Lulani Arquette

T. Lulani Arquette is Native Hawaiian and the President/CEO of the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF); a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting the diversity of artistic expression in American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities.

Under her leadership the foundation launched in 2009 and has been successfully operating since that time providing support to artists, organizations, and communities. Arquette brings over 30 years of professional experience leading organizations to their highest creativity and potential through strategic visioning and planning, innovative program development, building valuable relationships in community and developing funding partnerships across sectors.

Before coming to the Foundation, Arquette worked in Hawai`i with Native Hawaiian organizations in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. She was instrumental in developing the first for-profit subsidiary of ALU LIKE, Inc., the largest multi-service organization in Hawai`i serving Native Hawaiians. With a strong interest in leadership development, she created the Hawai`i Leadership Center, a unique leadership program for executives and managers, that looked at leadership through the lens of three distinct ethnic groups – Hawaiian, Asian and Caucasian. She earned a master’s degree in political science and has been an advocate for Native self-determination and social justice.

Holding a second degree in drama and theatre from the University of Hawai`i, she has performed and participated in stage productions, television shows, and film projects. Arts and cultures has always played a strong role in her personal life and professional development, and she greatly admires her grandmother who was an accomplished musician and singer.

Public service and giving back are part of Arquette’s passion. She is currently a board member for Grantmakers In the Arts, and past board service includes the National Insight Center for Community Economic Development, Hawai`i Capitol Culture District, Organization of Women Leaders and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.