CTL Team

Our Leadership Team

The CTL team works every day in classrooms across the state to engage, equip, and empower young leaders for Hawaiʻi.

Team

Katie Chang, Executive Director

CTL Team since 2011

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.

April Nakamura, Deputy Executive Director

CTL Team since 2012

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.

Joy Yoshida, Senior Associate Director, High School Programs

CTL Team since 2019

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.

Lahela Manning, Assistant Director, High School Programs

CTL Team since 2016

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.

Trisha Ramelb, Associate Director, Vanguard

CTL Team since 2020

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.

Chaz Mihara, Executive Producer, Podcast

CTL Team since 2021

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!

Sue Yoshida, High School Program Support

CTL Team since 2022

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.

Megan Tasaki, Associate Director, Marketing

CTL Team since 2023

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.

Melissa Newsham, Raise Your Hand Editor

CTL Team since 2023

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).

Marissa Zhang, Admin Support

CTL Team since 2024

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!

Logan Otani, Vanguard Support

CTL Team since 2025

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.

Maile Kawasaki, Student Leadership Facilitator

CTL Team since 2025

Maile Kawasaki was born and raised in Hawaiʻi and is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools. She attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, where she earned her bachelor's degree in economics. Prior to joining CTL, Maile was a commercial banker and has a background in finance. She is passionate about building relationships and serving as a connector in the community. Maile is grateful for the opportunity to develop Hawaiʻi young leaders and to contribute to the mission of CTL.

Ko‘olau Anderson, Student Leadership Facilitator

CTL Team since 2025

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!

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