Our Mission
The mission of Hualani Foundation is to promote the self-determination of Indigenous education in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Hualani Foundation cultivates Indigenous spirituality, language and cultural practices through education systems, models and programs to achieve educational equity, social justice, and community well-being.
How we do this…
Hualani Foundation supports the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC) through fiscal sponsorship and operational support. Learn more about WINHEC HERE.
Hualani Foundation also offers consulting, fiscal sponsorship, and operational support to other non-profits and organizations aligned with our mission.
Board of Directors
UMI JENSEN
Treasurer
Umi Jensen is a Native Hawaiian researcher and evaluator from Hau’ula who has over ten years of experience working with schools, community organizations, and individuals to support educational equity and innovative ideas to create positive change in our communities. She assists organizations with evaluation planning and implementation; data collection, analysis, and reporting; educational research; and accreditation. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at UH Mānoa and has bachelor's and master's degrees from Stanford University.
MATTHEW ING
Board Member
Matt has worked with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander organizations for more than 15 years, with a focus on strategy, culture, economic development, journalism and media. With more than 8 years experience working in the ANA Pacific Region, Matthew helps ANA grant applicants and awardees to develop and sustain community-based projects. Matt is Native Hawaiian. He holds an MBA and a BA in Journalism and comes from Makawao, Maui. Today, he lives in Nu'uanu with his wife, Kelsey.
ULULANI EFTINK
Secretary
Ululani Eftink is resourceful, charismatic, and a quality-driven professional with an extensive background in organizational change management, higher education, and human resources.
Ululani is a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University, obtaining both her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Travel Industry Management and Master of Arts in Organizational Change. She also obtained a second Bachelor's degree in Human Resources from Southern New Hampshire University. She continues to support the community providing consulting, leadership, training and development, mentorship, and coaching in various industries.
KAPONO CIOTTI
Board Chair
Dr. Kapono Ciotti is passionate about the science of teaching and learning and has put this practice to work as Director / Head of School at The American International School in Egypt. Kapono is an international trainer and professional development coach, teacher, and a culture and place-based curriculum writer, focusing on culturally appropriate pedagogy.
Kapono Ciotti earned a PhD in International education, a Masters degree in Social Change and Development and a Bachelors in Language and Cultural Studies.