2025
Community Activism Scholarship Award
Recipient: Gizelle Rodrigues
Gizelle Rodrigues is a Political Science major minoring in Sociology and Native Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Driven by a deep kuleana (responsibility) to advocate for their Native Hawaiian community, Gizelle is preparing to attend law school to become a changemaker in civic engagement, homelessness, and mental health. Her academic focus equips her with the political, social, and cultural knowledge to tackle systemic issues with empathy and action. As the founder of Ka Leo O Nā Ali‘i, a student-led nonpartisan civic engagement club, and a member of the Hawai‘i State Youth Commission, Gizelle is already creating opportunities for youth, particularly on Maui, to learn how to participate in government and advocate for local issues. The scholarship will offer Gizelle the support she needs to further her studies and community initiatives, while also helping her expand efforts to amplify young voices and create a future grounded in justice and equity.
Hawai’i Tradesman Scholarship
Recipient: Josiah Luaifoa
Josiah Luaifoa is pursuing a career in the skilled trades to become a general contractor. Driven by a lifelong passion for building and a strong sense of responsibility to his family, he is developing the technical and mental discipline required for carpentry and construction. Josiah’s experience includes serving as a Carpentry and Masonry Specialist in the Army National Guard and working on weekend side jobs with his uncle. His ultimate goal is to start his own contracting business and return to Samoa to build a retirement home for his parents, honoring the sacrifices they made for his future. This scholarship will support Josiah in completing his training and pursuing internships that will help him grow professionally and give back to his family and community.
Marine Stewardship Scholarship
Recipient: Logan Turick
Logan Turick is a passionate environmental science student focusing on sustainability, currently pursuing a STEM degree centered on creating a cleaner, more sustainable future. Deeply concerned about plastic pollution in Waikīkī and along global coastlines, Logan is researching innovative solutions like bioremediation—using safe bacteria to break down plastic at a molecular level. He aims to join a state-funded scientific research team or lead efforts in combating coastal pollution through applied science. Recognized by the State of Hawai‘i for his forest fire mitigation work, Logan demonstrates an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. For him, the ocean is more than a passion— his lifestyle, livelihood, and therapy. This scholarship would support completing his degree, allowing him to continue his research and protect the natural world that has given him so much.
Native Hawaiian Cultural Scholarship
Recipient: Koa Chang
Koa Chang is a Native Hawaiian computer science student at Stanford University dedicated to uplifting his community through innovation and education. He founded KumuBot (kumubot.com), an AI-powered platform designed to revitalize the Hawaiian language and culture through interactive tools like a Hawaiian language chatbot, word games, and culturally inspired art generation. With over 200 monthly users, KumuBot has become a growing resource in classrooms and homes across Hawai‘i. Koa’s passion for accessible education also led him to serve as a Teach for America Ignite Fellow, where he created engaging STEM-based lessons for students at Mākaha Elementary. At Stanford, he leads as President of the American Indigenous Science and Engineering Society (AISES) chapter, helping Native students thrive in STEM. With a deep commitment to giving back, Koa plans to return home after graduation to build educational and technological opportunities for future generations in Hawai‘i.