Clients x Freelancers

E.P.I.C Pods 2026

Apply by June 12 at 5 PM

EPIC + PODS is a collaborative, cohort-based experience designed to bring wāhine freelancers—both emerging and experienced—into shared practice through real client work. In each pod, one to two freelancers are paired with a wahine entrepreneur (the client) and work together across four focused 90-minute sprint sessions. These sprints are structured to move a project forward in meaningful increments, while creating space for collaboration, skill-sharing, and hands-on building—ensuring that meaningful work and real-world experience are gained alongside progress toward small business goals.
Moreover, the pod model also creates opportunities for peer-to-peer exchange, mentorship, and shared accountability. By working as a pod, participants not only build confidence and practical experience, but also deepen pilina with one another and with their client—modeling a more connected, community-driven approach to freelance and entrepreneur work that reflects WFA’s values of collaboration, reciprocity, and growth for all.

Key Program Dates

  • May 27-June 12: Complete EPIC Freelancer Application Form
  • June 16: Applicants Notified
  • July 1: Sprint #1: 4:00-5:30 PM
  • July 8: Sprint #2: 4:00-5:30 PM
  • July 15: Sprint #3: 4:00-5:30 PM
  • July 22: Sprint #4: 4:00-5:30 PM
  • July 29: Hōʻike: Sharing Successes 4:00-5:30 PM
What are the benefits of participating in E.P.I.C. Pods?

Introducing Our EPIC Pods Clients

Sondra Ouye,
Owner of
Abl Collective

Link Instagram

Sondra Ouye is a beginner farmer who recently graduated from GoFarm. She became a farmer after working 7 years as a financial auditor and 10 years as a business consultant. She is looking to improve online preordering through her website as well as establish processes for our farmers market.

Looking for assistance with: 

  • Content creation,
  • Ecommerce support,
  • UX/UI design feedback

Rebecca Schoonmaker,
Owner of Root to Rise Farm

Instagram

Rebecca Schoonmaker is a farmer and earth advocate who operates a diversified vegetable farm in Waimānalo and a fruit orchard near Haleʻiwa. Through her work, she strives to steward the land, strengthen food sovereignty, and expand access to nutritious, organic food.

Looking for assistance with: 

  • Website design & dev,
  • Social media strategy,
  • Content creation,
  • Community engagement strategy,
  • Ecommerce support,
  • Canva template or asset creation

Chanelle Tolentino,
Owner of
Hawaiʻi Stem Labs

Link Linkedin

Chanelle Tolentino is an educator and advocate for STEM accessibility who is passionate about creating more inclusive learning experiences. She believes technology and STEM education should thoughtfully leverage emerging technologies while embracing universal design principles to ensure all learners have equitable opportunities to engage, participate, and succeed.

Looking for assistance with: 

  • Social media strategy, 
  • Community engagement strategy, 
  • UX/UI design feedback

Empowering

Wāhine freelancers to build toward long-term economic stability through 1:1 coaching, virtual learning, and tools grounded in culture and community.

Pilina

Building through insider interviews with clients and experienced freelancers, offering on-the-ground insight into what businesses look for. This phase culminates in an in-person hōʻike and networking mixer rooted in reciprocity.

Incubate

An individualized freelance strategy and finance map, paired with a “proof of service” project—a professional deliverable showcasing participant’s strengths, offerings, and client readiness.

Connect

Wāhine freelancers directly to potential clients and a supportive network with WFA’s business-to-business database connector.

E.P.I.C. Pods Program Team

Marion Ano Headshot

E.P.I.C. Program Manager

About Marion
Misty Sanico

E.P.I.C. Marketing Manager

About Misty

What are the benefits of participating in E.P.I.C. Pods?

  • Participants leave the program with hands-on, real-world freelance experience through collaborative client-based project work.
  • Completion of portfolio-worthy deliverables and tangible contributions to a real small business or entrepreneurial project.
  • One client testimonial and professional reference upon successful completion of the program.
  • Strengthened collaboration, communication, and project management skills through pod-based sprint work.
  • Enrollment in WFA’s Freelance Connector Database, linking freelancers directly with clients and opportunities across Hawaiʻi and beyond.
  • Prioritized consideration for future freelance contracts, collaborations, and paid opportunities facilitated through WFA.
  • Opportunities to continue engaging with WFA through future programming, community projects, and collaborative initiatives.

About Marion

Marion Ano is the founder of Wahine Coder,a freelance design and development company. With over 13 years of experience as a mobile and web designer & developer serving Hawaiʻi-based clients, Marion specializes in building efficient workflow systems, streamlined project management flows, and well-organized digital solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.

She also has a passion for copywriting and enjoys helping businesses shape their strategic communication, ensuring their messaging and online presence are both clear and compelling. A lifelong learner, Marion actively explores and integrates emerging technologies into her freelance workflows with intention and care.

In addition to serving her clients, Marion is a lecturer at the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu, where she has been teaching since 2012. Through the Academy of Creative Media, she teaches courses in coding, mobile app development, mobile app visual design, and web-based user experience (UX).

During the summers, she channels her creativity into writing children’s books with her son through their family-owned publishing company, Kilo Books Hawaiʻi.

About Misty

Misty-Lynn Sanico is an ʻŌiwi writer and editor from Honolulu. She is the Communications Director for Bamboo Ridge Press, a local independent book publisher, and has been working with nonprofit literary organizations in Hawaiʻi for 15 years. She has organized and led numerous virtual literary events, as well as workshops in creative writing, blogging, and social media marketing.

Apply for EPIC Pods

EPIC + PODS is a collaborative, cohort-based experience designed to bring wāhine freelancers—both emerging and experienced—into shared practice through real client work.

Applications open on May 27

Learn More!