SEPT - DEC 2025
SPEAKER SERIES
SPEAKER SERIES
SPEAKER SERIES
VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON
Real Talk. Real Stories. Real Impact.
Real Talk. Real Stories. Real Impact.
Real Talk. Real Stories. Real Impact.
Designed to support those navigating the early stages of their tech journey, these sessions spotlight local and Native Hawaiian voices leading across product, design, engineering, and beyond.
AGENDA
Weekly Wednesdays at 4:30-5:30 HST
September
SEPT 9, 2025 @ 3-5PM
In-Person
Inspiration Hawaii Musuem
Panel Speakers
htw x pkc: pasifika and local voices in tech
Join a powerful roster of Native Hawaiian and local leaders, creatives, and technologists sharing real talk, real skills, and real connection.
Moderator – Jennifer Ablan
Panelists – Sage Keʻalohilani Quiamno, Jackie Ostlie, Lilinoe Harbottle, Andrew Taeoalii
SEPT 17, 2025
Virtual
Navigating the tech recruitment world
In this session, we’ll break down the reality of tech recruitment today and share practical, insider tips on how to stand out in a competitive hiring landscape.
with Shayla Barnhart, Sr. Manager, Talent Aquisition, Fortune 50 Media & Entertainment Company
SEPT 17, 2025
Virtual
Navigating the tech recruitment world
In this session, we’ll break down the reality of tech recruitment today and share practical, insider tips on how to stand out in a competitive hiring landscape.
with Shayla Barnhart, Sr. Manager, Talent Aquisition, Fortune 50 Media & Entertainment Company
SEPT 24, 2025
Virtual
Interview Tips and Tricks
Ready to ace your next tech interview? This session covers how to prep with confidence, tackle technical interviews, and master tricky questions like “Tell me about yourself.”owerful roster of Native Hawaiian and local leaders, creatives, and technologists sharing real talk, real skills, and real connection.
with Koyu Wenty, Senior Technical Recruiter @ Amazon
SEPT 24, 2025
Virtual
Interview Tips and Tricks
Ready to ace your next tech interview? This session covers how to prep with confidence, tackle technical interviews, and master tricky questions like “Tell me about yourself.”owerful roster of Native Hawaiian and local leaders, creatives, and technologists sharing real talk, real skills, and real connection.
with Koyu Wenty, Senior Technical Recruiter @ Amazon
SEPT 9, 2025 @ 3-5PM
In-Person
Inspiration Hawaii Musuem
Panel Speakers
htw x pkc: pasifika and local voices in tech
Join a powerful roster of Native Hawaiian and local leaders, creatives, and technologists sharing real talk, real skills, and real connection.
Moderator – Jennifer Ablan
Panelists – Sage Keʻalohilani Quiamno, Jackie Ostlie, Lilinoe Harbottle, Andrew Taeoalii
SEPT 17, 2025
Virtual
Navigating the tech recruitment world
In this session, we’ll break down the reality of tech recruitment today and share practical, insider tips on how to stand out in a competitive hiring landscape.
with Shayla Barnhart, Sr. Manager, Talent Aquisition, Fortune 50 Media & Entertainment Company
SEPT 17, 2025
Virtual
Navigating the tech recruitment world
In this session, we’ll break down the reality of tech recruitment today and share practical, insider tips on how to stand out in a competitive hiring landscape.
with Shayla Barnhart, Sr. Manager, Talent Aquisition, Fortune 50 Media & Entertainment Company
SEPT 24, 2025
Virtual
Interview Tips and Tricks
Ready to ace your next tech interview? This session covers how to prep with confidence, tackle technical interviews, and master tricky questions like “Tell me about yourself.”owerful roster of Native Hawaiian and local leaders, creatives, and technologists sharing real talk, real skills, and real connection.
with Koyu Wenty, Senior Technical Recruiter @ Amazon
SEPT 24, 2025
Virtual
Interview Tips and Tricks
Ready to ace your next tech interview? This session covers how to prep with confidence, tackle technical interviews, and master tricky questions like “Tell me about yourself.”owerful roster of Native Hawaiian and local leaders, creatives, and technologists sharing real talk, real skills, and real connection.
with Koyu Wenty, Senior Technical Recruiter @ Amazon
October
oct 1, 2025
Virtual
UX-ing Your Case Study
How to craft a case study that meets a hiring manager’s needs and gets you the job.
with Rachel Dlugos, Director of Design & UX
oct 1, 2025
Virtual
UX-ing Your Case Study
How to craft a case study that meets a hiring manager’s needs and gets you the job.
with Rachel Dlugos, Director of Design & UX
oct 1, 2025
Virtual
UX-ing Your Case Study
How to craft a case study that meets a hiring manager’s needs and gets you the job.
with Rachel Dlugos, Director of Design & UX
oct 8, 2025
Virtual
Live Portfolio Review Workshop
In this series, I'll be reviewing portfolios live, and giving feedback that will help optimize your work.
with Jacob Romero, Product Designer (formerly at Linkedin, YouTube)
oct 8, 2025
Virtual
Live Portfolio Review Workshop
In this series, I'll be reviewing portfolios live, and giving feedback that will help optimize your work.
with Jacob Romero, Product Designer (formerly at Linkedin, YouTube)
oct 8, 2025
Virtual
Live Portfolio Review Workshop
In this series, I'll be reviewing portfolios live, and giving feedback that will help optimize your work.
with Jacob Romero, Product Designer (formerly at Linkedin, YouTube)
oct 15, 2025
Virtual
How to be a Software Engineer’s Favorite Designer
Despite our best intentions, design and engineering often work in separate worlds—but the best digital products are born when designers and developers co-create products in lockstep. Join this workshop to learn stories, strategies and tools that will help you become the kind of designer that engineers love to collaborate with.s, I'll be reviewing portfolios live, and giving feedback that will help optimize your work.
with Ulu Mills, Senior Marketing UX Engineer @ Alma + Senior Product Designer @ Stride Education (K12.com)
oct 15, 2025
Virtual
How to be a Software Engineer’s Favorite Designer
Despite our best intentions, design and engineering often work in separate worlds—but the best digital products are born when designers and developers co-create products in lockstep.
with Ulu Mills, Senior Marketing UX Engineer @ Alma + Senior Product Designer @ Stride Education (K12.com)
oct 15, 2025
Virtual
How to be a Software Engineer’s Favorite Designer
Despite our best intentions, design and engineering often work in separate worlds—but the best digital products are born when designers and developers co-create products in lockstep. Join this workshop to learn stories, strategies and tools that will help you become the kind of designer that engineers love to collaborate with.s, I'll be reviewing portfolios live, and giving feedback that will help optimize your work.
with Ulu Mills, Senior Marketing UX Engineer @ Alma + Senior Product Designer @ Stride Education (K12.com)
oct 8, 2025
Virtual
Portfolio presentation and advice
The job market is more competitive than ever. Having recently gone through the application and interview process himself, Chris will share the portfolio he used during his own job search. He’ll also offer actionable advice on how to structure your own presentation to stand out and make a strong, lasting impression.
with Chris Ota, Staff Product Designer @ LinkedIn
oct 8, 2025
Virtual
Portfolio presentation and advice
The job market is more competitive than ever. Having recently gone through the application and interview process himself, Chris will share the portfolio he used during his own job search. He’ll also offer actionable advice on how to structure your own presentation to stand out and make a strong, lasting impression.
with Chris Ota, Staff Product Designer @ LinkedIn
oct 8, 2025
Virtual
Portfolio presentation and advice
The job market is more competitive than ever. Having recently gone through the application and interview process himself, Chris will share the portfolio he used during his own job search. He’ll also offer actionable advice on how to structure your own presentation to stand out and make a strong, lasting impression.
with Chris Ota, Staff Product Designer @ LinkedIn
November
nov 5, 2025
Virtual
Design Systems in the AI era: Live Build Workshop
In this hands-on workshop, design systems experts Taylor Ho (Block) and Mele Hamasaki (Yahoo) will walk us through the future of design systems—how they’re evolving alongside AI, and what that means for the next generation of designers and engineers.
with Mele Hamasaki, Senior Principal Designer @ Yahoo & Taylor Ho, Design Engineer @ Block
nov 5, 2025
Virtual
Design Systems in the AI era: Live Build Workshop
In this hands-on workshop, design systems experts Taylor Ho (Block) and Mele Hamasaki (Yahoo) will walk us through the future of design systems—how they’re evolving alongside AI, and what that means for the next generation of designers and engineers.
with Mele Hamasaki, Senior Principal Designer @ Yahoo & Taylor Ho, Design Engineer @ Block
nov 5, 2025
Virtual
Design Systems in the AI era: Live Build Workshop
In this hands-on workshop, design systems experts Taylor Ho (Block) and Mele Hamasaki (Yahoo) will walk us through the future of design systems—how they’re evolving alongside AI, and what that means for the next generation of designers and engineers.
with Mele Hamasaki, Senior Principal Designer @ Yahoo & Taylor Ho, Design Engineer @ Block
nov 12, 2025 @ 12 HST
Virtual
From Intention to Impact: Listening to Hawaiian Voices in Tech
Sharing insights from Hawaiians working in tech—especially those in the diaspora—about what they want non-Hawaiians in Hawaiʻi’s tech space to understand.
with Ipo Wright, Wailohia Woolsey & Dani Campbell
nov 12, 2025 @ 12 HST
Virtual
From Intention to Impact: Listening to Hawaiian Voices in Tech
Sharing insights from Hawaiians working in tech—especially those in the diaspora—about what they want non-Hawaiians in Hawaiʻi’s tech space to understand.
with Ipo Wright, Wailohia Woolsey & Dani Campbell
nov 12, 2025 @ 12 HST
Virtual
From Intention to Impact: Listening to Hawaiian Voices in Tech
Sharing insights from Hawaiians working in tech—especially those in the diaspora—about what they want non-Hawaiians in Hawaiʻi’s tech space to understand.
with Ipo Wright, Wailohia Woolsey & Dani Campbell
oct 15, 2025
Virtual
Vibe Coding In Builder.io
Join Arleen Fernando for an interactive session on low-code creativity with Builder.io. Learn how to bring your ideas to life quickly, design seamlessly, and experiment with “vibe coding” — a playful, intuitive way to build digital experiences without heavy coding. Perfect for creatives, founders, and anyone curious about building for the web.
with Arleen Fernando
oct 15, 2025
Virtual
Vibe Coding In Builder.io
Join Arleen Fernando for an interactive session on low-code creativity with Builder.io. Learn how to bring your ideas to life quickly, design seamlessly, and experiment with “vibe coding” — a playful, intuitive way to build digital experiences without heavy coding. Perfect for creatives, founders, and anyone curious about building for the web.
with Arleen Fernando
oct 15, 2025
Virtual
Vibe Coding In Builder.io
Join Arleen Fernando for an interactive session on low-code creativity with Builder.io. Learn how to bring your ideas to life quickly, design seamlessly, and experiment with “vibe coding” — a playful, intuitive way to build digital experiences without heavy coding. Perfect for creatives, founders, and anyone curious about building for the web.
with Arleen Fernando
December
dec 3, 2025
Virtual
Prioritization Methodologies
Expect a hands on session to discuss prioritization methodologies used in product management but can be relatively in any potential career or decision making generally. We’ll use some real examples and learn through practice and games.
with Justin Saeian, Head of Product & Operations @ Pawlicy Advisor
dec 3, 2025
Virtual
Prioritization Methodologies
In this hands-on workshop, design systems experts Taylor Ho (Block) and Mele Hamasaki (Yahoo) will walk us through the future of design systems—how they’re evolving alongside AI, and what that means for the next generation of designers and engineers.
with Justin Saeian, Head of Product & Operations @ Pawlicy Advisor
dec 3, 2025
Virtual
Prioritization Methodologies
Expect a hands on session to discuss prioritization methodologies used in product management but can be relatively in any potential career or decision making generally. We’ll use some real examples and learn through practice and games.
with Justin Saeian, Head of Product & Operations @ Pawlicy Advisor
dec 10, 2025
Virtual
Keep the Receipts. Or: How To Track Your Wins And Get the Raise.
You already do the work, this is about owning it. This workshop helps you keep the receipts—so you can speak up, show your value, and steer your career with confidence.
with Darren Wong, Principal Designer @ OpenTable
dec 10, 2025
Virtual
Keep the Receipts. Or: How To Track Your Wins And Get the Raise.
You already do the work, this is about owning it. This workshop helps you keep the receipts—so you can speak up, show your value, and steer your career with confidence.
with Darren Wong, Principal Designer @ OpenTable
dec 10, 2025
Virtual
Keep the Receipts. Or: How To Track Your Wins And Get the Raise.
You already do the work, this is about owning it. This workshop helps you keep the receipts—so you can speak up, show your value, and steer your career with confidence.
with Darren Wong, Principal Designer @ OpenTable
dec 15, 2025
Virtual
Anyone Can Run a Great Workshop
This session is for anyone who’s ever thought, “I’m not the kind of person who facilitates,” and for those who do it regularly but want to level-up their approach. You’ll learn how to guide a group using structure, and leave with practical methods you can put to use immediately.
with Nate Lynch, Principal Designer @ Earlybird
dec 15, 2025
Virtual
Anyone Can Run a Great Workshop
This session is for anyone who’s ever thought, “I’m not the kind of person who facilitates,” and for those who do it regularly but want to level-up their approach. You’ll learn how to guide a group using structure, and leave with practical methods you can put to use immediately.
with Nate Lynch, Principal Designer @ Earlybird
dec 15, 2025
Virtual
Anyone Can Run a Great Workshop
This session is for anyone who’s ever thought, “I’m not the kind of person who facilitates,” and for those who do it regularly but want to level-up their approach. You’ll learn how to guide a group using structure, and leave with practical methods you can put to use immediately.
with Nate Lynch, Principal Designer @ Earlybird
More events coming soon..
SPEAKERS
Andrew Taeoalii
Head of Engineering at Reef.ai, Former Twitter & Amazon
Andrew Taeoalii
Head of Engineering at Reef.ai, Former Twitter & Amazon
Andrew Taeoalii
Head of Engineering at Reef.ai, Former Twitter & Amazon
Arleen Fernando
Formerly Digital Experience Manager @ Zippyʻs
Arleen Fernando
Formerly Digital Experience Manager @ Zippyʻs
Arleen Fernando
Formerly Digital Experience Manager @ Zippyʻs
Chris Ota
Staff Product Designer at LinkedIn
Chris Ota
Staff Product Designer at LinkedIn
Chris Ota
Staff Product Designer at LinkedIn
Darren Wong
Principal Designer at OpenTable
Darren Wong
Principal Designer at OpenTable
Darren Wong
Principal Designer at OpenTable
Ipo Wright
Founder of Hawaiian Diaspora and Digital Employee Experience Specialist at Alaska Airlines
Ipo Wright
Founder of Hawaiian Diaspora and Digital Employee Experience Specialist at Alaska Airlines
Ipo Wright
Founder of Hawaiian Diaspora and Digital Employee Experience Specialist at Alaska Airlines
Jackie Ostlie
Global Go-To-Market Leader, Former Google & Microsoft
Jackie Ostlie
Global Go-To-Market Leader, Former Google & Microsoft
Jackie Ostlie
Global Go-To-Market Leader, Former Google & Microsoft
Jacob Romero
Product Designer, formerly at Linkedin, YouTube
Jacob Romero
Product Designer, formerly at Linkedin, YouTube
Jacob Romero
Product Designer, formerly at Linkedin, YouTube
Jennifer Ablan
Editor-in-Chief, Hawaii Business Magazine
Jennifer Ablan
Editor-in-Chief, Hawaii Business Magazine
Jennifer Ablan
Editor-in-Chief, Hawaii Business Magazine
Justin Saeian
Head of Product & Operations at Pawlicy Advisor
Justin Saeian
Head of Product & Operations at Pawlicy Advisor
Justin Saeian
Head of Product & Operations at Pawlicy Advisor
Koyu Wenty
Senior Technical Recruiter at Amazon
Koyu Wenty
Senior Technical Recruiter at Amazon
Koyu Wenty
Senior Technical Recruiter at Amazon
Mele Hamasaki
Senior Principal Product Designer at Yahoo
Mele Hamasaki
Senior Principal Product Designer at Yahoo
Mele Hamasaki
Senior Principal Product Designer at Yahoo
Nate Lynch
Principal Designer at Earlybird
Nate Lynch
Principal Designer at Earlybird
Nate Lynch
Principal Designer at Earlybird
Nicole Cacal
Executive Director at True Initiative
Nicole Cacal
Executive Director at True Initiative
Nicole Cacal
Executive Director at True Initiative
Rachel Dlugos
Director of Design & UX at Pawlicy Advisor
Rachel Dlugos
Director of Design & UX at Pawlicy Advisor
Rachel Dlugos
Director of Design & UX at Pawlicy Advisor
Sage Keʻalohilani Quiamno
Global Strategic Advisor & Angel Investor, Former Amazon
Sage Keʻalohilani Quiamno
Global Strategic Advisor & Angel Investor, Former Amazon
Sage Keʻalohilani Quiamno
Global Strategic Advisor & Angel Investor, Former Amazon
Shayla Barnhart
Sr. Manager, Talent Aquisition at The Walt Disney Company
Shayla Barnhart
Sr. Manager, Talent Aquisition at The Walt Disney Company
Shayla Barnhart
Sr. Manager, Talent Aquisition at The Walt Disney Company
Taylor Ho
Design Engineer @ Block
Taylor Ho
Design Engineer @ Block
Taylor Ho
Design Engineer @ Block
Ulu Mills
Senior Marketing UX Engineer @ Alma and Senior Product Designer @ Stride Education
Ulu Mills
Senior Marketing UX Engineer @ Alma and Senior Product Designer @ Stride Education
Ulu Mills
Senior Marketing UX Engineer @ Alma and Senior Product Designer @ Stride Education
Lilinoe Harbottle
Consultant Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (AI) Consultant Stealth Startup
Lilinoe Harbottle
Consultant Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (AI) Consultant Stealth Startup
Lilinoe Harbottle
Consultant Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (AI) Consultant Stealth Startup
THE EVENT
2025 Piʻikū Co. Speaker Series Program
2025 Piʻikū Co. Speaker Series Program
2025 Piʻikū Co. Speaker Series Program
Our annual Speaker Series is a space for meaningful conversations at the intersection of culture, career, and community.
What To Expect
What To Expect
What To Expect
Talk story sessions with industry professionals rooted in Hawaiʻi
Insights on job search, career transitions, and real-world challenges
Culturally grounded discussions on leadership, identity, and innovation
Open to the public — you don’t have to be an intern to attend
Who It's For
Who It's For
Who It's For
Early career job seekers
Interns and recent grads in tech
Career changers exploring new pathways
Community members who want to grow and give back
Workshops we hosted last speaker series:
Workshops we hosted last speaker series:
Workshops we hosted last speaker series:
SPONSOR
THE SERIES
SPONSOR
THE SERIES
This work is only possible through the support of partners who believe in building a tech ecosystem that reflects local values, diverse voices, and real opportunity.
Your Sponsorship Helps:
Your Sponsorship Helps:
Your Sponsorship Helps:
Provide small honorariums for speakers
Offer high-quality documentation and amplification of each session
Keep events accessible to our broader community
Sponsorship Benefits:
Sponsorship Benefits:
Sponsorship Benefits:
Brand visibility across our marketing channels (IG, LinkedIn, website)
Recognition on event materials and shoutouts during sessions
Direct connection to Hawaiʻi’s rising tech talent
SPONSORSHIP TIERS
SPONSORSHIP TIERS
community sponsor $1000
For partners who want to support the mission and be part of the conversation.
Includes:
Logo featured on our website and closing slides of the panel
Group thank-you post on social media
Invitation to attend and engage in sessions
supporting sponsor $2500
Mid-tier sponsorship with strong brand presence and community engagement.
Includes:
Logo on website, registration pages, and select event slides
Shoutout in select social media and newsletter promotions
Verbal recognition at one featured session
Invitation to attend our networking events + opportunity to connect with local talent
Optional: Opportunity to provide giveaways or resources to attendees
presenting sponsor $5000
The primary partner of the series, with premium visibility throughout.
Includes:
“Presented by [Your Org]” on all event materials and promotions
Co-branded social media shoutouts throughout the series
Logo placement on website, event registration pages, and at all sessions
Verbal recognition at each session
Opportunity to host a featured event or session as part of the series
Priority access to our intern network and talent pipeline (if applicable)
Optional: Opportunity to include branded materials at in-person events
View Sponsorship Packet
Support our work
Support our work
Support our work
We’re actively seeking mission-aligned sponsors who care about workforce development, DEI, and investing in local leadership.