By Bryan Esmeralda
The Board of Trustees of Liliʻuokalani Trust proudly announce the appointment of Jennifer K. Laʻa as its next president and chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2026. Laʻa will lead the 117-year-old aliʻi trust and private operating foundation into its next chapter, building on a powerful legacy of service to Native Hawaiian children and families.
She succeeds Mahina Eleniki Hugo, who has served as interim president and CEO since January. Hugo will resume her position on the Board of Trustees beginning in July.
A dedicated and dynamic leader, Laʻa has been an integral part of Liliʻuokalani Trust since 2022, advancing key initiatives across strategy, programs, and operations. She currently serves as Executive Director of the 97,000-square-foot Liliʻuokalani Center on Ward Avenue, where she has helped elevate the Trust’s presence and impact in the community.
“Jennifer brings proven executive leadership experience, vision, and heart,” said Hugo. “She has a deep understanding of where the Trust has been and our Vision 2045 goal to break the cycle of poverty for Native Hawaiian children. The Board has full confidence in her ability to lead our team into the future.”
With more than 20 years of experience across the nonprofit and government sectors, Laʻa is known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to community impact. Prior to joining the Trust, she served as branch chief of the Community Resources Branch at the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. Her extensive experience also includes executive leadership roles at Easter Seals Hawaiʻi and serving as director of Grants Management at the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi.
Laʻa’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for Liliʻuokalani Trust as it continues to expand its work to uplift and empower kamaliʻi and their ʻohana across Hawaiʻi.
Bryan Esmeralda is the director of external relations at Liliʻuokalani Trust.
