The Hawai‘i Leadership Forum is currently accepting applications for the tenth cohort of its prestigious Omidyar Fellows program. This program aims to cultivate visionary leaders who can drive positive change across the islands of Hawai‘i.
Kicking off in October 2025, Cohort 10 will participate in an immersive 18-month leadership training that includes orientation, monthly educational sessions, overnight retreats, and interactive ‘talk story’ discussions with established leaders from various sectors.
A noteworthy addition to this year’s curriculum is the Immersive Huaka‘i, where each Fellow will have the opportunity to design a personalized experience. This initiative is designed to help participants align their leadership intentions with their community impact.
The Omidyar Fellows program focuses on nurturing leadership that is deeply rooted in ‘āina (land) and local values. “Now more than ever, Hawai‘i needs visionary leaders who are rooted in local values, willing to courageously step forward, able to engage with empathy, and committed to working with and for others,” states AJ Halagao, the president of Hawai‘i Leadership Forum.
The program’s foundational elements are clear:
First, it emphasizes Hawai‘i-Based Leadership, promoting the integration of local knowledge and values to foster thriving communities. This commitment to understanding and harnessing ‘ike Hawai‘i (knowledge of Hawai‘i) is crucial in developing effective leadership.
Second, the Cohort-Based Learning approach encourages transformative educational experiences within a supportive community, thereby establishing a framework for collective progress.
Additionally, Leadership Sessions feature teachings from a diverse range of sources, enabling participants to refine their leadership strengths through practice, feedback, and reflection.
The program also includes ‘Talk Story with Leaders’ sessions, which provide an intimate space for conversation and learning. In these sessions, Fellows, organized into teams of three, will host discussions with influential leaders in Hawai‘i, facilitating a rich exchange of experiences and insights.
Another critical component is the Immersive Huakaʻi. Under the guidance of a mentor of their choosing, each Fellow will embark on a journey to unfamiliar communities within Hawai‘i. This experience aims to deepen their understanding of their kuleana (responsibility) while helping them realize the effects of their leadership initiatives on different communities.
The program also incorporates Executive Coaching, which takes place over four months during the orientation phase. One-on-one coaching sessions will provide participants with personalized guidance, enabling them to prepare effectively for the program’s curriculum.
Applications are welcome from individuals in the for-profit, nonprofit, and government sectors. Selection criteria include a demonstrated record of leadership impact, commitment to community service, and the ability to articulate personal kuleana.
“Some people will hear the kāhea (call)—be it from our ancestors, our kuleana, and this opportunity,” remarked Cheryl Kaʻuhane Lupenui, who leads the Omidyar Fellows Cohort 10 initiative. “This experience allows those who hear it to best answer the call provisioned by community.”
It is important to note that in-person participation is required for all activities and sessions, with a comprehensive schedule already available online. The Hawai‘i Leadership Forum will cover all program-related expenses, including airfare and lodging for participants from neighboring islands.
Interested candidates can begin reviewing application materials and criteria on the Omidyar Fellows website. For those eager to apply, the early submission deadline is set for noon on Monday, June 23, while the final deadline is noon on Monday, June 30.
image source from：https://bigislandnow.com/2025/06/09/fellowship-program-enables-visionary-leaders-for-hawai%CA%BBi-to-emerge-from-all-sectors/
