ANNOUNCING THIS YEAR’S AWARDEES
2025 Mental Health Mahalo Awardees
Venus Rosete-Medeiros
Outstanding Community Mental Health Leader
Rotary in Hawaii
Outstanding Community Mental Health Leader
Mary Akimo-Luʻuwai
Outstanding Government Leader
Ayada Bonilla
Outstanding Government Leader
Amber Drake
Outstanding Adult Mental Health Consumer Advocate
Kai Chang-Schultz
Outstanding Youth Mental Health Advocate
Goodwill Hawaii
Outstanding Employer
Spirit Horse Ranch
Outstanding Employer
Karin Medigovich
Outstanding Family Advocate
Officer Tiare Perry
Outstanding CIT Leader
2025 Student Voice Awardees
In addition to the Mahalo Awards, Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi, along with its partners at PBS Hawaiʻi, recognized five Student Voice Awardees. Students from across the state, who participated in PBS Hawai`i’s HIKI NŌ program, were considered for the courage to raise their voices, chronicle personal challenges and triumphs, and to share their story whole heartedly.
Jazalle Amps
Kaʻu High and Pahala Elementary School
“Poetry”
Kylie Cardenas
H.P. Baldwin High School
“Privileged”
Lily Lawrence
Waikiki Elementary School
“The Riskiest Game”
Emma Roy
H.P. Baldwin High School
“I’m Stuck in the Past”
Jamie Subaru Thompson
H.P. Baldwin High School
“A Letter to My Dad, Father’s Day”
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Join us at the 2025 Mental Health Awareness and Awards Celebration. This event celebrates our community leaders, advocates and employers who have dedicated themselves to promoting mental wellness and improving the care of people with mental health challenges through positive and innovative programs and leadership. MHAH Mahalo Award recipients will be recognized in six categories relating to mental health care, advocacy, leadership, and support.
In addition to these, MHAH, along with its partner PBS Hawai`i, will also recognize two schools and three youth from across the state with a Student Voice Award. These students, who’ve participated in the PBS Hawai`i’s HIKI NŌ program, will be recognized for the courage to share their story.
Registration closed May 21, 2025 at 11:00 pm.