More than a dozen of the state¡¯s emerging leaders selected to the in 2025 have ties to the University of Â鶹´«Ã½.
The 19th class of fellows includes Kimberly Perez Hults, director of marketing and outreach relations at UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s ; and Constancio Paranal III, instructor at in information and computer sciences, who is also director of grants, innovation, and technology in the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization.
Modeled after the White House Fellows program, the Pacific Century Fellows (PCF) is the signature initiative of the nonprofit Fund for the Pacific Century. It brings together a diverse group of emerging leaders, enhances civic engagement and builds lasting networks while exploring the most pressing issues facing our community.
“Participating in the Pacific Century Fellows program is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will allow me to sharpen my leadership skills and meet directly with senior community, government and business leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing Â鶹´«Ã½ and our Asia Pacific communities, such as housing, education, infrastructure, climate change and more,” Perez Hults said. “I look forward to expanding my perspectives and connecting with like-minded peers, developing lasting and meaningful relationships for the decades to come.”
This year¡¯s fellows were chosen through a competitive process. Representing the broad professional and individual diversity of Â鶹´«Ã½—from government and education to health care, business and the nonprofit sector¡ªthe new class reflects the energy, intelligence and leadership ability of Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s next generation, according to the Pacific Century Fellows program. Each fellow has also demonstrated the potential to make significant contributions to the future of our islands.
“As a Filipino American educator and public servant, being part of PCF allows me to continue my work in creating pathways for our students, workforce and communities,” Paranal said. “It¡¯s especially meaningful to bring the perspective of our FilAm community to a group of leaders who value diversity, inclusivity and the unique strengths each of us contributes. I hope this experience will help amplify these voices and advance solutions that empower the next generation to build a thriving, equitable and inclusive Â鶹´«Ã½.”
The program this year will launch with a two-day retreat September 26–27, featuring seminars, discussions and opportunities for fellows to shape their agenda for the year ahead. Monthly sessions will then focus on critical issues such as crime, education, the environment, the economy and the role of the military in Â鶹´«Ã½.
Other fellows with UH ties
- Pōhai Campbell—partner, Cades Schutte, LLP
- Claudia Fernandez—executive vice president, Boys and Girls Club of Â鶹´«Ã½
- Lance Hirai—associate principal, G70
- Christie Izutsu—physician, Kidney Clinic of Â鶹´«Ã½
- Summer Kaiawe—partner, Watanabe Ing LLP
- Randi Lau—director of business development, Seal Masters of Â鶹´«Ã½
- Thomas Lee—director of government partnerships, Â鶹´«Ã½ Data Collaborative
- Lauren Matsumoto—representative, Â鶹´«Ã½ State House of Representatives
- Heather Miyasato—vice president health finance, Â鶹´«Ã½ Medical Service Association
- Matt Sasai—senior director, The Queen¡¯s Health Systems
- Ian Scheuring—deputy director of communications, Mayor¡¯s Office, City and County of Honolulu
- Darin Tann—general manager, Keoki¡¯s Paradise
- Liann Unebasami—vice president, Â鶹´«Ã½ State Federal Credit Union