Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha Announces New Executive Director
Aloha nui kākou,
It is with heartfelt excitement and great hope that the Board of Directors and Staff of Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha (HAOM) welcome Chelsey Jay as our new Executive Director beginning in mid July 2023. Chelsey joins HAOM following the retirement of our beloved founders, Gigi and Judy Cocquio, last August. Since then, we have taken the time and proper care necessary to prepare our organization and find the right person to continue to steward the legacy and work of HAOM alongside the Staff and the Board.
A life-long resident of West O‘ahu, Chelsey has dedicated her life and career to connecting students, educators, and the community to their ‘āina so that they can develop deeper relationships with the natural and cultural resources of Hawai‘i. Chelsey has been on the staff of Mālama Learning Center since 2013--most recently serving as Program Director.
Chelsey is a 2022 recipient of an Empowering 'Ōiwi Leadership Award (E OLA) given to kānaka ʻōiwi who exemplify leadership qualities and are engaged in their community. Chelsey graduated from Kamehameha Schools and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management at the University of Washington and a Master's degree in Educational Foundations at UH Mānoa.
Since its founding in 1979, HAOM's 5-acre community farm and learning center has taught many thousands of students, families and other visitors to grow and prepare healthy foods, make healthy life choices, connect with their roots in Hawaiian culture, and gain a deeper sense of the relationship between individual, community, and the environment. Along with HAOM's Board of Directors and Staff, Chelsey will help us live our mission: Creating peaceful communities in harmony with nature through the eyes, hands, and hearts of the children.
When we shared the news with Gigi, he said, “During my years at Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha, I met so many wonderful people and one of them was Chelsey. I have always appreciated and been amazed by her knowledge, humbleness, and how much she loved to be and share her experience with so many young people. I believe that Hoa ‘Āina will find in her another person with a big heart and great spirit to continue to achieve this dream that started very humbly 44 years ago, together with the present staff of young people with great visions and passion. Aloha.”
Please join us in giving Chelsey a warm welcome. To reach Chelsey or any of the staff at HAOM, email contact@hoaainaomakaha.org. We look forward to seeing you soon at the farm!
Me ka mahalo nui,
The Board of Directors & Staff of Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha