Page 15 - MidWeek - May 3, 2023

MAY 3, 2023 MIDWEEK 15
FROM PAGE 14
and was ac-
cepted,” she
says. “When
I look back on
what the pro-
gram has giv-
en me in terms of exposure, perspective and friendships, I cannot believe there was a time when I was willing to walk away from all of that. In life and business, when so much is about timing, I am glad that I didn’t let the first setback stop me.”
Pacific Century Fellow Jenny Lemaota, senior vice president of O‘ahu Transit Services, leads a discussion on public transportation with her cohort members.
Summing up her thoughts, Pe‘a emphasizes that the pro- gram gave her such a rich ex- perience as Hawai‘i was deal- ing with so many issues from the Thirty Meter Telescope to COVID and even the Red Hill fuel tanks.
“I had such a marvel- ous experience,” recalls Hannemann. “I came back to Hawai‘i and I said, ʻGee, I’d like to replicate that kind of program that would allow the young emerging leaders of Hawai‘i to meet regularly on a monthly basis, convening about the issues of the day — be focused not so much on what the problems are, but talk about solutions.’”
After the Fellows are se- lected, their cohort starts with an opening retreat focused on a discussion of thought-pro- voking issues in the commu- nity.
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“We got a front-row seat to speak with individuals who were involved firsthand and were given the opportunity to dive deeper into these issues than we ever would other- wise. I have made friendships through this program that will last a lifetime and hope to continue to work together Fwith my other Fellows for the betterment of our communi- ty,” Pe‘a concludes.
He also intentionally wanted the local program to include the word “Pacific,” because “it’s also about Ha- wai‘i’s special role and prom- inence in this Pacific region.”
“Then, they plan out the year — what you would like to meet about once a month, it could be on education, Native Hawaiian issues, the envi- ronment, economic develop- ment, energy, homelessness,” says Hannemann.
the best and brightest young minds in the country.
their mid-20s to early 40s to be fellows. Individual compa- nies may sponsor candidates for the program. The program fee is $6,000, which covers expenses. Employers are encouraged to pay employee program costs, but tuition as- sistance is available.
or Hannemann, PCF has always been near and dear to his heart.
In addition, Hannemann wanted the class of fellows to bond together.
During their time as Fel- lows, participants take part in visits to places such as gov- ernment and business facil- ities. They have even toured prisons and have gone on police ride-alongs. Fellows also go to at least one neigh- bor island that they select as a group. They spend two or three days there to get deeply immersed in the topics of that island.
This is due in part to the pro- gram being modeled after the White House Fellows pro- gram.
“The friendships will ex- tend beyond that year itself and they will develop net- works of alliance that cut across the board,” he says.
Hannemann was a White House Fellow in 1983-84 and assigned to the office of then-United States Vice Presi- dent George H.W. Bush.
Hannemann emphasizes that the Fellows come from all over the Hawaiian Islands, and from all professions, in- cluding government, busi- ness, nonprofits, education, media, health sciences, mil- itary and more. A 16-mem- ber committee of prominent citizens will select about 30 of the state’s most promising individuals from all segments of the community who are in
In explaining White House Fellows, Hannemann says it’s about attracting young Americans to come to Wash- ington, D.C., see how gov- ernment operates, and at the same time meet some of
“At the end of the year, we bring them all together. We have a graduation ceremony, we recap the year through a video, and then we encour-
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