ABOUT US
E ala pu kākou: We rise up together.
E ho’oikaika pu kākou: We are strengthened together.
~ Translation by Kumu Lapule Schultz.
Background & History
Pouhana O Nā Wāhine (PONW) began in 2015 as a grass-roots effort founded by Kānaka ’Ōiwi wāhine to shed light on the disproportionate violence against Native Hawaiian women and its traumatic impact on our community. Since our humble beginnings, we have been federally recognized for our work, securing funding in 2022 to further our mission and enact even greater change. As part of securing this funding, we became the first federally recognized Native Hawaiian Resource Center on Domestic Violence in Hawaiʻi.
Our Core Values, Rooted in Aloha
We perform our work with integrity and transparency, rooted in Aloha and based on the Hawaiian ALOHA Spirit Law. Pouhana O Nā Wāhine is committed to:
'Akahai
Kindness and grace expressed with tenderness – internally and externally. We must treat others and be treated with dignity, respect, and humility.
Lōkahi
Unity – within our organization and the communities we serve through shared values, decreased barriers to commu-nication, and provision of vital resources to our ʻohana and lāhui.
ʻOlu ʻolu
Pleasantness – to conduct ourselves. We recognize and honor that kindness and gentleness in our exchanges and relationships are vital to hoʻoponopono.
Haʻahaʻa
Humility – in all we do. We recognize and honor the differences, unique insights, and diverse opinions of everyone within our organization and community. We humble ourselves to those who possess more knowledge and expertise.
Ahōnui
Patience and tolerance – to fulfill our mission, which we will realize through a standard code of ethics upheld by officers, the Board of Directors, and staff
We perform our work responsibly, and our actions
are grounded in:
Hoʻoponopono
Making things right – as we focus on healing the injustices and the trauma of past and current generations through the lens of a Hawaiian worldview.
Moʻolelo
Stories and histories – so we can learn from each other’s histories and lived experiences.
KākoʻoKākoʻo
Support and equanimity – which involves our kupuna, kānaka maoli and ʻōiwi, and lāhui in the responsibility of decision-making that is mindful of its potential impacts.
Kuleana
responsibility – as Native Hawaiians to care for, serve, and heal each other. We are accountable and transparent to kupuna, kānaka maoli and ʻōiwi, and lāhui.
Our Staff
As a Kānaka ‘Oiwi-led team, we are compelled by our kuleana to help heal generations, past and present, to ensure the healthiest future for our communities. Collectively, the Pouhana O Nā Wāhine team has over 100 years of experience in advocacy, social services, community engagement, leadership, cultural education, research, consultation, and the court system.
Dr. Dayna Schultz, Psy. D., LSW, CSAC
Executive Director & CEO
Survivor, Kānaka ʻOiwi (Native Hawaiian)
Dolly Tatofi, MSW, LCSW
Director of Culture & Operations
Survivor, Kanaka ʻOiwi (Native Hawaiian)
Dr. Nikki Cristobal, Ph.D.
Policy & Research Specialist
Survivor, Kānaka ʻOiwi (Native Hawaiian)
Board of Directors
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Advisory Board
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Partners
PONW works with local, state, and national partners to expand the network of providers who are sharing resources and education not just on solutions specific to Native Hawaiian communities but solutions for all Indigenous communities.
