‘Ihilani Gutierrez
Executive Assistant & Events Manager
Born into the eastern valleys of Oʻahu, ʻIhilani was raised there as well as the north and eastern rivers of Kauaʻi. After completing her B.A. in Hawaiian Literature at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ʻIhilani was called to Hale Aliʻi O ʻIolani (ʻIolani Palace) where she became the first Education Manager in the non-profits history. As a long time advocate for Hawaiian Education, she has presented at various Education Summits across the country, presenting Hawaiʻi’s history through curriculum, poetry, & music.
Following the Friends of ʻIolani Palace, ʻIhilani joined Mana Maoli in February of 2021. She now serves as the Executive Assistant and Events Manager of Mana Maoli where she oversees our Mana Mele Project & Mana Maoli events as well as supports the Executive Director. She has coordinated dozens of events & music videos with over a 100 of Mana Maoli’s Collective of artists, videographers, and engineers.
Evan Gushiken
Evan Gushiken is a dedicated Kanaka Maoli professional with a decade of experience in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture-based nonprofits & organizations. His experience began in 2014, serving as the student president for the Na Opio Canoe Racing Association. At the same time, he was a member of the Pearl Harbor Hawaiian Civic Club, a volunteer official for the Oʻahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, and paddling coach for the Wounded Warrior Project.
After serving in leadership positions with both Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander organziations at Oregon State University while studying Design & Innovation Management, he began work with Tribes & First Nations across North America as the Events & PR Manager at The Language Conservancy.
Passionate about preserving and promoting Indigenous cultures through creative and community-driven projects, Evan recently returned to Hawaiʻi, supporting Mana Maoli with his background in community engagement and event management.
Onyeweenu Ogene (Onye’)
Onyeweenu Ogene (Onye’) was born and raised in Miami, Florida. With a deep love for the ocean, she studied Environmental Studies/Marine Science in undergrad and went on to study Sustainable Development and Education on the graduate level. She believes the keiki are the future and enjoys working with, for and around kids. Onye’ joined Mana Maoli in April of 2024 to assist in managing projects and helping the organization in achieving its sustainability goals. Sustainability is a holistic approach that considers the social, environmental and economic impacts of actions and decisions made. Onye’ hopes to assist in making Mana Maoli the best organization it can be while learning and growing in the Hawaiian community.