Pūpū’s & Pro’s: Leadership Lessons from Native Hawaiian Executives
Pūpū’s & Pro’s: Leadership Lessons from Native Hawaiian Executives
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (5:30 PM - 8:00 PM) (HST)
Description
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 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, February 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Pacific Business News
737 Bishop St., Suite 1550, Honolulu, HI
Featuring:
Larissa Kick
Vice President, Community Grants and Initiatives
Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
Larissa Kick is the Vice President of Community Grants and Initiatives at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF). She leads a team of more than 30 staff members who develop and implement grantmaking and scholarship strategies that advance the well-being of people and places across Hawaiʻi. Larissa oversees a $40+ million grantmaking budget supporting initiatives aligned with HCF’s CHANGE Framework. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Stevette Santiago
Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources and Brand Officer
UHA Health
Stevette Santiago serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources and Brand Officer at UHA Health Insurance. She was elected to the HawaiiUSA Board in 2018 and previously served as its Senior Vice President of Strategy and Solutions. Her prior experience includes serving as Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations at Young Brothers Limited. Stevette is actively involved in the community as an advisor to the University of Hawaiʻi Master of Human Resource Management program and as a volunteer with the SHRM Hawaiʻi Chapter. She also serves on the boards of the YMCA of Honolulu and Friends of ʻIolani Palace.
Keoni Lee
Co–Chief Executive Officer
Hawaiʻi Investment Ready
Keoni Lee is the Co–Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiʻi Investment Ready (HIR). A social entrepreneur and member of HIR’s inaugural cohort, he previously served as the organization’s founding CEO and a founding board member. In 2024, he assumed the role of Co-CEO alongside Miwa Tamanaha. Keoni is also the co-founder of ʻŌiwi TV, a media production company reshaping narratives of the modern Hawaiian experience, and Waiwai Collective, a contemporary Hawaiian gathering space grounded in collective values and shared responsibility. He holds an MBA from the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and serves on several nonprofit boards focused on education and local food systems.
Hear What Our Past Project Ho'omana Workshop Attendees Are Saying:
"I left with an actual plan I could start using the same day."
💲 Pricing & Registration:
Members: $25
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!
Images
Members: $25 | Non-Members: $75 (Includes a 1-year membership with the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce) All Attendees Enjoy Delicious Pūpū’s & Drinks!
737 Bishop St. Suite 1550
Honolulu, HI 96813 United States
Validated Parking Info: Pacific Guardian Center Garage (739 Alakea St.) Park in any visitor or unreserved stall. Bring parking ticket, take parking elevator to lobby. 737 Bishop St Mauka tower is on left, take elevator to 15th floor ring doorbell on right. After 6pm the parking gate is secured - press to speak to security, mention NHCC event at PBN and they will open the gate.
