Our Team
Jamie Clark
Wahiawa, Hawai’i
Executive Director - UTOPIA Hawai'iPronouns: She, Her
Hawaiian | Tokelauan | Portugese | Japanese
Owner, Creative Designer of CSD Couture
As Executive Director of UTOPIA Hawaiʻi, Inc., I provide leadership to advance our mission of creating safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces for LGBTQI+ Pacific Islander communities. I oversee programs in health, wellness, cultural preservation, and advocacy, ensuring our initiatives are culturally grounded, impactful, and responsive to community needs. I serve as the public face of the organization, building partnerships, leading fundraising and resource development, and working closely with the Board on strategy and governance. I am committed to fostering an inclusive organizational culture, guiding our staff and volunteers, and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, so that UTOPIA Hawaiʻi can strengthen community, foster belonging, and create joy and resilience for those we serve.
I will be in service to UTOPIA by using my leadership, creativity, and advocacy to create spaces where LGBTQI+ Pacific Islander communities feel seen, safe, and celebrated. I will ensure that our programs—whether in health and wellness, cultural preservation, or advocacy—are culturally grounded, inclusive, and responsive to the real needs of the people we serve. By centering community voices, amplifying underrepresented stories, and building partnerships that strengthen our reach, I will help UTOPIA foster belonging, joy, and resilience. I will also guide our team with care and integrity, making sure that every initiative reflects our values and contributes to a future where culture, wellness, and affirmation are accessible to all.
As Executive Director of UTOPIA Hawaiʻi, I am driven by the opportunity to lead an organization that celebrates LGBTQI+ Pacific Islander culture and creates safe, affirming spaces for our community. I am energized by seeing how culture, wellness, and joy come together in our programs—from dance and storytelling to advocacy and wellness initiatives—creating meaningful experiences for members and their families. Under my leadership, UTOPIA fosters belonging, amplifies underrepresented voices, and strengthens connections across the community, providing opportunities for growth, creativity, and leadership in a supportive, empowering environment.
Laronda Mavaega
Aua, American Sāmoa
Creative Director of Cultural Affairs - UTOPIA Hawaiʻi
Pronouns- Fa’afafine, She, Her
Sāmoan
Owner of Le Atuto Creatives Culture Designer Overall Mother of the House of Medici Associate's degree in Business Management Associate's degree in Accounting
The Creative Director of Cultural Affairs leads the vision, strategy, and execution of cultural initiatives that celebrate community identity, creativity, and diversity. The role oversees cultural programming, creative direction, community engagement, partnerships, and team management while advancing equitable access to arts and culture. Serving as a senior advisor, the Director shapes cultural policy, manages resources and budgets, builds cross-sector collaborations, and advocates for the social, cultural, and economic value of the arts through impactful programs and public storytelling.
If you’re looking for community, culture, and a place where you can show up fully as yourself, UTOPIA is that space. I was drawn to UTOPIA because it centers LGBTQI+ Pacific Islander people with intention, care, and joy—our identities are not just accepted here, they’re celebrated. There’s something deeply energizing about being in a space where culture, wellness, advocacy, and creativity are woven together, and where your presence genuinely matters. What you’ll experience at UTOPIA is belonging. Through cultural dance, art, storytelling, wellness programs, and community gatherings, you’re invited to reconnect with who you are and where you come from—while also imagining who you can become. UTOPIA creates opportunities to grow, to lead, and to step outside your comfort zone in ways that feel supported and affirming. Whether you’re seeking healing, purpose, or joy, you’ll find people here who will walk with you, uplift you, and remind you that you’re not alone. Being part of UTOPIA isn’t just joining an organization—it’s becoming part of a movement that’s shaping a safer, stronger, and more joyful future for our community.
Kandace Augstin
Wai’anae, Hawai’i
President - UTOPIA Hawai'iPronouns - She, Her
Mixed Ethnicity
As the president of UTOPIA I will strive to continue they legacy of utopia by creating safe spaces for our communities which include but not limited to LGBTQIA+, to advocate for undeserved people and promote health and wellness for our mind body spirit and soul through cultural understanding and preservation.
felt compelled to join utopia to meet new people learn new things and be a part of a sisterhood all while giving back to the community as much as we can
Mason Kauo
Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi
Vice President - UTOPIA Hawaiʻi
Pronouns - He, Him, She, Her
Hawaiian | Haole
Won the CTE Award being the only one chosen to represent for Hawaii in a multi-million dollar company, made it to Top 5 in the entire franchise.
To keep us grounded & bonded, unified & to never let anyone forget that we are grateful & proud to be a Pacific Islander.
Being apart of Utopia has opened up doors for me that I would have never imagined. I learned multiple different Samoan sivas, different techniques & ways of building & making things & most importantly pushing myself outside of my box to take the time to learn & showcase these things. Learning about our fresh greenery on island & the names of different flowers & plants. Learning how to gather and put together beautiful arrangements. Being apart of a group who wants the best for you & everyone around them is overall the best gift ever. The way that everyone in Utopia Hawaii really cares shows me the true meaning of the Aloha spirit. We are not just a “non-profit” organization or just a “group” we are 1 Ohana that love & care for each other teaching & guiding each other all together.
John Aulava
Pago Pago, American Sāmoa
Board of Directors, Secretary/Treasurer - UTOPIA Hawai'iPronouns - He, Him
Sāmoan | Tuvaluan
Occupation: Full Time Mail Carrier at United States Postal Service where I am certify as a New Hire Trainer And Mentor. 9 years of Experienced in Finance and Banking with Previous employer at First Hawaiian Bank Education: Graduated both High School and College in American Samoa. Diploma and Associate Degree in Liberal Arts
Our core values serve as the foundation for living a purposeful life, driving us to pursue fulfillment, contentment, and self-worth through our actions and responsibilities. On a personal level, these values encompass striving for excellence, cultivating motivation, embracing lifelong learning, and productively utilizing our talents to advocate and share our culture with the world. They also involve nurturing assertiveness, resilience, empathy, and compassion while fostering meaningful relationships and upholding integrity. Within our organization, Utopia, we prioritize integrity, accountability, acceptance, teamwork, creativity, and cooperation, recognizing that individual values align with and drive our collective mission. This synergy between personal and organizational values is the essence of a deeper connection, one that empowers us to fulfill our duties with purpose, love and understanding of one another.
Why join us? In a world torn apart by hate and division, we offer a sanctuary where love and acceptance reign supreme. Utopia invites you to experience the warmth and compassion that radiates from our community, where every individual's uniqueness, talent, and ideas are cherished. Come spend a day with us and discover the beauty of our diversity, where your culture and way of life are celebrated, and you're empowered to be your authentic self without fear of judgment, allowing us to learn from each other and grow together.
Kawena Lorenzo
ʻAiea, Hawaiʻi
Administrative Director - UTOPIA Hawai’i
Pronouns - Māhū, ʻo, ia
Hawaiian | Filipino | Puerto Rican | Irish
Bachelor of Humanities in Hawaiian-Pacific Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu, with a focus on Native Hawaiian governance, culturally responsive education, and community leadership.
I currently serve as Campaign Manager for Kekoa Kealoha’s State House District 30 campaign, where I oversee campaign operations, community outreach, and volunteer coordination.
I also work at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, supporting student success and educational initiatives grounded in Indigenous values and community-centered practice.
I will be in service to UTOPIA’s mission by supporting programs rooted in culture, care, and accountability for Pacific Islander LGBTQIA+ communities. I will contribute to cultural preservation by uplifting traditional knowledge, language, and practices in ways that are affirming and accessible to our members. I will support advocacy efforts by helping connect individuals and families to resources and by strengthening community outreach. I will also assist with wellness initiatives by helping create safe, culturally grounded spaces that promote healing and belonging. In addition, I will support the sustainability of UTOPIA’s work through grant research and writing to help secure funding that expands our programs and long-term impact.
I felt compelled to join UTOPIA because I believe deeply in our Executive Director, Jamie Clark, and the vision she holds for our organization. What energized me was the intention to create a space where MVPFAFF+ Pacific Islanders feel safe, seen, and affirmed, not only in who they are, but in their culture, identities, and lived experiences. UTOPIA is about more than programs or events. It is about building community, restoring connection to culture, and making sure our people have access to the resources and support they deserve. Being part of UTOPIA means stepping into a community that values joy, healing, and collective care. You are encouraged to grow, to show up as your full self, and to try things that may feel outside your comfort zone, whether that is leadership, advocacy, cultural practice, or simply being present for others. The impact UTOPIA has is real and growing, and by joining, you become part of shaping a future where our communities thrive together.
Faythe K. Apo-Niihau Kylee West Williams
Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi
Deputy Director of Cultural Affairs, Project Coordinator UTOPIA Hawai'iPronouns: Mana Māhūwāhine
Hawaiian | Chinese | German | Portuguese | English | Scottish
Utopia Hawai’i member since 2006, case manager for trans population in Hawaii providing outreach and social services, choreographer/events planner, pageant coach, cultural and diverse entertainer, former closet queen, national showgirl goddess, miss venus Hawai’i, diva of Polynesia, hawaiis entertainer of the year, Hawaii continental plus representative, California continental, queen of queens, miss utopia Seattle island goddess, island showqueen, national showqueen, member of Suzuki family foundation, kupuna council, onipaa queens court, puuhonua o Wai’anae outreach, Pilar in all communities bridging the gap for acceptance amongst all humanity, voice of reason and experience, conjure specialist
Sharer of cultural practices, learning from our kupuna, teaching our keiki, leading by example, facilitating group level cultural and educational workshops, working closely with utopia directors and staff, coordinating cultural events and gatherings, physical and emotional support for members in their personal endeavors,being a strong positive motivating force
Utopia Hawai’is presence is powerful, in full support of any occasion, utopia Hawai’i takes up space in all spaces. Being apart of this group enables u to reach your highest potential by means of participation, being inclusive, acceptance, safe, all while learning and perpetuating our Polynesian culture intertwining with modern day life giving u the freedom to live your authentic self. It is a journey to healing, learning growing from love through embracing what has been passed on from our kupuna
Von Ka’anā’anā, Von Appétit
Kahuku, Hawai’i
Communications Chair - UTOPIA Hawai’i
Pronouns - He, Him, She, Her, Māhū
Hawaiian | Māori | Tahitian | Chinese | French | Welsh
Von is in service to UTOPIA Hawai'i's mission pursuing Cultural Preservation through storytelling. CEO of Aikāne Media and is in partnership with UTOPIA Hawai'i to platform the talents of the MVPFAFF+ Queer community of Hawai'i.
"UTOPIA Hawai'i has helped establish generational pilina with my community. We celebrate each other in the ways of our Kūpuna through mentorship, advocacy, and shared experience. The future of UTOPIA is providing safe access to a true Third Space where we may gather and develop each other fundamentally strengthening our Lāhui".