Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 40, Number 9, 1 September 2023 — Applications Being Accepted for Leadership Development Program [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Applications Being Accepted for Leadership Development Program

Members. and guest speakers at the Hi'iaka Association's "Entrepreneurs in Business. The Uniqueness of Doing Business in Howoi'i" event. Front row (l-r): Christino Koleiwohea, Ke'olohi Miyomoto, Komolei Morrotte, U'iloni Plunkett, Tohnee Soles ond Moiloni Mokoinoi. Bock row (l-r): Crystol Rose, Kopō Oliveiro, Andreo Dios-Machodo, Rono Wong, Manu Ko'iomo, Komoko'ōino Seipp, 'lwaloni Kūoli'i Koho'ohonohono, Tom-e Foogou, Micky Huihui, Mopuono Antonio, Kirsten Mowyer ond Hilorie Alomor. - Courtesy Photo

By Manu Ka'iama and Katrina-Ann Kapa ūliveira, 'Upena Network, LLC Applications are currently being accepted for a year-long Hawaiian leadership development program for mid-career Kānaka 'Ōiwi. The program, set to begin its second year, is being offered by the 'Upena Network. Year 1 of the program included two inaugural cohorts - Hui Kūnihi and Hi'iaka Association - and concludes this September. In Year 2, we will unify as one hui and weleome new members as we explore 'Ōiwi leadership through traditional mo'olelo and 'āina-based huaka'i on O'ahu. The 'Upena Network was formed in 2020 to address numerous Kānaka 'Ōiwi opportunities to educate our community about Hawai'i and nā mea Hawai'i. A Hawaiian-owned and operated business, our work includes executive Hawaiian leadership presentations and training, Hawaiian culture and history classes, conducting place-based research, studying olelo Hawai'i, developing Hawai'i-based curriculum, publishing Hawaiian language books, and assisting other organizations to embrace, incorporate and respect Hawai'i's uniqueness through education. 'Oiwi leadership is a key focus area of the 'Upena Network. We look to the past for ancestral guidance and inspiration about how our Kānaka may flourish in today's Hawai'i by studying topics such as personal branding, racism in Hawai'i, the power of words, executive presenee, entrepreneurship, visioning, and hnaneial literacy. Here is mana'o from of a few members of the inaugural cohorts: "The first year was great. The facilitators created a sense of 'ohana. I was able to bond with the others and

doing so allowed me to feel safer, be open and honest about issues I face. The facilitators were also fluid and steered in directions that the cohort was interested in learning about." "I really appreciated the camaraderie and support I experienced with my cohort. I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to meet so many amazing and talented wāhine, they were all so kind and supportive. It was wonderful to know you had so mueh love and support." "The retreat really cemented our relationships. I felt charged after the retreat. The one-on-one coaching help me break through mental barriers I did not know existed." "Hi'iaka Association created a space to discuss how we as wāhine ean not only excel in our personal endeavors but inform positive change for the lāhui. I'm excited to meet everyone in a new setting to learn ffom and give back to the different moku we eall home!" Applications for the new cohort are now available. Before applying, please understand that there is an expectation that all members will eommiī to participate in the following scheduled events: Nov. 13, 2023, orientation dinner; Jan. 13, 2024, day trip to two moku on O'ahu; March 2-3, 2024, retreat and day trip to two moku on O'ahu; May 4, 2023, day trip to remaining two moku on O'ahu; July 20, 2024, 'Ōiwi Leadership Conference; and Sept. 6, 2024, culminating dinner. Participants who complete 80% of the kuleana will receive a certificate of participation highlighting the Hawaiian leadership topics that were discussed and learned. ■ Applications are now available at www.upena.network. The application deadline is October 20. Final selection decisions will be announced on November 1.