Imua Onipāʻa, a Maui-based nonprofit committed to creating equitable career pathways and building community resilience, has announced the formation of its founding Advisory Board and the appointment of Rachele Perez to its board of directors. This move signals a strategic initiative to bolster the organization's capacity to serve Maui Nui and underscores its commitment to future-proofing the local economy.
Imua Onipāʻa's mission is to connect community-driven talent with industry-driven careers, focusing on high-paying, sustainable pathways for local residents. Their efforts are particularly crucial given the current economic landscape in Hawaii, where a significant portion of the workforce struggles to make ends meet, despite working in vital sectors Imua Onipaa. The organization's approach includes technical training, mentorship programs, and community-based projects designed to prepare individuals for careers in technology, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.
To further its goals, Maui Now reports that Imua Onipāʻa is actively seeking partners to expand its programming and mentorship network. They are targeting foundations, funders, corporate partners in sectors like tech, construction, renewable energy, and hospitality, as well as nonprofits and educational institutions. This call for collaboration highlights the organization's vision of creating a comprehensive ecosystem that supports workforce development from training to job placement. This follows the successful launch of its first workforce cohort earlier this year, according to Maui News.
The expansion of Imua Onipāʻa's leadership and its call for partners represent a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of Maui's workforce. By fostering collaboration and investing in training and support systems, the nonprofit is working towards a more resilient and economically vibrant future for the local community.
