Week five of my LiA project was defined by steady service and a deeper step into behind-the-scenes leadership that sustains grassroots community initiatives. With a variety of events and moving pieces, this week gave me opportunities to take on more administrative and practical leadership responsibilities across multiple spaces.
Monday began with our regular food box distribution, where I continued helping with preparation, intake, and community deliveries. Later in the day, I had the opportunity to observe a highly sensitive family court case involving restraining orders and allegations of abuse. I was able to provide assurance and support to our client throughout the process. Witnessing the emotional and legal complexity of the case offered valuable insight into how deeply family dynamics, trauma, and advocacy intersect in the justice system.
On Tuesday, I returned to Na Kia‘i O Maui to assist with logistical support: picking up a donated bed, collecting food bank items, and delivering pillows to families still recovering from the fires. This week, a youth team from Montana came to volunteer on Tuesday and Wednesday. As a resident volunteer, I was given the opportunity to lead work squads of these youth, ensuring their tasks were completed efficiently and safely. The abundance of helping hands allowed this severely under-resourced nonprofit to make significant headway. Each task, though simple on the surface, represented tangible support to individuals in the long process of rebuilding their lives.
Wednesday was another full day of service at NKM, continuing collaboration with the PPM missions team. It was energizing to serve alongside new volunteers and witness their enthusiasm and compassion. That evening, my community center hosted a cultural fundraiser that included a Hula and Ha‘a showcase followed by a screening of Whale Rider. It was a beautiful intersection of education, celebration, and connection, offering a platform for cultural exchange while strengthening relational bridges within the local community.
Thursday was packed with varied responsibilities. I helped with client intake at our office and sat in on a meeting with a new client involved in a housing dispute. I also met Rachel, the new development director of Maui Rescue Mission—an organization that shares our office space. Together with Leslee, I sourced and transported furniture from Na Kia‘i O Maui to help furnish the office for better functionality. That evening, I attended YGA and closed the day by helping pick up drywall for a community construction project, once again stepping into the physical labor that often accompanies grassroots work.
On Friday, I focused on advancing my capstone project for the SOUL Lead program by compiling reflections, organizing documentation, and preparing next steps for our legal education initiative. I ended the day with a return to Ha‘a for cultural practice.
Saturday was a highlight, as I helped organize and attend the fourth anniversary celebration of our law firm, which also honored this year’s SOUL Leaders graduates. The event celebrated not only the people involved but also the journey and resilience that brought our firm to life. It was a powerful moment of reflection on how community, mentorship, and vision can produce long-lasting change. I was honored to be part of the preparation and execution.
This week, I learned that leadership also means learning how to delegate and empower others to contribute. When leading the youth volunteers, I realized that effective leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about trusting others, giving clear direction, and creating a structure where people can succeed. I also began to understand the value of investing time in systems-building—whether that’s furnishing an office or documenting plans for our legal clinics—because sustainable impact requires more than passion; it requires preparation. Moving forward, I want to grow in my ability to lead through systems and teams, equipping others to carry the vision forward even after I’m gone.