CTL Team

Katie Chang is the Executive Director of the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders. Since her
appointment in 2013, Katie has expanded the CTL from its flagship Fellows program to
include the innovative Ambassadors program which offers leadership development
directly to Hawaiʻi’s high schools and CTL’s other impactful programs. She is a certified
presenter of the nationally-acclaimed Student Leadership Challenge, which is the
foundation of the program. Prior to joining the CTL, Katie worked as an advisor for the
US/UK Fulbright Commission in London, UK. She also served as an intern in the
Hawaiʻi State Legislature and Governor’s Office. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from
Pepperdine University and a Masters in Public Administration degree from Harvard’s
Kennedy School of Government. She serves on the board for the City and County of
Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation, Housing Hawaii’s Future and the
Salvation Army.

• Katie Chang's Response to: What hope do you have for today’s generation?

  A movement of young leaders in Hawaiʻi, world-class and local, could make a literal world of difference. With the right platform, training, and most importantly character, they will have the opportunity to build an incredible future for our island communities.

• Katie Chang's Response to: What's your favorite thing about Hawaiʻi?

  Some of the most generous people on the planet! And readily accessible dim sum and ramen.

• Katie Chang's Response to: What was your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  Tennis. I also loved to read.

April Nakamura is the Student Activities Coordinator at President William McKinley High School and the Deputy Executive Director for the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders. Born and raised in He'eia, she graduated from Castle High School and UH Mānoa. She began her career at Farrington HS, then moved to McKinley where she taught various subjects in Social Studies and other disciplines. She was also actively involved in extracurricular activities, including advisorships and head coach for the Cheerleading Team. April chaired McKinley High School’s 150th Anniversary Committee and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Housing Hawaii's Future.

• April Nakamura's Response to: What hope do you have for today’s generation?

  Today's generation seems to bear a heavier burden of finding truth and balance in a world that can sometimes be full of contradictions, in a social/political environment that can feel unsafe, and in a time when social media has become our greatest influence. My hope to break through all of this is in our emerging leaders being raised in the Center for Tomorrow's Leaders—people of character, courage, compassion, and competence. This is why we do the work we do in CTL.

• April Nakamura's Response to: What's your favorite thing about Hawaiʻi?

  The values we practice in Hawai’i is my favorite thing about this place. Taking care of each other, generosity, selflessness, and love for our islands—the Aloha spirit is what makes us who we are.

• April Nakamura's Response to: What was your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  I'm not sure if these were hobbies, but I loved to play music, volleyball/tennis, and dancing.

Born and raised in Kāne‘ohe, Joy is a graduate of Hawai‘i Baptist Academy and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. She returned home to teach 4th grade at Windward Nazarene Academy, where she spent 15 years in the classroom. She has also served as an elder at her church and currently loves serving and singing on her church’s worship team. Joy has a heart for helping Hawai‘i’s young people see that they can lead with integrity, competence, and a genuine love for their community right now.

• Joy Yoshida's Response to: What hope do you have for today’s generation?

  I hope today’s generation grows into leaders who are grounded in values, guided by integrity, and committed to doing the hard work, leaving behind communities that are stronger and more connected.
  

• Joy Yoshida's Response to: What's your favorite thing about Hawaiʻi?

  There’s so much I love about Hawai‘i: the people, the aloha spirit, and the everyday beauty. For me, nothing beats watching the waterfalls pour down the Ko‘olau after the rain in Kāne‘ohe.
  

• Joy Yoshida's Response to: What was your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  My favorite hobby was anything that had to do with music, like hanging out with friends and going karaoke.
  

Lahela Akina was born and raised in Honolulu in ‘Alewa Heights, and graduated from Kamehameha School Kapalama campus. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dixie State University in Saint George, Utah and went on to work as a Student affairs advisor for the college. She also worked for the Southwest behavioral health center of Southern Utah, where she learned that her passion was working with youth. While living in the mainland for 10 years, she found a great need for local students from here in Hawaii to learn skills that would help them become confident, independent thinkers who could travel the world and bring their unique aloha spirit to all they meet. Upon arriving home 6 years ago, she found CTL and has been involved as both a student facilitator and volunteer ever since.

• Lahela Akina's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  I hope today’s generation will learn to focus less on what people will see on their social media, and more on their character in their interactions with people.

• Lahela Akina's Response to: What's your favorite thing about Hawai'i?

  My favorite thing about Hawai’i is that no matter where you go in the world, your body and spirit always feel that call to home. Right from getting off the airplane, you feel the air, smell the grass, hear the local accent, and you just feel right. There’s no other feeling like it in the world.

• Lahela Akina's Response to: What's your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  My favorite hobby was and still is reading. I love getting lost in the different places between the pages of a book.
  

Trisha Ramelb was born and raised in Honolulu to Filipino immigrant parents and is a proud graduate of McKinley High School. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. An alumna of the CTL Ambassadors program, Fellows program, and Summer in Hawaiʻi internship program, Trisha’s passion for youth development began during her time as a peer advisor for exploratory freshmen at UH Mānoa and has continued through her work at CTL. These experiences have deepened her commitment to helping students discover their purpose and providing them with meaningful support. She remains actively involved with the McKinley High School Band Boosters and is dedicated to building stronger, deeper connections with Hawaiʻi’s emerging leaders. Above all, Trisha is motivated by being part of a team that will do whatever it takes to shape Hawaiʻi’s future.

• Trisha Ramelb's Response to: What hope do you have for today’s generation?

  I hope that today’s generation will believe that growing up in Hawai’i is their biggest strength.

• Trisha Ramelb's Response to: What's your favorite thing about Hawaiʻi?

  No matter where I am or who I’m with, Hawai’i will remind me to speak truth, give more than I take, and love unconditionally.

• Trisha Ramelb's Response to: What was your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  Playing clarinet in my high school band. I also enjoy watching educational videos from Crash Course on Youtube (especially the U.S. History series)!

Chaz Mihara was born in Honolulu, Hawai'i. He was raised in Pearl City and is a proud graduate of Pearl City High School. He received his Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. He is passionate about sports and is continuing to chase his dream of becoming a Sports Broadcaster. He also volunteers his time coaching Boys and Girls volleyball at Pearl City High School. As a CTL alumnus of the 2012 Fellows class, he is grateful to be a part of CTL and give back in such a way to inspire and touch the lives of the next great leaders of Hawai'i!

• Chaz Mihara's Response to: What hope do you have for today’s generation?

  My hope for today's generation is to strive to become one percent better every day!

• Chaz Mihara's Response to: What's your favorite thing about Hawaiʻi?

  My favorite thing about Hawai'i is the Aloha spirit and the people.

• Chaz Mihara's Response to: What was your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  My favorite hobbies in high school were ukulele, baseball, and volleyball.

Sue has lived in Kaneʻohe for most of her life. She is a proud graduate of Castle High School and attended Kapiʻolani Community College. Prior to coming to CTL, she worked at Hawaii Baptist Academy as the Admissions Secretary (Grades 7-12) for 22 years. She attends church at Hope Chapel Koolau. Sue is a blessed mom of three children who are educators in their chosen fields, and a proud grandmother of three amazing grandkids.

• Sue Yoshida's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  My hope is for them to be optimistic in the face of adversity, and to be overcomers and game-changers for their world.

• Sue Yoshida's Response to: What's your favorite thing about Hawai'i?

  Driving through the tunnels from Honolulu (Pali, Likelike, or Harano) and catching that first sight of Kaneʻohe always takes my breath away and makes me feel blessed to live on the Windward side.
  

• Sue Yoshida's Response to: What's your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  I loved playing clarinet in the band and I was also very active in our church youth group.
  

Melissa was born in Tokyo and moved to Hawaii at the age of 9. She is a graduate of Punahou School and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Melissa's journey with CTL began in her junior year of high school when she wrote for the "Raise Your Hand" column. Since then, she has been involved with the Fellows program, Summer in Hawaii, and Vanguard. In addition to her work for CTL, she is a full-time risk management associate at PNC Bank. She lives in Chicago with her husband Sam (but hopes to return to Hawaii someday soon).

• Melissa Newsham's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  I hope that the next generation of leaders will be grounded in truth and integrity, individuals who build up rather than tear down.

• Melissa Newsham's Response to: What is your favorite thing about Hawaii?

  Living in a big city on the mainland has deepened my appreciation for the tight-knit community in Hawaii. There's an intrinsic connection you feel with the people of Hawaii that you just can't find anywhere else.

• Melissa Newsham's Response to: What was your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  Spending time with friends hiking, relaxing at the beach, or hanging out at our favorite boba shops.

Marissa Zhang was born in Honolulu and raised in Hawaii Kai. She is a proud graduate of Kaiser High School, and received her Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Management at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Prior to coming to CTL, Marissa worked at the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife administrative office for 10 years. She and her husband, Clement, are enjoying the adventures of parenthood with their toddler, Kaylee. Marissa is excited to support the CTL team and their mission to develop young leaders for Hawai‘i!

• Marissa Zhang's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  My hope is that today's generation can love themselves, serve their communities, be resilient in the face of adversity, and realize their potential to change the world.
  

• Marissa Zhang's Response to: What is your favorite thing in Hawai'i?

  I love that there is nothing like the Aloha Spirit anywhere else in the world, and that Hawaii will always feel like home.

• Marissa Zhang's Response to: What was your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  I loved playing the oboe and doing color guard in band, and hanging out with my friends!

Logan Otani was born in Kunia, Hawai'i, and was raised in Aiea, where she has spent the majority of her life. She is a proud graduate of Roosevelt High School. Currently, she is double majoring in Public Health and Religious Traditions at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. At UH Mānoa, Logan participates in both the marching band and the jazz ensemble. She serves as the Vice President of the Public Health Club, Hui Ola Pono, and is on track to become the President. Since her junior year of high school, Logan has been involved with CTL, participating in various programs such as Vanguard, Summer in Hawaiʻi, EMERGE Camp, and Vision Lab. She has a deep love for her CTL family and a strong connection to this place we call home, along with big hopes for positive change.

• Logan Otani's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  I hope that today’s generation will remember how valuable and strong they are. I hope they realize and recognize their worth and discover they all have a purpose.

• Logan Otani's Response to: What's your favorite thing about Hawaiʻi?

  The love we have for each other, whether it’s receiving or giving, there is nothing like the Aloha Spirit. Also being able to see chickens everywhere I go.

• Logan Otani's Response to: What's your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  Playing clarinet and saxophone in my band, especially competing in marching band and being a drum major.

Kevin Davis was born in Honolulu, Hawai’i, but he spent half of his childhood in Pensacola, Florida, and the other half in Hawai‘i. He completed his education at President Theodore Roosevelt High School and graduated as a Summa cum laude in Business Management at the University of East London (United Kingdom). During his time there, he actively participated in American Football, Judo, and traveled around the world. He also contributed to Campus Life as a student ambassador and worked in the student services department, assisting incoming students and thirty party individuals interested in the University. Kevin is an alumnus of the CTL Ambassadors program, Summer in Hawaiʻi internship program, and an Active Vanguard Member. Kevin has a deep passion for Marine Conservation and sustainability and hopes to inspire the next generation to find their calling and become the next leaders for Hawai’i.

• Kevin Davis's Response to: What hope do you have for today’s generation?

  The hope that I have for today's generation is that they develop strong characteristics of a leader, they take care of their community, and the ability to enjoy every moment life offers.

• Kevin Davis's Response to: What’s your favorite thing about Hawai’i?

  My favorite thing about Hawaii is the watersports that are available all year round, the luxurious green forest/ the blue ocean, and the people here.
  

• Kevin Davis's Response to: What’s your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  My favorite hobby was playing sports, gardening, and participating in robotics.

Ko’olau Anderson was born and raised in Honolulu. Ko’olau is a graduate of McKinley High School, and received his Bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Washington State University. Ko’olau loves to spend time outdoors with his friends and has a passion for cooking for others. He can usually be found trying new food spots, or swimming at Makapu’u. Ko’olau was involved in CTL during his sophomore year of high school, and when the opportunity arose to come back and give back to the communities that raised him. He is striving to be the best facilitator he can be, and is excited to work with the CTL team!

• Ko‘olau Anderson's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  I hope that this upcoming generation is able to overcome the gap between them and their peers. Hawai’i needs to be unified in the upcoming future, and there is a necessity for new leaders to help with this.

• Ko‘olau Anderson's Response to: What’s your favorite thing about Hawai’i?

  The people who have raised and shown me love throughout my years here in the islands. I have become a museum of their love.

• Ko‘olau Anderson's Response to: What’s your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  During High School I loved to play baseball, get boba with my friends, and watch the fireworks weekly.

Josephyn Vea was born in Waipahu, Hawai'i, but spent most of her life growing up and living in Pearl City and is a proud alumnus of Pearl City High School. She is currently enrolled at UH Manoa, majoring in business marketing. Josephyn has been with CTL as a senior in high school, an intern throughout the 2025 Summer in Hawaii Internship, and is now working part-time with CTL. Her Love for her home continues to grow deeper with her commitment to empower and guide the next generation of leaders

• Josephyn Vea's Response to: What hope do you have for today’s generation?

  My hope for today's generation is that they won't lose sight of their foundations set in their culture, lessons and the stories they hear. That they continue to share to the next generations to come.
  

• Josephyn Vea's Response to: What’s your favorite thing about Hawai’i?

  I love the people and the stories. I feel wherever I'm going there is a memory I've had or a story I've heard that makes me appreciate and love home even more.

• Josephyn Vea's Response to: What’s your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  In high school I loved all school spirit things and spending time with friends. Till this day my best friends and I always look back at the memories we have made together.

Jocelyn Cabatu was born and raised on the island of O'ahu. She graduated from Mililani High School and continued her education at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a certificate in Hawaiian Studies. In her free time, Jocelyn enjoys exploring cute cafes, meeting new people, playing volleyball, pilates, and spending time at the beach. Having recently made Hawai'i Island her home, she is excited to serve as a student facilitator and give back to local students and communities. Jocelyn looks forward to creating meaningful connections, helping students grow, and making a positive impact through her work.

• Jocelyn Cabatu's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  The hope I have for today's generation is that they remember their voices are heard, that they can make a difference in Hawai'i no matter big or small. But also, they will remember their roots, culture, and 'āina while doing so.

• Jocelyn Cabatu's Response to: What’s your favorite thing about Hawai’i?

  My favorite thing about Hawai'i is its rich culture and how strong it resonates with the people of Hawai'i. I love how the land provides for us and continues to take care of us.
  

• Jocelyn Cabatu's Response to: What’s your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  During high school, I loved playing volleyball both indoors and on the beach. I also enjoyed surfing and spending my free time relaxing on the sand.
  

Ellieza Mae Estavillo was born in the Philippines but grew up in Honolulu, Hawai'i. She is a proud graduate of Pearl City High School and received her Associates Degree in Business Management at the College of Southern Nevada. Ellieza is a CTL Ambassador Alumni and spent her time with the Summer in Hawaii internship program in 2026. Ellieza has many outdoor hobbies, loves trying new things, and wants to open a coffee shop one day. She has a very strong love for Hawai'i and wants to empower future young leaders for Hawai'i. She is very excited to work with CTL and can't wait for Hawai'i's next chapter.

• Ellieza Estavillo's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  Hawai'i is so special and one of a kind, I hope that we all can come together and take care of our kuleana. There's so much divide nowadays, we shouldn't let that be the reason why we can't come together for Hawai'i.

• Ellieza Estavillo's Response to: What’s your favorite thing about Hawai’i?

  My favorite thing about Hawai'i is that no matter how many times I leave the island, Hawaii is always home. Time always stops when I leave and when I come back, it's like nothing has changed.
  

• Ellieza Estavillo's Response to: What’s your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  My favorite hobby in my high school years is definitely fishing. It's crazy because I never liked fishing until I tried it myself. I always thought it was a waste of time and seemed boring but when I did it for the first time, it completely changed how I felt about fishing. You will never know how much you enjoy something until you try it so always try it before you judge.

Skyler Murao was born in Washington, D.C. and moved to 'Oahu at the age of 6, where she and her brothers grew up around extended family. Raised in Mililani, she attended Hanalani Schools and earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychological Sciences from the University of California at Irvine, and minored in Criminology, Law, and Society. As a proud alumna of the CTL Fellows and Summer in Hawai'i programs, and an active Vanguard alumni network member, Skyler is thrilled to work with the CTL 'ohana as a student facilitator. For the past few summers, Skyler volunteered at a youth mental health clinic in Honolulu and is excited to continue giving back after returning from California. She is passionate about working with the youth of Hawai'i inside and outside of the classroom, and can be found adventuring outdoors with friends and family and enjoying favorite local foods now that she's back home.

• Skyler Murao's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  My hope for today's generation is that we can keep building a culture of caring about issues and speaking up, and growing in empathy for one another.

• Skyler Murao's Response to: What’s your favorite thing about Hawai’i?

  My favorite thing about Hawai'i will always be the local culture where anyone can become family. The food is a close second though.

• Skyler Murao's Response to: What’s your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  As a high schooler, I loved playing guitar and other instruments with my friends in my garage and just hanging out making music.