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HONOLULU, July 27, 2018 – An innovator and leader in the social services community, Chiemi Terasawa Davis joins Liliʻuokalani Trust as senior director of social services.

Ms. Davis relocates from the Pacific Northwest where she worked for Casey Family Programs for 23 years, serving in a number of roles throughout her tenure, including her most recent position as senior director of strategic consulting, acting as the lead in Hawaiʻi and Montana to improve outcomes for children and families. In all her positions at Casey, she dedicated her time to diminish the numbers of children in the child welfare system through innovative practice, focus on data, and support for strategic efforts. 

“It is such an honor to be back in Hawaiʻi to work with this amazing organization and to serve the children and families through Queen Liliʻuokalani’s legacy. The mission and values of Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) reflect the deep commitment to ensuring that children are thriving in their families and communities, and I am excited and blessed to be part of this orgaization."

Throughout her career, Ms. Davis has been a community advocate and educator dedicated to improving the lives of children and families within the areas of education, healthcare, substance abuse, mental health, and child welfare. She has worked alongside families, community advocates and professionals to address the issues of disproportionate representation of children of color in the child welfare, health and education systems. Ms. Davis’ passion and dedication stem from her perspective as an adopted child and her commitment to making a valuable contribution and difference to children, families and communities.

Ms. Davis received her master’s degree in social work from Portland State University and became instrumental in the development of Neighborhood Foster Care, a collaboration with the State of Oregon to tailor foster care services for children and families in their neighborhoods with the focus on kinship and sibling care, prior to joining Casey Family Programs.

“Chiemi’s depth of knowledge and wealth of experience locally and nationally in child welfare will greatly enhance LT’s ability to provide culturally competent social services for our most vulnerable Native Hawaiian children,” said Nalei Akina, LT vice president and chief program officer.

About Liliʻuokalani Trust

Lili‘uokalani Trust was established by Hawaiʻi’s last ruling monarch, the beloved Queen Lili‘uokalani. Her Deed of Trust, executed in 1909, directs that the Queen’s lands be utilized to serve and provide for orphan and destitute children in perpetuity; core Trust assets include some 6,400 acres of land, the majority in Kona.

The vision of Liliʻuokalani Trust is e nā kamalei lupalupa, thriving Hawaiian children. LT’s mission: We believe in the resiliency of our Hawaiian children; we advocate for their wellbeing and build them pathways to thriving lives.