Debbralee Hi’ilani Shibata
Name Debbralee Hi’ilani Shibata
Social Media @hiilanishibata @kamahinaproject
Age 46
Town/Moku Hilo
Island Hawaiʻi Island
Leadership Category Mauli Ola - Health, Personal & Family Development
Nominated by Ke’ala Kadooka
Share with us a little about yourself and what you do. A lifelong learner and educator, the foundation of my career started at the Bishop Museum where I discovered my passion for sharing our Hawaiian Culture and language with the world. As the lead cultural trainer for the Native Hawaiian Hospitality, it has been an honor to share the Aloha of our people and place. As a Kumu in two Hawaiian focused Charter Schools, ma ka hana ka ‘ike, in doing our cultural practices we learn and grow. As co-founder and content creator of Ka Mahina Project, I am committed to provide a way for our community to connect to the natural environment through the mahina and nā mo’olelo of Hina. The project provides daily Mahina Mana’o, Hina Circle meet ups and classes. The focus is to create Hawaiian Culture rooted Mental & Spiritual Health support. This program was first started with Women transitioning out of incarceration and has grown to now benefit the larger community.
Why is the work that you do important to you? The community? The work I have been able to do through the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Ka Mahina Project, Hawai’i Tourism Authority, and various programs with Hawaiian Culture based education appeals to those in our community that feel intimidated or do not have access to learning about Hawaiian Culture and ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i in their daily life. For me, this has been a common theme when talking to those who are engaged in the classes I lead, which fuels my passion to continue to offer ways for people local and global to connect to our Hawaiian culture. I believe the more people who are exposed to Hawaiian Culture, the more healing, empowerment and Aloha will permeate through the world.
Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life. Ahonui, to be kind, sincere, generous, patient. Koa- courageous. Alakaʻi- the ability to move and inspire others emotionally and physically, mentorship. Ha’aha’a- humility, being rooted in your foundation with the understanding that you always continue to learn. Kuleana- the privilege to do your passion for the greater we and not just the individual. Aloha- the ability to aloha with no conditions or expectations.
Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing? The women incarcerated, their struggle and perseverance.
What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui? Kūpa’a
What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui? Mauliola