The Power of Kākou
When communities comes together, we create lasting change for Maui, Molokai and Lānaʻi. Maui United Way has been vital to these communities since 1945 for good reason: We know how to bring the right people and the right resources together to make what is pono possible.
Our goal is to bring people, organizations and communities together around a common cause, a common vision and a common path forward. We work alongside nonprofits, businesses, government, funders, and residents to understand changing needs and strengthen the organizations responding to them. Our role is not to replace direct-service organizations.
Leadership Team
Maui United Way’s Staff ‘Ohana
Our staff includes experienced program leaders, innovators and nonprofit executive leadership. They collectively represent more than 100 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.
Jeeyun Lee
Chief Executive Officer
LIndsey Shiroma
Deputy Director
Kapua Chang
Development Director
Sunny Lee
Program Director
Crystal Mariñas
Finance Director
Makana Rosete
Community Impact Manager
Lehua Leong
Community Impact Coordinator
People of Our Mission
Board of Directors
Our diverse Board of Directors provides governance and oversight. They lead efforts to expand opportunities, funding, resources and relationships across Maui, Molokai and Lānaʻi.
Paul Apao
Board Chair
Kaleena Wakamatsu
Vice Chair
Kolea (Skye) Razon-Olds
Secretary
Matthew Mori
Treasurer
Chris Smith
Past Chair
Mary Anderson
Member
Kiko Camacho
Member
Inita Fonohema
Member
Barbara Geary
Member
Sylvia Ho
Member
Shanda Vangas
Member
Joyce Wang
Member
Ron Williams
Member
Our History. Our Future.
Founded in 1945, shortly after World War II, Maui United Way was created to help meet the emerging needs of Maui County during a time of significant change. Before the war, Maui’s population stood at approximately 47,000. The influx of military personnel during the war years added roughly 100,000 people to the island, placing unprecedented demands on housing, services and community resources.
As the islands emerged from a plantation economy and adapted post-war economic and social changes, local leaders recognized the need to bring together people, organizations and resources to address the island’s most pressing needs. Rather than having local charities compete separately for donations, Maui United Way coordinate fundraising efforts and distributed resources where they could have the greatest impact. This collaborative approach reflected a growing nationwide movement to strengthen communities through collective action.
Today, we serve as a community convener and catalyst for impact, investing in programs and partnerships that advance financial security, improve health outcomes, expand opportunities for youth and build a more resilient Maui County.
A Culture of Belonging,
Respect & Opportunity
At Maui United Way, we believe that acting with pono means creating opportunities for all members of our community to thrive. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging, respect, and opportunity across Maui, Molokai and Lānaʻi. By listening to diverse voices, removing barriers and investing in solutions that uplift our neighbors so that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
160k
people live on Maui,
Molokai & Lāna‘i
25%
identify as multi-cultural
