lum’s mission to promote better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific. With the Indo-Pacific region facing unprecedented environmental and geopolitical challenges, her leadership is grounded in respect and equality, ensuring the Center remains an institute of hope for all.

“Effective leadership is about building real connections and understanding,” said Vares-Lum. “By bridging divides, we can shape a future based on shared values and collective action.”

East-West Center’s Changing Faces Women’s Leadership Seminar brings innovative women from the U.S. and the Indo-Pacific region together in Hawai‘i to enhance their entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Participants engage with local experts as they seek to develop a community of women leaders and strengthen their societies through social entrepreneurship.

Learn more at www.eastwestcenter.org.

Wāhine Leaders

Hawai‘i Leadership Forum’s Omidyar Fellows invests in women leaders committed to transformative change in Hawai‘i. By fostering connections within a supportive network, the program amplifies efforts to address critical issues, promoting innovative and resilient solutions through impactful initiatives.

Mālia Ka‘aihue, chairwoman of DTL Collective, founded eight Native Hawaiian-led businesses across various industries, all focused on fostering community, enhancing cultural understanding, and creating impactful solutions for Hawai‘i. Stephany Nihipali Vaioleti is the president of Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and has led community-driven systems change at previous roles at Holomua Collective and Hawai‘I Energy. Claire Sullivan elevates and empowers a resilient and economically viable local food system as CEO of Farm Link Hawai‘i. Catherine Awakuni Colón, president and CEO of the O‘ahu Economic Development Board, supports the health of the people and economy of Hawai‘i by growing local businesses and jobs. Katrina-Ann Kapā Oliveira supports Maui students affected by the fires to begin and complete their degrees as the interim vice provost for student success at UH Mānoa.

Making Maui Stronger

Pualani Enos, owner of Maui-based Kaulia Creates, LLC, worked with partners to implement an indigenous-informed disaster recovery approach to assist Lahaina and Kula families displaced by the fires. Rachael Wong, founder of One Shared Future, and Mahina Paishon, co-founder and CEO of Waiwai Collective, facilitate the Maui Economic Recovery Commission, which brings together 100+ community, business, government, education, union, and cultural leaders, primarily from Maui, who are working on long-term economic recovery projects that focus on ‘āina and wai, healing, streamlined building policies, systems mapping, affordable housing, workforce development, a business-entertainment park, and rebuilding Lahaina Harbor.