The Organization
Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational charitable trust established in 1887 by the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop to educate children of Hawaiian descent. Operating with a mission to empower Native Hawaiians in perpetuity, the institution is deeply grounded in both Native Hawaiian and Christian values. At the historic Kapālama campus on Oʻahu, the elementary school is led by Poʻo Kumu (Principal) Deede Santiago, a leader known for her vast experience in curriculum design and her dedication to keeping keiki (children) at the center of the campus culture.
The Engagement
Michele has had the profound honor of working alongside Kamehameha leaders and Principal Deede Santiago over the past few years.
Curriculum Piloting: The school's sixth-grade elective leadership class successfully piloted the Brave & Beautiful curriculum. (At the time, only the teen girls' version was available before the completion of Brave & Bold and Brave Together, so the class was exclusively for girls that year.)
Staff Empowerment: In collaboration with Nancy Vuu, Michele implemented a Dream Big workshop for the entire elementary school staff. Both served as keynote speakers, empowering the educators to envision and dream big with God.
Student Kick-off: Following the staff empowerment session, Kamehameha School elected to pilot the Dream Big Journal curriculum with their fourth graders. Michele conducted dedicated training for the fourth-grade teachers and led two energetic student assemblies to officially launch the program.
The Outcome
The curriculum pilots were a great success. The fourth-grade Dream Big pilot went well with positive feedback from both students and staff, and the Brave & Beautiful curriculum had a measurable impact on the sixth-grade girls.
Michele is deeply appreciative and honored to share such a warm, friendly working relationship with Principal Deede Santiago and her entire team. Following the Brave & Beautiful pilot, Principal Santiago shared this profound endorsement:
"I am writing to express my appreciation and support of your Brave & Beautiful prevention curriculum that empowers teen girls in life and leadership. I believe this publication has the potential to have a deep impact on the lives of the teen girls and young women who participate in the program due to the experiences our students have had thus far with the content. I can personally attest to the impact the material has had on our 6th-grade girls. The girls who chose to take this class have learned so much about what it means to lead with character and integrity, and what that looks like.
I'd like to highlight one of the many examples of impact and transformation that Brave & Beautiful has had on the girls. There were twin sisters in this first class who, through experiencing the Brave & Beautiful curriculum, showed remarkable personal growth and increased self-confidence. As a result, they both applied to be Student Government leaders for the whole Elementary campus and were elected to do so. Their confidence has soared as they grew in understanding their immense value. They also grew in embracing perspectives and values that support them in becoming strong servant-leaders.
I am deeply concerned about the significant challenge we have in Hawaii regarding the sex trafficking of our local teen girls. I believe Brave & Beautiful is a powerful prevention solution that equips young women to avoid being manipulated by the people attempting to recruit them. As a foundation, Brave & Beautiful has helped to raise the overall self-confidence, self-worth, and leadership abilities of the girls who have benefited from the publication, which helps them become significantly less vulnerable to victimization. The girls are also empowered with practical ways to protect themselves from victimization and ways to avoid dangerous situations.
I strongly believe that Brave & Beautiful is the right solution for our community. I congratulate you on recently being awarded the 2023 Hawaii State Government Award for the 'Outstanding Advocate of the Children and Youth in the State of Hawaii.' Thank you for making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people in our community and throughout our state."
Deede Santiago, Principal
Work with Michele.
If you lead a school, church, or organization and want to bring this kind of work to your community, please reach out. Michele will follow up with you personally.
- Based in
- Honolulu, HI