Pua Souza
Name Pua Souza
Age 27
Town/Moku Honomakaʻu, Kohala
Island Hawaiʻi Island
Leadership Category Education
Nominated by Kawena Elkington
Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.
ʻO Pua Souza koʻu inoa. I'm from Honomakaʻu, Kohala and now reside in Waiākea, Hilo. I am currently a PhD student in the College of Education at UH Mānoa where my research and work focuses on community care through community education, as well as the implementation of ʻāina-based pedagogies and intergenerational learning structures in curriculum development. Under the mentorship and guidance of Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer, I work as a Research Assistant in the Pōʻai ke Aloha ʻĀina Research Lab at Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. Our research lab focuses on advocating for the transition to sustainable and circular economic systems rooted in aloha ʻāina and regenerative structures of governance.
Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?
I view my work both in and out of academia as expressions of aloha for our ʻāina and our people. Community education that utilizes principles found within ʻāina-based pedagogies and intergenerational learning structures can create community and ʻāina caretakers that intimately understand their kuleana to place. It is important that our educational curriculum not only reflect the values of our kūpuna, but also create regenerative pathways towards community health and well-being. These regenerative pathways can also be achieved through a more sustainable and socially-just economy. A transition towards circular economic systems can help us to break away from the current exploitative linear structures that produce mass amounts of waste and pollution.
Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.
A great leader is one that has the ability to engage in relationship building, advocacy, humility, and self reflection. I have been fortunate enough to learn from kumu and mentors who emphasize the role relationships play in our ability to lead. Our relationships to ʻāina, to ourselves, and to those we serve are the foundations in which our leadership capabilities are built. A great leader is someone who has the ability to connect to the emotions of others, emotions that ultimately drive action and promote change. In many ways, I feel as if I am still learning to implement these leadership qualities in my own life. I strive to continue to grow in my expression of these attributes.
Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?
Ultimately, my work is inspired by my Grandpa, Joseph Faisca. His selflessness and ability to always act from place of aloha is the kāhua that allows me to do the work that I do.
What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?
Education
What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?
Education