Our Team

Mea Aloha Spady

Executive director, The Kūpa‘a Network
Mea Aloha Spady, executive director, The Kūpa‘a Network
Mea engages with the community, drives strategic direction for mission fulfillment and nurtures the people and programs of the Network so all may thrive.

Mea was born and raised in the moku of Koʻolauloa on Oʻahu. A descendant of Kānaka Maoli from Hawaiʻi Island, Atlantic Ocean sailors, and Japanese immigrants, her life has been informed by a sense of diverse and inclusive community and a commitment to service. She has served nonprofits locally, nationally, and internationally with a focus on human rights. With a background in psychology and peace and conflict resolution, as well as in marketing and communications, Mea is devoted to building connections in the community for positive impact.

Marina Ryker

Editorial Advisory Council Member (Maui)
Marina Starleaf Riker is a writer, researcher and current communications director for the Lahaina Community Land Trust. Born and raised on Maui, she is a proud King Kekaulike High School alum. She previously worked as an investigative journalist, with a focus on exposing barriers to equity in housing, health care and disaster recovery. When she’s not trying to shake up the status quo, you can find her training horses.

Aaron Yoshino

Photographer (O‘ahu)
Aaron Yoshino was born and raised on O‘ahu. He has been a professional photographer for 21 years and PacificBasin Communications’ staff photographer for the past 9 years.

Kevin Kawamoto

Copy Editor (O‘ahu) (2025)
Kevin Y. Kawamoto has taught journalism, communication and gerontological social work at the University of Hawai‘i and University of Washington. He also served as technology studies manager at The Freedom Forum Media Studies Center when it was located at Columbia University in New York City. He has been a freelance writer and textbook author for more than 30 years.

Candice Soon

Illustrator (O‘ahu)
Candice Soon is a self-taught artist from Singapore. She currently lives in Hawai’i and still dreams of Okinawa, where she used to live—two special islands that she calls home. Each of these places have deeply influenced her artistic style and subjects, resulting in a colorful palette with tropical and floral themes that pay homage to their natural environments and rich histories.

Kalany Omengkar

Illustrator (O‘ahu)
Kalany Omengkar creates work for documentary films, local brands and editorial outlets, highlighting island culture and politics. As an illustrator, he blends contemporary design with his Pacific island heritage to uplift underrepresented voices while celebrating the resilience and beauty of Micronesian and Hawai‘i life through vibrant visual storytelling.

Bailey Onaga

Illustrator (Maui)
Born and raised on Maui, Bailey Onaga is the founder of B. Miyo Art. B. Miyo is a combination of her first initial, as well as her middle name “Miyoko,” shortened to what sounds like 微妙 or “sublime” in Japanese. Bailey’s array of products feature original artwork with a “Hawaii Kawaii” vibe. Her work pays homage to “Slice of Life Kine Tingz:” the simple aspects of life that are often overlooked as ordinary, and what makes living in Hawaiʻi so unique. Outside of freelancing, Bailey also works as a Studio Assistant and teacher at Sabado Studios in Wailuku, Maui.

Trysen Kaneshige

Illustrator (Kaua‘i)
Trysen Kaneshige, a multimedia artist born and raised on Kaua‘i, utilizes art as a medium for healing and community engagement. After graduating from the Art Institute of California – San Diego, he returned to Kaua‘i to establish INSPIRE TO CREATE Media LLC, a multimedia business offering graphic design and mural painting services.

Kailah Ogawa

Illustrator (Hawai‘i Island)
Kailah Ogawa is an illustrator and graphic designer from Hilo, Hawai’i. Her multidisciplinary practice explores form, texture and material as a means to draw from everyday wonder. After working for fashion and creative agencies across the West Coast, her studio is now based out of her hometown. She has been commissioned by clients such as Google, YouTube, Hawaiian Airlines, HPM, UCLA, Patagonia and Hydroflask.

Kelsey Ige

Illustrator (O‘ahu)
Kelsey Ige is a visual storyteller, designer, illustrator and art director in Wahiawā, Hawaiʻi. Kelsey’s work celebrates the unique environment and cultures of Hawaiʻi. Her work has been recognized by AIGA Honolulu, The American Advertising Federation – Hawaiʻi, The Society for Professional Journalists Hawaiʻi, City and Regional Magazine Association. Her work has been featured in Hawai‘i Magazine, Hawaii Business Magazine, Honolulu Magazine, Mana Magazine, Lei Magazine and AFAR Magazine.