Imua Onipāʻa Expands Leadership and Calls for Partners to Build Maui’s Resilient Future
Imua Onipāʻa is proud to announce the formation of its new Advisory Board and the appointment of Rachele Perez to its Board of Directors, marking an exciting step in the organization’s growth and impact.
The five leaders — Jasmine Hendricks, Kyle Hendricks, G. Marshall Norman, Linda Puppolo, and Rachele Perez — bring expertise spanning workforce development, communications, finance, and community resilience. Together, they will help guide Imua Onipāʻa’s efforts to build equitable career pathways across Hawaiʻi.
The announcement aligns with Imua Onipāʻa’s new Request for Partners Campaign, inviting funders, businesses, educators, and community organizations to join in creating a Center of Excellence for workforce innovation and resilience on Maui.
“Our leadership team embodies Imua Onipāʻa’s meaning — to move forward with steadfast purpose,” said Gary Albitz, Managing Director. “Together, we’re creating lasting partnerships that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s economy and empower local families.”
For more information about Imua Onipāʻa’s programs or to become a partner, visit www.imuaonipaa.org/get-involved or contact:
Media Contact:
Nicholas Winfrey
Executive Director, Imua Onipāʻa
Email: nick@imuaonipaa.org
Imua Onipāʻa Expands Leadership and Calls for Partners to Build Maui’s Resilient Future
Kahului, Maui – November 18, 2025
Imua Onipāʻa, a Maui-based nonprofit dedicated to building equitable career pathways and advancing community resilience, has announced the formation of its founding Advisory Board and the addition of a new member to its Board of Directors—key steps in strengthening the organization’s leadership and capacity to scale impact across Hawaiʻi.
The announcement aligns with the launch of Imua Onipāʻa’s “Request for Partners” Campaign, a statewide call for collaboration among funders, businesses, educators, and nonprofits to expand access to career training, mentorship, and digital inclusion for Maui Nui residents.
“Our mission is simple but urgent—assisting local residents move from jobs to sustainable, high-quality careers with full benefits,” said Gary Albitz, Managing Director at Imua Onipāʻa. “This new leadership team represents the vision, experience, and heart needed to make that mission a reality. Together, we’re building a movement rooted in partnership, purpose, and aloha.”
Advisory Board Members
Jasmine Hendricks
A Maui-based marketing and communications professional, Jasmine brings expertise in brand storytelling, content strategy, and mentorship.
“I’m excited to support Imua Onipāʻa’s mission to empower Maui’s workforce through storytelling, connection, and shared purpose.”
Kyle Hendricks
A mortgage lender and real estate investor from Kīhei, Kyle offers financial literacy and community investment insight.
“Imua Onipāʻa’s work in workforce development and financial empowerment aligns deeply with my belief that education and access are key to building generational wealth for Maui families.”
G. Marshall Norman
With extensive experience in workforce development and education administration, Marshall serves with the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges system, helping align local talent with emerging industry needs.
“Maui’s future depends on equitable access to quality education, training, and opportunity. Imua Onipāʻa’s vision of community-driven workforce resilience is essential to that future.”
Linda Puppolo
A 40-year Maui resident, Linda currently serves as Executive Director of the Maui A.I.D.S. Foundation and previously led the Maui County Workforce Development division. Her decades of leadership and advocacy earned her the Woman of Maui Award (1992) and National Workforce Professional of the Year (2022).
“I am honored to join Imua Onipāʻa’s Advisory Board and continue contributing to the growth of Maui’s workforce, families, and future with a focus on compassion, access, and opportunity.”
New Board of Directors Member
Rachele Pezel
Rachele joins the Imua Onipāʻa Board of Directors representing Employer’s Options, where she leads workforce inclusion and employment pipeline initiatives.
“I am honored to join Imua Onipāʻa’s Board of Directors and look forward to supporting initiatives that connect Maui’s people with sustainable, meaningful careers.”
A Shared Commitment to Partnership
The new leadership appointments and the Request for Partners Campaign mark a pivotal moment for Imua Onipāʻa as it works to expand workforce training and community resilience programs statewide.
The organization invites funders, philanthropic organizations, corporations, educational institutions, and community leaders to join in shaping a “Center of Excellence”—a collaborative hub for training, innovation, and mentorship that empowers Maui’s residents to thrive in an evolving economy.
“Imua Onipāʻa means to move forward with steadfast purpose,” said Winfrey. “Our board and advisory members embody that purpose. Together, we are building the partnerships that will sustain Hawaiʻi’s workforce and communities for generations to come.”
About Imua Onipāʻa
Imua Onipāʻa is a nonprofit organization based in Maui, Hawaiʻi, focused on workforce development, digital inclusion, and community resilience. Through training, mentorship, and partnerships, the organization prepares residents for high-demand careers while strengthening the social and economic fabric of Hawaiʻi.
