A strong foundation for any workforce begins with its leaders. The Oiwi Leadership Accelerator, organized by People Strategies Hawaii, teaches key leadership skills that are uniquely grounded in both Western and indigenous ideologies. From getting its cohorts out harvesting kalo to hosting group panels in culturally significant locations like the lawn of Iolani Palace, the Oiwi Leadership Accelerator is focused on supporting individuals with the skills to lead in various situations.
How it all got started
The idea for the Oiwi Leadership Accelerator took shape in 2023, after People Strategies Hawaii recognized a concerning trend: Many Native Hawaiians and kamaaina were moving off island, often due to the high cost of living.
“For many kamaaina, we don’t necessarily see ourselves in roles that can afford a living wage, which can move us up into positions of decision-making leadership,” says Kuulani Keohokalole, CEO of People Strategies Hawaii. “So, we created this program that would intentionally invest in Hawaii's leaders in a way that was grounded in our values.”
It’s not easy, however, to become a strong leader. Cohorts are engaged with the program for six months, gaining invaluable industry exposure; building relationships with influential Oiwi leaders, executives, and community figures; and meeting with accountability partners to ensure goals are being met. Mentors from around the state, such as Kai Kahele, Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) board chair, and Paula Akana, president and CEO of Iolani Palace, give talks to cohorts to share the knowledge and information that has helped them in their own leadership positions.
“Over the course of the six-month program, they’re getting that greater sense of who they are and the groundedness in what they bring, and so we’ve seen our alumni go on to get promotions in their organizations,” says Keohokalole. “They have raised their hands for nonprofit boards. They have put themselves forward in these leadership opportunities.”
Sharing ideas and creating connections
While the skills taught at the Oiwi Leadership Accelerator are invaluable, it’s also the connections and confidence that cohorts create that help strengthen them not only as individuals, but as potential candidates for leadership and C-suite positions.
“While we think networking is so simple, just talking story and meeting people in the field doesn’t happen as organically as we think it does,” says Kehau Lucas, Kamehameha Schools Maui senior design specialist. “So, I think a program like this is beneficial to our community to create those opportunities for people to connect, get inspired by others in the community, and share ideas.”
While the foundation for any workforce begins with its leaders, the foundation for any leader begins with their ability to create connections and trust among their peers as well as their employees. The Oiwi Leadership Accelerator is making a difference in Hawaii’s local workforce by building integrity, courage, and interpersonal skills with its cohorts to create stronger leaders. “We see them emerging as more confident and grounded in themselves and ready to lead,” says Keohokalole.
See Oiwi Leadership Accelerator’s newest cohort in action, and take a peek at some of the experiential learning moments they embarked on during their six-month mentorship program:
HMSA was proud to co-sponsor the 2025 cohort's graduation celebration this summer.
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