Staff

About

Five individuals comprise the Foundation's staff membership. They work on all aspects of Foundation operations from developing and implementing program strategies to ensuring the records of the Foundation are well maintained. Staff also works closely with the Foundation's Board and helps them make informed decisions.

CHELSEY CHOW

Chelsey joined the Hauʻoli Mau Loa team as the Foundation's program officer in February 2024. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked as a program officer at Hawaiʻi Community Foundation leading Hawaiʻi Island grant programs and statewide nonprofit capacity building efforts. Chelsey brings a diverse background in donor relations, community engagement, and trust-based grantmaking rooted in our sense of place.

I am humbled to be a part of Helga's legacy and passion for Hawaiʻi's people. I look forward to working alongside our partners to create a vibrant and sustainable future where all families can thrive.

TRISH CURTIS

Patricia joined the Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation team in February 2024 as the Operations and Administrative Assistant. Prior to arriving to Oʻahu from Washington, D.C., in 2016, she worked as an administrative assistant with the Environment/Clean Energy Division at Pew Charitable Trusts. She most recently worked at a local law firm in administration and accounting. In addition to her administration skills, Trish, as she likes to be called, has a background in the performing arts and has been in various plays, commercials, and film productions.

I am grateful for being a part of Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation's ʻohana and Helga's mission to enrich and improve the lives of people in and outside Hawaiʻi. I look forward to learning much and growing both professionally and intellectually while collaborating alongside my colleagues.

KEAHI MAKAIMOKU

Keahi is the Chief Executive Officer for the Foundation. She joined the Hauʻoli Mau Loa team in March 2012 as the Foundation's Program Associate. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked as a Project Analyst with the Kamehameha Schools Public Education Support Division where she supported the planning and implementation of the Ka Pua Initiative on the Waiʻanae Coast. Keahi also worked for a non-profit in Washington State in various roles including marketing, fund development, and all aspects of earned income.

It is an honor to work towards fulfilling Helga's vision of bringing hope to our keiki and enhancing efforts for stewardship, preservation and protection of our environment- all through the inspiring work of our partners.

FAYTH PAEKUKUI

Fayth Paekukui joined Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation in February 2024 as a Program Officer. In her previous role as Associate Director of Development at the UH Foundation, she contributed to major gifts and development for the University's philanthropic initiatives. Previously, as Admissions Manager at the Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Campus, she deepened her commitment to education and community engagement. With a background in education and fundraising, Fayth sees a strong alignment of her values with the Foundation's mission. She looks forward to contributing to its impactful work, developing her skills, and being part of an exceptional team.

I'm truly excited to be a part of Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation, engaging in meaningful work on behalf of our benefactor, Helga, and playing a role in uplifting our community. Aligning my skills and passion for positive impact is a privilege on this inspiring journey.

ANELA SHIMIZU

Anela was first introduced to Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation in December of 2007. As a legal assistant to one of the Foundation’s Directors, Wayne M. Pitluck, Anela provided support to the Foundation in its operational transition as it received its full endowment and established an office in Honolulu. She was officially hired by the Foundation in July of 2008 and currently serves as Operations and Administrative Director. Experienced in working with executive management teams in the legal, education, and business arenas, Anela brings over 20 years of organizational management and research skills to her role with the Foundation.

Working with the Foundation has allowed me to witness the incredible impact our partners make in the islands and abroad for our children and the environment. Thanks to the work of these remarkable partners, the Foundation can continue to further its mission.

Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation's Summer Interns

In 2011, Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation started a paid summer internship program and hired its first intern. The idea behind offering a summer internship was that it would give a burgeoning young college student an opportunity to gain work experience and develop knowledge, skills and awareness of both organized philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Since the Foundation supports internships in some of its partner organizations, we knew that it would be a valuable learning experience for the students as well.

Nicholas Kido (2011)	Heidi Cortez (2013)	Chloe Fonacier (2014)
Amanda Kamakea (2015)	Megan Cabral (2016 & 2017) (read Megan's reflections here)	Shai-lynn Ranchez-Langit (2018) (read Shai's reflections here)
Andrew Menor (2019) (read Andrew's reflections here)	Sanoe K. Burgess (2020) (read Sanoe's reflections here)	Ashley Nguyen (2021) (read Ashley's reflections here)
Dionael Distajo (2022) (read Dionael's reflections here)	Rachel Aquino (2023) (read Rachel's reflections here)