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Building a Youth Leadership Initiative at Liliʻuokalani Trust

In May 2023, Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) launched its Youth Leadership Department to establish an Advisory Committee for Native Hawaiian youth. This Committee amplifies "Youth Voice" in shaping the Liliʻuokalani Center’s (LC) design, programming, and vision. 

The first cohort, assembled in July 2023, laid the program's foundation and chose the name Nā Leo o Kamakaʻeha (“the Voices of Kamakaʻeha”), honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani. The name reflects the resilience and determination of Hawaiian youth to overcome challenges while building a brighter future for Hawaiʻi. 

What began as a 14-week pilot has evolved into a year-long internship/mentorship program now in its fourth cohort. Each cohort builds on the work of its predecessors, introducing new ideas and projects while sustaining peer mentorship and youth-led initiatives. Committee members have contributed to leadership prerequisites for peer mentoring, supported after-school programs, facilitate a youth engagement night at Lydia’s House and piloted different program opportunities for LT, creating a lasting legacy of youth leadership. 

Nā Leo o Kamakaʻeha has also fostered opportunities to showcase "Youth Voice" on broader platforms. For example, committee members led a roundtable discussion at the Hawaiʻi Pacific Evaluation Association (HPEA) Conference, sharing their stories through a Photovoice project that challenged participants to consider solutions to the challenges youth face. These experiences have helped members develop leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. 

Through connections with youth organizations across the Pacific in the Cook Islands, Australia, and New Zealand, Nā Leo o Kamakaʻeha shares a common vision with other groups: preserving cultural identity while addressing modern challenges. These partnerships reflect a collective belief in nurturing young leaders to create a culturally grounded and innovative future. 

Recruitment for the program has leveraged internal referrals, social media outreach, and community partnerships. Many participants expressed initial doubts about their ability to lead, often due to personal hardships or preconceived notions about leadership. Nā Leo o Kamakaʻeha challenges these misconceptions, creating a space where youth can embrace their authentic selves, explore their passions, and grow into the leaders they aspire to become.

The program builds trust and fosters collaboration by connecting youth with mentors who align with their interests, ensuring that youth feel valued and empowered. This approach enables participants to step into leadership roles naturally, often inspiring their peers through their actions. The program demonstrates that leadership can emerge from diverse experiences and perspectives. 

At the end of each cohort, a celebration brings together participants and their mentors to reflect on their journey and celebrate their growth. Alumni often return as guest speakers or cultural practitioners, sharing their expertise and continuing to support the program. For alumni and current members, Nā Leo o Kamakaʻeha is more than an advisory committee—it is a community where youth feel supported, valued, and empowered to make a lasting impact, shaping their future together.