Gianina Kala’i Manuel-Cortez, 22, was born and raised in Hilo with familial groundings in Ka’ū Hawaiʻi and Kāneohe, Oʻahu. Gianina graduated from Kamehameha Schools, Keaʻau Campus, in 2020. Later, they enrolled as a student at Hawaiʻi Community College while dedicating their spare time to working with animals. “I look forward to the opportunity to learn and grow as dynamically as Vibrant Hawaiʻi does. Branching out into the community to listen and uplift the collective is a journey that I can't wait to explore.”
Kala’imauloa Ishibashi, 23, was born in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai’i. His family has deep roots in Ka’ū and Lā’ie, Oʻahu. Kala’i graduated from Kea’au High School in 2019 and spent the following years training in the sales industry, eventually specializing in solar energy. He aimed to become a member of the Vibrant Hawai’i ‘ohana after learning about the organization's structured goal of educating the next generation of Hawaiians in financial literacy and other important personal and professional development skills. "I am a strong believer that we need to be educated now if we hope to make our future better and brighter. With the help of Vibrant Hawai’i, I believe that we will have access to the 'ike and resources we need to accomplish our goal of creating the next generation of leaders."
Kawehi (Wehi) Mahi-Roberts, 23, was born in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, and raised in both the Keaukaha and Waikahakahe Nui communities. Kawehi graduated from Kamehameha Schools Keaʻau Campus in 2018 and later pursued an associate degree in Art from Hawaiʻi Community College, graduating in 2021. She joined Vibrant Hawaiʻi to support underserved communities by ensuring that they receive the skills they need to be successful, live comfortably, and help resolve the internal and external conflicts within themselves and society. "Everything I strive to do is for my lāhui and the generational families that love our ʻāina the way we Kānaka Maoli do."
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