Lohelani Furtado-Gaspar

Name Lohelani Furtado-Gaspar

Age 20

Town/Moku Kalihi

Island Oʻahu

Social Media Handle none

Nominated by Kuʻuleinani Maunupau

Leadership Category Mauli Ola - Health, Personal & Family Development

Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.

I am currently a junior at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. I am majoring in Social Work and American Studies. Ever since I was a little girl I was immersed into Hawaiian culture. I attended Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue from kindergarten until graduation where my love for the culture was nurtured. I grew to be a proud native Hawaiian and my core values were ones that were taught at my school like respect and unity. When I am not doing school work I am helping at a non profit called Mālama Kaʻehu where they do after school programs that teach young Hawaiian children about land management, natural resource management, and about the importance of Mālama ʻĀina.

Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?

I am from Kalihi Valley where the crime rate is high and the school systems are lacking in some areas. I grew up needing help and places like Palama Settlement had really helped me stay on the right track. This is why I am majoring in Social Work so I can give back to my community Kalihi Valley and make an impact on the youth like Palama Settlement has on me. This work is important to me because I have a deep love for my home and I would like to see that home heal from all the bad that may be causing harm. I feel that every community could benefit from more Social Workers. Growing up Kalihi has been a scary place to live. Today I feel that fear has just gotten worse over time. My goal is to make Kalihi a better place for my kids and the next generation.

Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.

One important quality that I admire from great leaders is empathy. The ability to understand and share the feelings of one another is a powerful tool. A leader who empathizes with their people is a leader that will make a difference. I express empathy in my life by being mindful of other people's circumstances. I always try to be respectful and understanding of other people's struggles and needs and will always try to help them when needed.

Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?

My older sister has inspired me to do the work that I have done. She is the kindest and most hard working person I know, She is selfless and caring and I strive to be like her everyday. SHe has impacted my life and my entire family in such a positive way. She helped raise me and showed me what it means to be a good person.

What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?

Holomua

What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?

Togetherness