Ka’ilihiwa to oversee Ka Pua as Director of Community Programs

November 5, 2012

Contributed by Shaun Chillingworth

Her role as director of community programs was finalized in September, although Ka'ilihiwa has been directly supporting Ka Pua since March, while also transitioning Ho'olako Like operations to new director Wai'ale'ale Sarsona. Ka'ilihiwa helped with the planning and execution of Ka Pua's Wai'anae Coast's community forums and has overseen the development of the initiative's Education Program Plan.

"I look forward to continuing our work, in tandem with the community, to improve the capability and well-being of more Hawaiian keiki by supporting and providing additional educational opportunities on the Wai'anae Coast," Ka'ilihiwa said.

Prior to accepting this new position, Ka'ilihiwa served as director of Kamehameha's Ho'olako Like department, overseeing support for 17 Hawaiian-focused public charter and conversion schools.

Through that task, she worked with both area charter schools, Ka Waihona o ka Na'auao and Kamaile Academy, and has served on multiple occasions as a keynote speaker for the annual Ho'ohulili Conference for Wai'anae Coast service providers.

"Having worked with Kalei for many years, I'm excited to have someone of her caliber lead our team to help realize our vision for Ka Pua that all children on the Wai'anae Coast are connected to place, supported in their learning and succeeding as tomorrow's local and global leaders," said Dr. Shawn Kana'iaupuni, director of Kamehameha's Public Education Support division.

"Kalei is a seasoned manager of people and resources and is accomplished in community driven program development and implementation."

Ka'ilihiwa is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and has been serving the organization as an employee since 2003, first as program specialist with the Health, Wellness and Family Education department, then as a program coordinator in the Parent and Caregiver Education branch.

Prior to joining KS, Ka'ilihiwa served as a program manager and statewide program implementation specialist with the Coalition for a Drug Free Hawaii. She holds a masters degree in social work with a concentration on mental health and a B.A. in psychology, both from the University of Hawai'i at M?noa.