Kamalanai "Pono" Cummings Pono serves as a Youth Engagement Specialist at Lydia House, where he maintains facility organization, oversees resources, supports Center activities, and facilitates programs and services at Lydia House and the Thriving Supportive Program (TSP).Pono advocates for youth and young adult (YYA) voices, provides feedback for service enhancement, and contributes to team success through collaborative efforts and ongoing skill development.He graduated from BYU-Hawaiʻi with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with emphases in Marketing and Hawaiian Studies and a minor in Entrepreneurship and Hawaiian Language. He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama.Pono brings diverse experience as a freelance portrait photographer and in marketing at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Additionally, Pono is a seasoned actor, having performed in various theatre productions at BYU-Hawaiʻi, UH Mānoa, and for the Hawaii Ponoʻī Coalition, with upcoming roles for the Hawaiʻi Shakespeare Festival and Palikū Theatre.Inspired by Queen Liliʻuokalani's vision to serve Hawaiian children and families, Pono is eager to contribute to LT, grow professionally, and collaborate with colleagues to support their mission.Outside of work, Pono enjoys surfing, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, and exploring the island's best Korean BBQ spots.