Purple Maiʻa Foundation is a 501(c)(3) technology education nonprofit. We teach coding and computer science through after-school or elective classes to Native Hawaiian students, low-income youth, and others who are underrepresented in tech. 

As we increase access to tech education and increase students’ earning potential, we also ground students to tech education that their ancestors were indigenous innovators who used their skills and perspective to serve their communities and lands.

We support Hawaiian values in contemporary tech culture, and we think that by learning to innovate as indigenous technologies, we can be part of a global shift toward growing more sustainable and just societies. 

Education

Non Profit

Purple Maiʻa Foundation

Donavan Kealoha

Keoni Defranco

Olin Kealoha Lagon

David Pickett

Michael Sarmiento

Naomi Yoshida

The Leadership Team at Purple Maiʻa Foundation steers the organization's vision and strategic direction, ensuring that tech education aligns with Hawaiian values and community needs. Comprised of seasoned professionals in management, technology, and educational design, the team drives initiatives, fosters partnerships, and cultivates an inclusive learning environment to empower underrepresented youth through innovative coding and computer science programs. They work collaboratively to create a sustainable future that honors indigenous knowledge and practices.

Leadership Team

Creative and Educational Roles

Leadership Team

About

Team members

Other teams at Purple Maiʻa Foundation

Creative and Educational Roles