Pūkoʻa Fellows Program Introduces Inaugural Class and Pilot Curriculum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Ipo Wright, ipo@hawaiiandiaspora.org
Jamie Levitt, jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org 

Pūkoʻa Fellows Program Introduces Inaugural Class and Pilot Curriculum
15 Pasifika students from across their diaspora join together to deepen their connection to Oceania and build impact in their local communities.

WASHINGTON – February 3, 2026 – The Pūkoʻa Fellows Program, supported by the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute and Hawaiian Diaspora, is thrilled to announce the inaugural class of Pūkoʻa Fellows – a cohort of 15 Pasifika students, united by their desire to deepen their connection to Oceania, while strengthening their ability to build impact on their college campuses and beyond.

“Our cohort—coming together across oceans, island nations, and college campuses—reflects the vibrance and diversity of the Pasifika diaspora,” said Pūkoʻa Fellows Program Organizer Joshua Ching (Kanaka ʻŌiwi & Uchinānchu). “We are incredibly excited by the community-based and academic work they have already done and will continue to do over the next 12 weeks.”

Guided by peer mentors – Joshua Maka’ala Ching (Yale University), Kaylah Toves (Cornell University) and Kanoelani Handa (Oberlin College) – fellows explore diasporic identity, community responsibility, on-campus organizing and the evolving political landscape affecting Pasifika students today. From February through May, this 12-week program includes weekly sessions, readings and reflection, culminating in individual student-led events hosted on each Fellow’s campus. 

“We are honored to support this work through our Democracy is Indigenous initiative, which helps mobilize young leaders wishing to enhance civic engagement.” said CNAY Senior  Programs Manager Katy Stewart. “It is a privilege to deepen CNAY’s relationship with 2025 Champion for Change Joshua Ching as he leads this incredible program, broadening our network to include more Native Hawaiian and Pasifika youth.”

“Programs like Pūkoʻa Fellows remind us of the power of community coming together to foster a deep sense of belonging and advocacy,” said Ipo Wright, Founder and Executive Director of Hawaiian Diaspora. “We are especially proud that this program is strengthening leadership pipelines rooted in heritage and impact, while affirming belonging across Oceania and nurturing the next generation of leaders who will carry that responsibility forward on their campuses and in their communities.”

Meet the Fellows:

• Kai Aiona-Agra, Native Hawaiian
• Lana Aguon, CHamoru
• Kamahaʻo Halemanu, Native Hawaiian
• Leilani Hoff, Native Hawaiian
• Helena Kaʻauʻa, Native Hawaiian
• Mele Kānealiʻi, Native Hawaiian
• Jayna Kanoholani, Native Hawaiian
• Austen Kinney, Native Hawaiian
• Sarah McNally, Tongan, Rotuman & Tuvaluan
• Caroline Sloper, Native Hawaiian
• Sila Stibbie, Samoan
• Lornal-Lei Suaʻava, Samoan
• Brenna Tellames Williams, Palauan & Filipino-Hawaiian
• Ava Tuitele, Samoan
• Marley Tuitele, Samoan

The 2026 Pūkoʻa Fellow curriculum will explore themes of diasporic identity, genealogy and movement; home, belonging and “off-island” dynamics; Native-settler responsibilities; institutional histories and reconciliation; organizing, advocacy and event planning; coalition-building and more. For more information, or to schedule an interview with Pūkoʻa organizers, please contact pukoafellowship@gmail.com. Learn more about the Pūkoʻa Fellows Program, including individual Fellow bios, by visiting https://www.cnay.org/pukoa-fellowship/. 

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About CNAY: The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national organization that works alongside Native youth – ages 24 and under – on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety, and overall well- being. Rooted in culture, our vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have the resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve. Learn more: www.cnay.org

About Hawaiian Diaspora: Hawaiian Diaspora is a grassroots organization that supports Native Hawaiians living outside of Hawaiʻi to feel empowered in their identity, honor their kuleana (responsibilities) and stay deeply connected to their roots. Through virtual, in-person and hybrid programs – as well as research and community insights – Hawaiian Diaspora creates spaces to explore the diverse lived experiences of Hawaiians in the diaspora, including questions of belonging, cultural knowledge, well-being, community and advocacy. Its mission is to ensure that every Hawaiian, no matter where they live, feels a sense of pride and belonging within the lāhui (nation) and is supported to contribute in ways that uplift themselves, each other and Hawaiʻi. Learn more: www.hawaiiandiaspora.org