HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Several changemakers from Hawaii have been selected as part of this year’s Obama Foundation Leaders USA and Asia-Pacific programs.

Chosen from a competitive pool of more than 6,000 applicants from around the world, these emerging leaders have each demonstrated their commitment to making positive change in their communities. They are between the ages of 24 and 45 and come from government, civil society and the private sector.

Inspired by former President Barack Obama’s leadership approach, the six-month program involves group sessions and individual coaching to help these participants cultivate relationships with others and develop a values-based foundation for sustained leadership to make lasting change.

The USA Leaders includes 100 participants from across the U.S., representing 34 states and territories. The Asia-Pacific Leaders is made up of 35 people representing 25 nations and territories in the region.

These are the leaders from Hawaii who have been chosen.

USA Leaders

• Cheri Souza – Hawaii postsecondary success program officer, Stupski Foundation
• Mackenzie Feldman – Founder and director, Re:wild Your Campus
• Sergio J. Alcubilla III – Executive director, The Hawaii Workers Center
• Sheila Raha Sarhangi – Vice president of strategic communications, Hawaii Community Foundation

Asia-Pacific Leaders

• Jamila Jarmon – Manager of growth strategy for electrification of transportation, Hawaiian Electric Company
• Aimee Elise Keliʻi Barnes – Founder and chief executive officer, Hua Nani Partners
• Nalu OʻConnor – Program leader, The Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Sciences at the University of Hawaii-Hilo

Once they complete the program, these leaders will join the Obama Leadership Network, a growing community of global program alumni.

For more information about the program, click here.

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