More than a dozen of the state’s emerging leaders selected to the Pacific Century Fellows Program in 2025 have ties to the University of Hawaiʻi.
The 19th class of fellows includes Kimberly Perez Hults, director of marketing and outreach relations at UH Mānoa’s College of Engineering; and Constancio Paranal III, instructor at UH West Oʻahu 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 Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi—from government and education to health care, business and the nonprofit sector—the new class reflects the energy, intelligence and leadership ability of Hawaiʻi’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 Hawaiʻi.”
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 Hawaiʻi.
Other fellows with UH ties
- Pōhai Campbell—partner, Cades Schutte, LLP
- Claudia Fernandez—executive vice president, Boys and Girls Club of Hawaiʻi
- Lance Hirai—associate principal, G70
- Christie Izutsu—physician, Kidney Clinic of Hawaiʻi
- Summer Kaiawe—partner, Watanabe Ing LLP
- Randi Lau—director of business development, Seal Masters of Hawaiʻi
- Thomas Lee—director of government partnerships, Hawaiʻi Data Collaborative
- Lauren Matsumoto—representative, Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives
- Heather Miyasato—vice president health finance, Hawaiʻi 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, Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union
