We exist to catalyze change within the non-profit industrial complex.
We believe that systemic change happens when we are intentional about how our personal context intersects with our professional training.
We also believe, that when we have a strong sense of our personal role in the world, we have the foundation to recognize the systems we live and work in. And when we recognize the systems we are in, we are prepared to see where change needs to happen.
How does The Moana Nui Collective catalyze change?
We catalyze change by helping emerging leaders in conservation build resilience so they can more effectively do the transformative work our world needs to address climate change, ocean warming, and sustainable ecological economies.
The Collective’s mission is to support and connect Indigenous Pacific women to create thriving oceans, healthy economies, and resilient local communities.
Our work is organized around four interwoven strategies:
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A transformative fellowship program that supports Indigenous Pacific women in Ocean Stewardship to build resilience in their leadership, find connection with like-minded individuals, and grow both personally and professionally with a community of conservation practitioners.
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A vibrant, safe, and caring community of Indigenous Pacific women in Ocean Stewardship and their allies.
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A philanthropic fund to support Indigenous Pacific Women who lead grassroots and community work in Ocean Stewardship.
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Elevating the accomplishments, contributions, experiences, and stories of Indigenous Pacific women, while addressing the individual and systemic barriers that affect their leadership and advancement.
Meet the Co-Founder and Lead Facilitator for The Moana Nui Collective
Liza K. Williams, PhD, Co-Founder and Lead Facilitator for The Moana Nui Collective and Fellowship
Liza Keānuenueokalani Williams is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) mom, writer, course creator, feminist, scholar, and believer that when we invest in uplifting indigenous women, we can catalyze change at the individual, familial, cultural and systemic levels. She was raised in the ahupuaʻa of Waimānalo on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. Liza decided to create The Moana Nui Collective because she sees a need for Indigenous women’s voices and perspectives to be amplified and honored. Her work draws from her whole life experience - from more than three decades of trauma healing and mindfulness, to over 15 years of academic inquiry - to curate The Moana Nui Collective’s coursework and thought-leadership. Liza values healing , safety, and many ways of knowing, which grounds her philosophy of organizational change and individual self-growth. She is inspired by supporting young BIPOC women to step into their most purposeful contributions in work and life.
Liza comes to this work with a PhD from New York University in American Studies, focusing on how Native Hawaiians navigate colonialism through major economies such as tourism, the military and the prison industrial complex. She also holds a BA from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, in Psychology with two minors in Women’s Studies and Ethnic Studies.
Liza wears many hats in this small organization. She is the Co-Founder of The Moana Nui Collective, and co-creator of The Moana Nui Rising Fellowship and its curriculum. She is the Lead Facilitator for all Moana Nui courses, workshops and events - playing an important role in creating safe and nourishing spaces for young leaders to explore their highest potential.
She currently lives in the coastal community of Pacifica, CA in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two daughters and little terrier called Hokulani.
Meet the Co-Founder and Lead Fundraiser for The Moana Nui Collective
Karen Poiani, PhD, Co-Founder and Lead Fundraiser for The Moana Nui Collective and Fellowship
Karen Poiani is a retired non-profit leader with a proven track record in catalyzing positive organizational change. She most recently served as CEO of Island Conservation, a non-profit conservation organization that restores islands for nature and people around the world. In 2020, she co-founded Planet Women, a non-profit women-focused, women-led organization and served as the first Chairwoman of the Board. She has also worked at the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation in Palo Alto when living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Previous to this role, Karen spent 17 years with The Nature Conservancy working at global, regional and state-level positions, providing transformational facilitation and organizational leadership on diversity and gender in conservation. Prior to TNC, she completed a post-doc at Cornell University where she studied wetlands ecology and climate change. She has extensive experience managing various sized teams, and has both designed and led dynamic learning events and conferences. Karen values diversity, gender equity and elevating women leaders, which grounds her philosophy of systemic change and an equitable future for all. She is inspired by supporting young women to rise up in leadership by sharing their diverse perspectives on work and life.
Karen comes to this work with a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Stockton State College, and an M.S. in Botany and a Ph.D. in Ecology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
Karen plays many roles in this small organization. She is the Co-Founder of The Moana Nui Collective, and the co-creator of The Moana Nui Rising Fellowship. She is also the Lead Fundraiser for The Moana Nui Collective and its programs, playing a pivotal role in nurturing relationships and building a strong foundation for the organization’s future.
She currently resides in the neighborhood of Kaimukī in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi with her daughter and their black cat called Ozzy Osbourne.