MacNaughton's Emily Porter Selected as Member of Eighth Cohort for Omidyar Fellows Program

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PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS

The Omidyar Fellows Program has selected 16 Hawaii leaders across sectors to make up its newest cohort, officials with the program announced Monday.

The program, which is now in its eighth year, seeks to cultivate Hawaii's growth by equipping local leaders with the skills and relationships necessary to collectively affect societal change. The members of this year's cohort were selected through a rigorous application process that began in December 2019, based on their accomplishments, motivation, and ability to make positive change in the Islands.

“One thing that has become incredibly clear to all of us in the last six months is the importance and impact of thoughtful, credible, and intentional leadership,” said Bill Coy, director of Omidyar Fellows, in a statement. “We see leadership as an activity, not a role, and we have appreciated all of those who have stepped forward to diagnose the real and deeper challenges, engage others, and intervene skillfully. Cohort VIII joins us at a juncture of critical demands and remarkable opportunity."

The members of Cohort VIII begins their 15-month curriculum in October 2020, which includes a full-day session each month; executive coaching; conversations with community, business, and government leaders; and more. The fellowship also includes an active network of 99 cross-sector leaders and change makers "committed to strengthening the well-being of Hawaii."

The Omidyar Fellows program launched in 2012 with an inaugural cohort of 13 Fellows. The addition of Cohort VIII makes 115 total fellows for the program since its inception.

Here are the members of the Omidyar Fellows Program's eighth cohort:

  • Tony Au (Kaimuki), executive vice president – residential real estate division, First Hawaiian Bank

  • Danielle Bass (Mililani Town), sustainability coordinator, State of Hawaii, Office of Planning

  • Jan Boivin (Waialae Iki), senior vice president & general counsel, Hawaii Pacific University

  • Daniel Chun (Ala Moana), director of sales, community, & public relations – Hawaii, Alaska Airlines

  • Sheila-Anne Ebert (Lilipuna), director of management & operations, Alexander & Baldwin

  • Marisa Hayase (Kailua), program director – Hawaii, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

  • Jocelyn Howard (Momilani), executive director, We Are Oceania

  • Janice Ikeda (Piihonua), executive director, Vibrant Hawaii

  • Doug Johnstone (Kahala), president – Hawaii, The Howard Hughes Corporation

  • Ashley Lukens (Kaimuki), executive director, Frost Family Foundation; principal consultant, Ashley Lukens Consulting

  • Darragh O’Carroll (Palolo), emergency physician, Kuakini Medical Center; writer & climate change advocate

  • Diane Paloma (Wailupe), chief executive officer, King Lunalilo Trust and Lunalilo Home

  • Emily Reber Porter (Kahala), chief operating officer, MacNaughton

  • Suzie Schulberg (Hawaii Kai), president & chief executive officer, Arcadia Family of Companies

  • Gavin Thornton (Enchanted Lake), executive director, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice

  • Wren Wescoatt (Manoa), principal, 7 Generation Consulting

Katie Kaanapu