FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TAGNAWA
Nadine was born in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, and immigrated to the United States as a child. She holds a BA and MA in Political Science (with a Minor in Womenʻs Studies) and a second BA in Philippine Languages and Literatures with a concentration in Ilokano. She has a Juris Doctor from the William S. Richardson School of Law with certificates in Native Hawaiian Law, Pacific-Asian Legal Studies, and International and Comparative Law. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science focusing on Indigenous Politics and an Instructor in the Ilokano Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She brings her experience as an educator, community organizer, and feminist to her role as Executive Director of Tagnawa. Her understanding of place-based power dynamics and the ways in which environmental crises perpetuate and exacerbate the vulnerabilities of oppressed communities, such as the Filipino community in Lahaina, informs her leadership.
Michelle is a proud daughter and granddaughter of Ilokano immigrants and co-founder of Tagnawa. A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she combines her professional expertise with her personal dedication to supporting Filipino families in their recovery and wellbeing. As a mom and Ilokano language learner, Michelle is committed to addressing the mental health needs of the Filipino community in culturally appropriate ways and incorporating Filipino knowledge and practices.
FOUNDER, LICENSED THERAPIST
GENDER AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ORGANIZER
Cheryl is a survivor of the Lahaina fires. She is the daughter and granddaughter of Ilokano immigrants, raised with a deep understanding of the struggles faced by immigrant and low-income communities. With a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Cheryl has worked across government, nonprofit, and private sectors to support at-risk populations. Her work as an organizer at Tagnawa reflects her commitment to gender and environmental justice, addressing systemic inequities impacting vulnerable communities.
Social Media Manager
Financial Manager
Tagnawa is a collective of individuals rooted in the Filipino values of communal care, reciprocity, shared responsibility, and kapwa. Our team is led by Filipino mothers who are community organizers, students, educators, researchers, and mental health professionals who are deeply invested in the wellbeing and recovery of our people. We are immigrants and descendants of immigrants. Each member of our team shares a commitment to empowering our community as we rebuild our lives together.
Since our founding, Tagnawa has mobilized to meet the immediate and long-term needs of Filipino survivors in Lahaina. Our efforts have included:
- Volunteer Mobilization: Organizing volunteers from Oʻahu and Maui to assist with translation, resource navigation, and survivor outreach.
- Mental Health and Wellness Workshops: During the summer, we launched a series of workshops that focused on mental health support through trauma-informed training, enriching cultural classes, and nurturing supportive listening circles. These workshops were designed for kids, mothers, and families, providing a safe space to heal together.
- Needs Assessment: Conducting the first Filipino-specific survey to understand the needs of our community, particularly the gaps in recovery efforts and access to aid.
- Advocacy and Legislative Engagement: We continue to advocate for policies that ensure the Filipino community is not forgotten in the recovery process. This includes pushing for legislation that allocates appropriate resources to the rebuilding of Lahaina and demanding that recovery efforts are equitable and inclusive.
