More than 200 high school students of Pacific Islander heritage gathered at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo on October 18, for the annual Pacific Youth Empowerment for Success (PacYES) conference, a day devoted to motivate, inspire, and prepare the teenagers for college and career opportunities while fostering cultural connections within their own communities.
Themed Interweaving Generations, Connecting Skills and Heritage, this year’s event encouraged students to dream big while staying rooted in who they are. From hands-on workshops to cultural ceremonies, PacYES 2025 offered a glimpse of higher education grounded in community.
“We pride ourselves on being one of the most diverse campuses in the country,” UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin said during opening remarks. “Today you will hear about the rich array of opportunities before you. Listen with intention…you have teams of people ready and waiting to help you realize those dreams.”
Special guest Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands, delivered a keynote that mixed in Gen Z slang to challenge students to recognize that leadership and impact often begin with small, intentional steps.
“Big moves start with small moves, no cap!” she told the crowd, encouraging students to take meaningful steps rooted in purpose and culture.
Workshops and resource fair
Workshops throughout the day blended career readiness with cultural grounding. In one session, participants planted coconut and breadfruit saplings on campus under the guidance of UH Hilo alumnus Jermy Uowolo, vice president of Micronesians United—Big Island.
A lively resource fair followed, connecting students with mentors, colleges, and community organizations ready to support their journeys.
Student reflections
The day ended with a student reflection panel and closing remarks from former Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth, who has supported PacYES since its start in 2010. Each student wrote their dream on a star and placed it on a banner, symbolizing the Pacific Islander tradition of navigating by the sea and the stars.
—By Neilynn Domnick/PacYes
For more go to UH Hilo Stories.
