Loke Wakinekona

Board of Directors, President

Born and raised in Mākaha, Ms. Loke Wakinekona brings a lifetime of experience to the INPEACE Board. She came to INPEACE in 1999 as a participant of the Ka Lama Education Academy. Ka Lama assisted Ms. Wakinekona in enrolling into Leeward Community College, Waiʻanae Campus after being out of school for more than a decade. During this time, Ms. Wakinekona was a full-time wife and mother caring for three young children. Through dedication and perseverance, Ms. Wakinekona received an Associate's Degree in 2000 and later continued onto the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Education.

Driven by passion, Ms. Wakinekona sought to teach in her home community on the Waiʻanae Coast. She started at Kamaile Elementary School and later went to Māʻili where she currently teaches the third grade. Ms. Wakinekona is still a participant of the Kūkuluao and Ka Lama Education Academy where she receives support for teacher retention. She continues to strive for excellence and received a Master's Degree in Curriculum Studies in 2009.

Through her experience, Ms. Wakinekona hopes to serve as a positive role model and inspiration to other mothers and non-traditional students. She firmly believes that education is key to giving Native Hawaiians hope for a more prosperous future.