Our Founding Board Members
Amanda Merritt
Amanda is a graphic designer focused on creating engaging and accurate illustrations for ocean science, education, and conservation. With a background in science communication, she works collaboratively with scientists and educators to develop effective visuals that enhance scientific research and support natural resource conservation. As she draw feathers on birds and fins on fish, she is grateful to be on the Big Island where she can catch a glimpse of native birds on a mountain trail and bright reef fish along the coast. When she’s not aligning designs, she’s underwater looking for manta rays, hiking the hills, bookworming, or eating nachos.
Margary Martin, Ph.D.
Margary Martin, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the School of Education at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo. She is also the executive director of Ka Pouhana Center at UH Hilo. With over 25 years of experience working in education, she began her career as a middle and high school teacher before pursuing her PhD. With an eye towards equity in action, her research and service focuses on how policies and practices in education impede or facilitate the healthy social and emotional development and wellbeing of children and youth. She partners with community groups, nonprofits, and schools to develop participatory, place-based initiatives to create culturally affirming learning environments that allow students to thrive.
Jennifer Kanani Ano
Jennifer Ano was born in Honolulu. She lived and worked in the Pacific Northwest for over 35 years, however Hawaiʻi will always be home. After graduation from Punahou School, she moved to Oregon and earned a B.A. in International Studies and B.A. in English from Portland State University. She works at Nike and she has held various roles including supporting Global Footwear, Product Operations, and Diversity Equity & Inclusion for the Office of General Counsel (Legal). At Nike she also leads two employee resource groups serving women and Pacific Islanders. Outside of her professional work, she serves on the Board of Ka ʻAha Lāhui ʻO Olekona Hawaiian Civic Club on which she brings her professional experience and advocacy for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders to support communities through civic engagement. Her goals are to bring her mana’o from her corporate experience and non-profit advocacy for the diaspora in the Pacific Northwest to Wahine Freelance Alliance.