Steve Jefferson is a life-long entrepreneur, with a strong background in journalism. After 10 years of building two construction companies, Steve started the first rum distillery on the island of Hawaii in 2013. Over the next five years, Steve led the efforts to build a 45-acre heirloom Hawaiian sugarcane farm, a distillery and barrel room, and a 3,000 sf bar and restaurant to showcase the rum and the beautiful culture of Hawaii to more than 70,000 visitors per year. Kuleana Rum Works has four core rums, and is distributed by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in 8 states and counting. A third generation kamaʻāina, Steve enjoys racing anything, the ocean and his family where they live in Kohala, Hawaii. 

Manu Powers is a Native Hawaiian business owner, the Regent of the Daughters of Hawaii, a mother, and a community advocate. Hailing from Kalapana on the East side of the Island of Hawaii, Manu lives in Kailua Kona where she and her husband are raising their three children and operating Sea Quest Hawaii, a snorkeling tour company founded over 30 years ago. As the Regent of the Daughters of Hawaii, Manu works in cultural and historic preservation overseeing both Hulihe’e Palace in Kailua Village and the Queen Emma Summer Palace in Honolulu; Cherished landmarks rich in history and significance. As the President of Sea Quest Hawaii, Manu embraces her culture and relishes the opportunity to share it, creating relationships between people and place every day. This philosophy has served to grow her family business over the years and has supported countless opportunities for individuals and organizations that has spanned decades. 

Archie Kalepa is a legendary Hawaiian waterman, safety innovator, and cultural ambassador whose life has been shaped by the ocean. Born on Maui and raised in Mililani, Archie grew up surfing Oʻahu’s North Shore and spending summers in Lahaina, where his deep connection to the sea was forged. A standout athlete at Lahainaluna High School, Archie’s leadership would later extend to the water as a pioneering lifeguard captain. He co-developed advanced rescue techniques using jet skis and sleds, revolutionizing ocean safety—a contribution that earned him the prestigious Eddie Aikau Waterman Award.

A longtime voyager with the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Archie has sailed aboard both Hōkūleʻa and Hawaiʻiloa to Tahiti. He made history as the first to solo stand-up paddle across the Molokaʻi Channel and down the Colorado River, and as one of the first surfers to ride the 70-foot waves at Peʻahi (Jaws).

In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Archie Kalepa was inducted into the Hawai‘i Waterman Hall of Fame, the first Maui-born honoree among legends like Duke Kahanamoku and Eddie Aikau.

Daniel Norris is a communications strategist & digital marketing expert passionate about helping mission-driven organizations cut through the noise. Born in New Zealand and raised in Kailua-Kona, he brings a unique global and local perspective to leadership and communication in the digital age.

With a background in youth work and nonprofit leadership, Daniel transitioned into digital marketing to help organizations share their vision more effectively. He specializes in CRM systems, marketing automation, and data-driven strategies that build lasting connections. Over the past decade, he has travelled to and consulted with organizations worldwide, helping them craft effective communication strategies with real impact.

Daniel believes great communication is at the heart of every successful leader and organization. Inspired by the words of George Bernard Shaw—"The problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished"—he is dedicated to helping leaders harness technology and audience insights to create meaningful conversations. When he’s not working on communication strategies, he enjoys spending time with his family at the beach and coaching soccer.

Dana Shapiro is co-founder and CEO of the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative (HUC). Originally from a "kibbutz" or small cooperative farming community, Dana has a B.Sc. in natural resource management from Cornell University and a M.Sc. in cooperative business development from Ben Gurion University, specializing in organizational adaptive capacity. She has led HUC since its inception in 2016 to become one of the largest co-ops in Hawaiʻi and the leading breadfruit farmer organization.

Tiger Hill is a strength and conditioning coach with over 11 years of experience, specializing in training Hawaii First Responders - police, firefighters, SRT, SWAT, medical professionals, service members and youth mentorship programs. Born and raised in Hawai’i, he has a deep understanding of the community and is passionate about building strength, resilience, and leadership through fitness.

Now living on the Big Island with his wife and four children, Tiger is committed to giving back by helping others reach their full potential. His work with the Hawaii Fitness Foundation focuses on equipping first responders with the tools they need for their demanding roles while inspiring the next generation to lead active, healthy lives.

Mehana Pilago is the founder of Kā’eo Hawai’i Studio, a fine-line tattoo and creative space born out of bold vision, perseverance, and community support. A lifelong surfer and creator, her entrepreneurial journey began at just 14 with a swimwear line launched alongside her grandmother. After studying product development at FIDM and facing career setbacks, Mehana returned to Kona and reignited her creative spark in the tattoo world—eventually rebranding and taking over her father’s shop. In 2024, she opened her own studio in Kaloko Industrial Area, becoming one of the few local female business owners to own commercial real estate. Her studio is more than a business—it’s a hub for artistry, empowerment, and inspiration for the next generation of Big Island creators.