Pūpū’s & Pro’s: Leadership Lessons from Native Hawaiian Executives

Description

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce invites you to Pūpū’s & Pro’s — an intimate, talk story–style leadership event hosted at Pacific Business News in downtown Honolulu. The evening will kick off with opening remarks from Lei Pedro, Publisher & Market President of Pacific Business News, our event sponsor, who will share a warm welcome and insights from her own leadership and mentoring journey. From there, we’ll shift into small-group talk story sessions featuring three accomplished Native Hawaiian executives who will share their real-world experiences, challenges, and leadership lessons. Attendees will rotate between small group sessions, spending time with each speaker for focused mentorship and open conversation — paired with delicious pūpū’s and refreshments to enjoy throughout the evening.

Who is this for?
Entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills, navigate challenges with confidence, and connect with like-minded peers, all while staying grounded in cultural values and community impact.

Why Attend?
✅ Learn leadership strategies from seasoned executives
✅ Gain fresh perspectives on problem-solving and growth
✅ Build valuable connections with mentors and peers
✅ Be inspired by real stories of success and resilience

Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Pacific Business News
737 Bishop St., Suite 1550, Honolulu, HI

Featuring:

George “Umi” Akana
President, Pono Petroleum & Akana Brothers Construction

George Akana III brings over two decades of expertise in construction and transportation management. As the founder of Akana Bros Construction LLC. (est. 2020) and Pono Petroleum LLC. (est. 2022). He has built a reputation for leading with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to the community. What began as a family-rooted venture has evolved into a growing force in Hawai’i’s fuel service and delivery industry. Driven by the belief that Hawai’i’s future must be built by its own people through Pono Petroleum, he actively trains and supports young Native Hawaiians in construction, project management, entrepreneurship, and so much more. His leadership reflects a dedication to creating lasting opportunities and building a resilient economic foundation for the lāhui, always guided by the principle of doing business with pono.

Paula Akana
Executive Director, The Friends of ʻIolani Palace

Paula Akana is the President & CEO of The Friends of ʻIolani Palace. Prior to joining “The Friends,” she spent 30-plus years as a broadcast journalist for KITV Island News, where she covered not only breaking news, but cultural stories and events, including the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival and Hokule’a. Paula is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. Paula has served with a number of local nonprofit organizations over the years, including the Board of Directors for YMCA Metro Honolulu and Ma‘o Farms, and is a member of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu. She made the journey from journalist to The Friends of ʻIolani Palace in July 2019. Since then, she has guided the organization through the pandemic and has helped it to emerge fiscally and culturally stronger, with much closer relationships with the community.

Jeanine DeFries
Chief Executive Officer, The Hawai‘i Pacific Foundation

With over 20 years of executive leadership experience, Jeanine DeFries brings a deep commitment to operational excellence, strategic vision, team development, and community impact. As President and CEO of the Hawai‘i Pacific Foundation (HPF), a Native Hawaiian Organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit, she leads the foundation’s efforts to enrich Native Hawaiian communities through education, workforce development, economic stability, and cultural preservation. Jeanine’s professional journey spans diverse industries, including corporate operations, procurement, and governance. Her experience includes managing multimillion-dollar inventories, implementing enterprise-wide policies and programs, and fostering strategic partnerships. Prior to joining HPF, she held leadership roles at Hawaiian Host Group and Beauty Systems Group, where she demonstrated expertise in procurement, change management, and organizational strategy. A graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with a BA in Hawaiian Studies, Jeanine integrates her cultural knowledge with professional acumen to create innovative solutions that address the unique challenges of the communities she serves.

Hear What Our Past Project Ho'omana Workshop Attendees Are Saying:

"I left with an actual plan I could start using the same day."

👉 Watch the testimonials here

💲 Pricing & Registration:
Members: $20
Non-Members: $75 (includes a 1-year NHCC membership)

All Attendees Enjoy Delicious Pūpū’s & Drinks!

How to Register:
Click “Register” to reserve your seat. Space is limited!