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 is a summa cum laude graduate of Pepperdine University. 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 volunteer Associate Director for the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders. Born and raised in Kaneohe, 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 class/club 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.

Joy Yoshida was born and raised in Kaneohe and is a graduate of Hawaii Baptist Academy. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, she returned home to Hawaii where she taught the 4th grade at Windward Nazarene Academy for 15 years. She is actively involved in her church as the Elder for the Middle School and High School ministries as well as a vocalist on the worship team. Joy has a heart to see the youth of Hawaii step into their roles as the leaders of tomorrow by becoming passionate and educated about leading today.

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

  My hope for today's generation would be for them to rise up and become leaders of character and integrity that will make a lasting impact on their communities and the world around them.

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

  I love SO MANY things about Hawai’i, but one of my favorite things about living here are seeing the waterfalls on the Ko'olau after the rain pours in Kaneohe.

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

  My favorite hobby in high school was singing in my school's choir, church's worship team, and in my friends' cars! #nsyncforlife :)

Lahela Manning 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 Manning'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 Manning'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 Manning'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. She is a graduate of McKinley High School, and received her Bachelor’s degree in History at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Trisha is an alumnus of the CTL Ambassadors program, Fellows program, and Summer in Hawaiʻi internship program. Her experience in peer advising exploratory freshmen at UH Mānoa fuels her interest in helping students identify their purpose, and providing support to students as they navigate higher education. Trisha is excited to help build stronger and deeper connections with Hawaiʻi's young leaders.

• 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.
  

John Taira was born and raised in Kalihi Valley and is a proud graduate of Farrington High School. GO GOVS! After earning an accounting degree from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, he worked in banking and commercial finance for over 35-years, reaching senior management. After retirement, he returned to college to earn a teaching certificate and taught business at his alma mater. John has served on numerous boards over the past 30-years, namely Waikiki Rotary Club, Special Education Center of Hawai'i, Hawai'i Agriculture Research Center, Kunia Village Title Holding Company and Palama Settlement. He also coached youth sports for 10-years. John currently serves on the Palama Settlement Scholarship Committee and the UH Foundation Achieve and Earn Mentor Program. John's wife Lori is a retired CPA and they raised two adult sons, an electrical engineer living in Palo Alto and an architect living in Pittsburgh.

• John Taira's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  Have direction, pay attention, work hard, be productive, do well then do good.

• John Taira's Response to: What's your favorite thing about Hawai'i?

  Our culture. Our people, music, weather, food, mountains, beaches...everything.

• John Taira's Response to: What's your favorite hobby in your high school years?

  Playing guitar and playing music with friends.

Gabe Monceballez was born in Honolulu, Hawai'i, but has moved between the islands and the states throughout his life. Gabe graduated from Kalaheo High School and then received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. Throughout Gabe’s college career, he has been a coffee lover and has worked at a few different coffee shops. After graduating from college, Gabe wanted to return home and work with the youth. Throughout his school career, he has had many mentors, friends, and support that have helped him grow and become the person he is today due to their impact. As a result, he desires to give back and get involved with the next generation of students and leaders.

• Gabe Monceballez's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  For students to realize the treasures in front of them and decide to multiply it rather than just take from it.

• Gabe Monceballez's Response to: What's your favorite thing about Hawai'i?

  The culture and the people are like no other. Also, the coffee is really good.

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

  My favorite hobbies during high school were playing saxophone in band, video games, and exploring!

Karla Takazono was born and raised in Waipio, Hawaii but attended Christian Academy in Moanalua for her high school years. She later graduated from Pacific Rim Christian University with a Bachelor's degree in Pastoral and Christian Counseling and is now helping pastor alongside her husband, Shea Takazono, at Encounter Church Hawaii on the Senior Leadership Team. Karla has a passion for walking alongside the next generation and helping them pursue their calling in life.

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

  My hope for today's generation is that they would stand firm in the midst of adversity and be able to build a strong foundation for others to build upon.

• Karla Takazono's Response to: What’s your favorite thing about Hawai’i?

  My favorite thing about Hawai'i is the people. I believe we truly carry the Aloha Spirit in our hearts.

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

  I absolutely loved surfing and going on long hikes in nature.

Megan Tasaki was born in Honolulu, Hawai'i, but she has spent the majority of her life residing on the Big Island in Hilo. She completed her education at Waiakea High School and pursued her Bachelor's in Allied Health Sciences at Azusa Pacific University. During her time at Azusa Pacific, Megan actively contributed to the Campus Life team by serving as both an Alpha Leader and Alpha Coordinator, assisting incoming freshmen in their transition to college life. Megan's deep passion for mentoring young adults has grown and flourished over the years. Her ultimate goal is to provide encouragement, guidance, and empowerment to young adults, fostering their self-confidence and leadership skills. Megan aspires to instill in this generation the belief that they can make a change in Hawai'i.

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

  I hope that today's generation will have a willingness to grow and a humble spirit to learn. I hope that this generation can recognize the gifts they already possess and, in doing so, cultivate belief in themselves and their aspirations.

• Megan Tasaki's Response to: What’s your favorite thing about Hawai’i?

  Hawai'i is truly unlike any place in this world! I love the warm and inclusive spirit of local people, and I love that we unite as a community and 'ohana in times of necessity.

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

  My favorite hobby was and always has been photography. I got my first camera when I was 8-years-old and have been taking photos ever since!

Phyllis was born and raised in Honolulu and graduated from Maryknoll High School. A long-time educator serving in public and private schools in Hawaii and Oregon, she has been committed to student learning and well-being in her job and community work. Working globally, she serves on a catalyst group for at-risk children, hoping to help preserve childhood for many children experiencing trauma. Locally, she works at the Bishop Museum with a focus on educational partnerships and serves on several boards: Hanalani School, Feeding Hawaii Together/The Pantry, and several education professional organizations. She enjoys working with the CTL team, helping to organize and present data to help inform leaders about the impact and value of the Center for Tomorrowʻs Leaders.

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

  They will be the next generation of leaders so I hope that they will have optimistic agency in this midst of challenges and opportunities for innovation.

• Phyllis Unebasami's Response to: What’s your favorite thing about Hawai’i?

  Once a friend, always a friend. Relationships matter in Hawaii. Aloha is deep in those who believe we are all neighbors and family members.

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

  Whenever I was with friends, no matter where and what we were doing- it was my favorite time of day.

Vanessa Lau was born and raised in Honolulu and is a graduate of McKinley High School. Vanessa is enrolled at Kapiolani Community College to earn a Bachelor’s in Business administration. Vanessa was a part of the Ambassador Program and Summer in Hawai’i. Through the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders, Vanessa’s character and leadership skills have grown tremendously over the years. Vanessa is passionate about giving back to the community and showing that Gen Z is our future of amazing young leaders.

• Vanessa Lau's Response to: What hope do you have for today's generation?

  My hope for today’s generation is to prove the older generation wrong! That we, Gen Z, can be the difference for our future.

• Vanessa Lau's Response to: What's your favorite thing about Hawaii?

  My favorite thing about Hawai’i is the culture, the food, and the people. Nothing beats home.

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

  My favorite hobby in high school was doing nails! Now I can’t live without having my nails done.

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.