RiseHI is a nonprofit founded in 2016, dedicated to empowering our keiki by broadening their perspectives on their potential and opportunities in Hawai’i, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

  • How

    RiseHI utilizes creative media and technology to capture and showcase the journeys of local creatives, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. Our focus extends beyond their successes to include challenges and valuable lessons learned along the way.

    Our stories serve as supplementary curriculum materials for Hawai‘i's educational system, fostering a more culturally inclusive and responsive approach to learning.

  • Where

    RiseHI's curriculum supplements are currently being used at Waimea High School, Maui High School, Kealakehe Intermediate, Niu Valley Middle School, and UH West Oahu, positively impacting students' learning experiences across the islands.

    Our video content provides real-life examples and inspiration for students, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, technical skills, cultural competency, and a growth-oriented approach to career development.

  • WHY

    By incorporating these elements into the classroom, we aim to catalyze the untapped potential of our keiki and help open their eyes to career pathways they may not have been aware of.

    Whether through hands-on work-based learning experiences or by fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, our goal is to empower our keiki to pursue their passions and become valuable contributors to their communities.

RiseHI is committed to fostering a growth-oriented approach to career development, emotional intelligence, technical skills, and cultural competency.

Our Four Whys

  • RiseHI aims to create optimism for our keiki who believe Hawai’i lacks opportunity. Opportunities are abundant but visible only to those open to seeing them. By sharing the successes and failures of our kamaʻāina, we can help others learn to recognize and embrace the many opportunities that present themselves.

  • To navigate Hawai`i’s constantly changing and dynamic economy, we must create an environment that promotes creativity, encourages resilience, and inspires action for our kama`aina. Doing so helps increase economic diversity and reduces reliance on the government for job creation.

  • Hawaii’s competitive advantage and most valuable asset is its unique culture. It’s imperative to perpetuate and preserve it by fostering leaders and influencers who grew up in Hawai‘i and understand our traditions, values, and way of life.

  • Often the best lessons are taught by those who have experienced both success and failure in their respective industries. We aim to create a platform that connects our ambitious keiki with kama‘āina mentors who are eager to share their mana‘o in their field of expertise to empower the next generation of leaders and create a better Hawai‘i.

Meet the Team

  • Gabe Amey

    Founder / Executive Director

  • Hunter Naho'oikaika

    Creative Media Director

  • Mahina Paishon-Duarte

    Board Chair

    Waiwai Collective

  • Kolby Moser

    Board Member (Vice Chair)

    Aria Studios

  • Kirra Downing

    Board Member (Secretary)

    DTL

  • Jason Antonio

    Board Member

    DTL

  • Jim Owens

    Board Member

    Hawaii VA Loans

  • Bryan Luke

    Advisory Board Member

    Hawaii National Bank

  • Meli James

    Advisory Board Member

    ManaUp

  • Donavan Kealoha

    Advisory Board Member

    Startup Capital Ventures / Purple Mai‘a

  • Scott Na‘auao

    Advisory Board Member

    Welcome Stranger

  • Donalyn Dela Cruz

    Advisory Board Member

    DDC Consulting, LLC

  • Lynsey Bow

    Advisory Board Member

    Hawai‘i P20

  • Brook Emanuel

    Advisory Board Member

    Kai Capital Group