Keoni Defranco

Keoni DeFranco is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact, currently serving as the Managing Director of Mālama Studios at Purple Maiʻa Foundation since June 2016. This role involves developing and supporting sustainable business practices aimed at strengthening Hawaiʻi's economy, particularly for Native Hawaiians. In addition to leadership roles within various organizations, including Minister of Interior for the Nation of Hawaii and board member at Hui Malama O Ke Kai Foundation, Keoni acts as a mentor and advisor to numerous initiatives focused on empowering marginalized communities and fostering innovation in technology and health. Keoni's entrepreneurial journey includes founding Lua, a telehealth communications platform, and leading LifeLua, a machine learning-based drug discovery company. Educational credentials include a Bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University, studies at The London School of Economics, and a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.