January Updates
Launch of our Immigration Page
At Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for social justice and ensuring that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities have access to critical resources. This month, we are spotlighting the launch of our newest Advocacy-related webpage on Immigration Updates & Resources—a dedicated hub designed to keep our communities informed and prepared in the face of evolving immigration policies.
With recent executive actions and legislative shifts impacting immigrant communities, this webpage provides policy updates, analyses, and essential resources to help NHPI families and individuals navigate these changes. By making advocacy tools and strategies more accessible, we continue to empower our community members to be stewards of change.
We invite you to explore the webpage and stay engaged as we continue to uplift and protect the dignity and rights of immigrant families. Together, we can remain vigilant, informed, and committed to a future where all NHPIs thrive.
Voyage to our new Immigration Updates & Resources webpage here!
EPIC Updates
Strengthening Our Crew, Steering Our Future: EPIC’s Leadership Announcements
At EPIC, we believe in uplifting our own—investing in the leadership of our people so that we can continue to serve and strengthen our NHPI communities. It is with deep gratitude and excitement that we celebrate the well-deserved promotions of five incredible members of our EPIC canoe, each of whom has demonstrated unwavering commitment to our mission and the empowerment of NHPI communities.
Jada Quidachay – Administrative Manager
Jessica Kaneakua – Director of Strategic Advancement and Communications
Jimina Afuola – Advocacy and Civic Engagement Manager
Sina Uipi – Director of National Policy and Advocacy
Taelani Camacho – Program Lead
These leaders bring not only their skills and experience but also the values of kuleana (responsibility and service), tauhi vā (nurturing sacred relationships), kommol (deep gratitude and reciprocity), and lototele (courage and resilience)—the foundations that ground and guide EPIC’s work. Their continued stewardship will help advance our work forward in policy, civic engagement, organizational strategy, and program development.
Please join us in celebrating and uplifting these leaders as they navigate new roles, guiding our canoe forward with strength and purpose. Together, we rise with the tides, advocate with the force of ocean swells, and deepen our roots across NHPI communities.
Check out our EPIC team here!
Honoring Meilyn Thompson’s Journey
It is with deep gratitude that we share the news of Meilyn Thompson’s departure from EPIC. For nearly four years, Meilyn has been a vital part of our canoe, strengthening connections with NHPI faith-based communities and uplifting our people through critical moments—including our COVID-19 response and voter engagement efforts.
Her dedication and contributions have left a lasting impact, and we wish her all the best in the next chapter of her journey. Please join us in celebrating Meilyn and sending her off with our deepest appreciation!