Kamehameha Schools’ Summer Explorations program was a life-changing experience for Pomai Apana – a 1997 graduate of the Sacred Hearts Academy. The weeklong cultural learning opportunity laid the foundation for her personal identity, and ignited her desire to advance the Hawaiian culture, language and people.
“That experience opened my eyes to what it meant to be Hawaiian,” said Apana. “From that point on, I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life advancing Native Hawaiians.”
After college, Apana went on to serve the Native Hawaiian community through her work in the legal field at a number of organizations, including the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
In 2009, Apana returned as an employee to the very place that ignited her passion. Serving as manager of KS’ Office of the CEO, Apana is now in her ninth year in supporting Pauahi’s vision, and her drive and commitment for advancing the Hawaiian community has never been stronger. It is through her work that she knows firsthand that KS simply cannot do it alone.
“It feels good knowing that I get to change someone’s life through my work at Kamehameha, but there is so much more we can do,” Apana added.
Apana said she gives with Pauahi as a scholarship donor to the Pauahi Foundation because she wants to help change someone else’s life just as Pauahi changed hers.
“Pauahi has played a huge role in helping many of us develop our lives,” said Apana. “In the process, she showed us our kuleana to take care of each other and advance the Native Hawaiian community.”
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit the Give with Pauahi campaign page.
Pauahi has played a huge role in helping many of us develop our lives. In the process, she showed us our kuleana to take care of each other and advance the Native Hawaiian community.
Pomai Apana, manager of Kamehameha Schools
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