Executive Directors Corner June 2024

Aloha Pumehana Kākou!

I am deeply humbled and honored to take on the kūlana and kuleana as EPIC 'Ohana’s Executive Director. It has been my privilege to be a part of EPIC 'Ohana for nearly 15 years with the HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative. I believe I was divinely led to this work and am grateful to Arlynna Livingston, and EPIC 'Ohana Board of Directors, for taking a chance, then and now, on this Kalihi girl, and for both Arlynna and Laurie Tochiki’s mentorship, aloha and visionary leadership through the years.

Mahalo to DHS-CWS, our many stakeholders, funders, and youth leaders, past and present, for bringing about great changes in the foster care system. I am a proud Mama Bear as I have witnessed in awe the growth of not only our community impact, advocacy and engagement efforts, but our fearless young leaders. I have been blessed and am a better leader, advocate, community member and human being because of your leadership, courage, brilliance, strength and love. The countless memories I have, and will continue to build, are ones I cherish and forever hold dear to my heart. Your stories will remain a guiding light moving forward in my new role.

As reflected in EPIC 'Ohana’s mission statement, families are inextricably linked to the well-being of the community and my life is certainly no exception. I bring the love, support and 'ike of my kūpuna, my parents and my 'ohana with me to this work. I express my deep gratitude to my extended 'ohana here at EPIC, as well as a community of partners who all desire to serve our 'ohana, 'ōpio and keiki. I consider it a distinct privilege to work with the best-your hearts, integrity, work ethic and passion for this life of service inspires me every day. Together, we can continue to build on the foundation laid by those who have come before us and continue to build a legacy of aloha, justice, peace and pilina. Mahalo Ke Akua and mahalo nui loa to all of you.

Me Ke Aloha,

Delia Parker Ulima