Individuals were selected through a rigorous application process, based on their accomplishments, motivation, and ability to make positive change in Hawai‘i. Their courageous leadership continues to be demonstrated through their response to the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing health and economic crisis.

“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. “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.”

This year’s cohort includes a diverse mix of representatives from the for-profit, nonprofit and government sectors:

• Tony Au (Kaimukī, O‘ahu), executive vice president – residential real estate division, First Hawaiian Bank
• Danielle Bass (Mililani Town, O‘ahu), sustainability coordinator, State of Hawai‘i, Office of Planning
• Jan Boivin (Wai‘alae Iki, O‘ahu), senior vice president & general counsel, Hawai‘i Pacific University
• Daniel Chun (Ala Moana, O‘ahu), director of sales, community, & public relations – Hawai‘i, Alaska Airlines
• Sheila-Anne Ebert (Lilipuna, O‘ahu), director of management & operations, Alexander & Baldwin
• Marisa Hayase (Kailua, O‘ahu), program director – Hawai‘i, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
• Jocelyn Howard (Momilani, O‘ahu), executive director, We Are Oceania\
• Janice Ikeda (Pi‘ihonua, Hawai‘i Island), executive director, Vibrant Hawai‘i
• Doug Johnstone (Kāhala, O‘ahu), president – Hawai‘i, The Howard Hughes Corporation
• Ashley Lukens (Kaimukī, O‘ahu), executive director, Frost Family Foundation; principal consultant, Ashley Lukens Consulting
• Darragh O’Carroll (Pālolo, O‘ahu), emergency physician, Kuakini Medical Center; writer & climate change advocate
• Diane Paloma (Wailupe, O‘ahu), chief executive officer, King Lunalilo Trust and Lunalilo Home
• Emily Porter (Kāhala, O‘ahu), chief operating officer, MacNaughton
• Suzie Schulberg (Hawai‘i Kai, O‘ahu), president & chief executive officer, Arcadia Family of Companies
• Gavin Thornton (Enchanted Lake, O‘ahu), executive director, Hawai‘i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice
• Wren Wescoatt (Mānoa, O‘ahu), principal, 7 Generation Consulting

To access professional biographies, click here.

Cohort VIII begins its 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. At the end of the curriculum, Cohort VIII becomes fully engaged with the previous seven cohorts in the Forum of Fellows. This active network of 99 transformative, cross-sector leaders and change makers are committed to strengthening the well-being of Hawai‘i. In response to the pandemic, many Fellows are leading or involved in collaborative efforts to kōkua our community. To learn more about these efforts, please click here.

The Omidyar Fellows program launched in 2012 with an inaugural cohort of 13 Fellows. The addition of Cohort VIII marks the program crossing the 100-Fellow milestone with a total of 115 Fellows.