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Jessica Acop – Program Director, Maui Health

Jessica Acop has spent her career advancing healthcare access, quality, and innovation. From her early days as a registered nurse to her current role as Program Director at Maui Health, she has led with compassion and purpose—always focused on improving systems to better serve patients and providers. Her work spans clinical leadership, mentorship, and healthcare start-ups, all grounded in a deep commitment to underserved communities.

While serving as Chief Nursing Officer at Village Emergency Centers in Texas, Jessica helped pioneer and scale free-standing emergency rooms (FSERs), offering faster, barrier-free care while reducing hospital ER congestion. At Maui Health, she leads the hospital’s first Wound Care Clinic, providing specialized treatment previously unavailable on the island. Following the Lahaina wildfires, her team was the first at Maui Health to deploy to emergency shelters, offering essential wound care. She also coordinated with the Afya Foundation to secure medical supplies for frontline responders and nonprofit groups.

Earlier in her career, Jessica championed nurse development programs at Nexus Children’s Hospital and received national recognition in 2023 with the Restorix Leadership Award for exceeding clinical metrics in her first year on Maui. A former mentor with the Christian youth organization Young Life, she credits her leadership style to lessons learned in faith-based service—believing that leadership begins with leading by example.

Originally from the mountain town of Acop, Tublay in the Philippines, Jessica is a proud Indigenous Filipina of the Ibaloi tribe. Her upbringing instilled in her values of resilience, hard work, and service—principles that continue to guide her work in building healthier, more equitable communities.

Everett Balmores – Communications Systems Specialist, Maui Emergency Management Agency

Everett Balmores exemplifies what it means to be a quiet hero—someone who steps up in times of crisis not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do. A dedicated public servant, Everett currently serves as a Communications Systems Specialist for the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), where he manages technical operations critical to public safety. His responsibilities include coordinating with communications infrastructure partners, overseeing the Outdoor Warning Siren System in partnership with HI-EMA, and supporting County alerts and warning systems.

Before joining MEMA in 2021, Everett spent over 15 years in hospitality safety and security, working closely with local, state, and federal emergency responders. His career also spans 15 years in retail management on Oʻahu, Maui, and in Southern California. Across all his roles, Everett has remained a steady, reliable presence with a "people-first" approach to leadership.

When the August 2023 wildfires devastated Lahaina, Everett’s personal resilience came into full view. His own home was destroyed, displacing him, his wife, three of their four children, and his elderly father-in-law. Despite his family’s loss, Everett never stopped working. He was seen daily at the Lahaina Civic Center, shoulder to shoulder with MEMA, the Red Cross, FEMA, CAL FIRE, the military, and countless community partners. Few knew of his personal tragedy—Everett never spoke about it. His humility and steadfast presence embodied the very values of public service.

Colleagues and community members alike describe Everett as calm, dependable, and deeply committed. His ability to lead with compassion during one of Maui’s darkest times reminds us of the quiet strength that holds communities together.

Joel Navarro – CEO, Maui Pono Foundation

Joel Navarro has been a pillar of the West Maui community for over 30 years. From his early days paddling with the Napili Canoe Club to his leadership in local finance, real estate, and nonprofit sectors, Joel’s life work reflects an unwavering commitment to service and resilience. His career has included leadership roles such as Branch Manager at Title Guaranty, Senior Commercial Banking Officer at Central Pacific Bank, and Vice President at Ho‘okele Title & Escrow. In each of these positions, Joel has been a champion for West Maui families and businesses.

Following the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, Joel stepped into a critical leadership role as the CEO of the Maui Pono Foundation—a nonprofit formed to support recovery and long-term rebuilding in West Maui. Under his guidance, the Foundation has distributed nearly $2 million in grants to affected families, small businesses, local schools, and community programs. The organization also launched innovative initiatives like the Maui CARE Flights Program, which brought joy and healing to families through Disneyland trips, and spearheaded reforestation projects at Lahainaluna High and Lahaina Intermediate Schools.

Joel’s service extends far beyond disaster relief. He has been a dedicated youth coach and advocate for education and youth development. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Lahainaluna High School Foundation, is President of the Lahaina Junior Golf Association, and chairs the Legacy Cup Golf Tournament, which supports Project Graduation.

Through every endeavor, Joel leads with heart, humility, and an unshakeable belief in the power of community. His work is a testament to what happens when local leadership rises in service of its people.

Chef Bernardo “JR” Oao – Owner, Oao Sushi Restaurants

Chef JR Oao is the proud owner and founder of the Oao Sushi restaurant group, which includes Oao in Wailea, Oao Sushi Go in Kahului, and Hachi by Oao in Kihei. Originally from Isabela, Philippines, JR moved to Hawaii at a young age, bringing with him the values of hard work, humility, perseverance, and faith. His path in the culinary world began as a dishwasher, but with a clear dream of becoming a sushi chef and an unrelenting work ethic, he steadily rose through the kitchen ranks.

Without formal training but driven by vision, JR honed his craft through dedication and discipline. In January 2022, at the height of the pandemic’s economic uncertainty, he took a leap of faith and opened his first food truck. By November of that same year, he launched his first brick-and-mortar location. Since then, JR has expanded his culinary footprint across Maui, each restaurant showcasing his creative approach to sushi and his deep care for quality and community.

JR is equally known for his generous spirit. In response to the Lahaina wildfires, Oao directly contributed to relief efforts, supporting displaced families and first responders. His team also stepped up—volunteering, fundraising, and showing aloha in action. Beyond disaster relief, JR is committed to youth development. The Oao Team regularly supports local athletes by funding sports programs, uniforms, and travel costs, believing in the transformative power of discipline, teamwork, and dreams.

A devout member of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ, JR draws strength from his faith, which continues to guide his personal and professional journey. From humble beginnings to culinary success, his story is one of resilience, community, and gratitude.

Jingo Magic Tamayo – Radio Broadcaster and Community Advocate

Jingo Magic Tamayo, also fondly known as "Boyet," has dedicated nearly 30 years to media and community service, using the power of radio to connect, inform, and uplift Filipino communities both in Hawaii and abroad. He began his broadcasting career in the late 1980s with Manila Broadcasting Company, where he served as Program Director for the Philippines’ largest radio network at the time. After immigrating to the U.S., he continued his commitment to public service and eventually moved to Maui in 2013 and became a radio announcer on KPMW, an independent local radio station.

His radio show, Biag Ti Hawayano, quickly became Maui’s top-rated prime-time evening program for nearly two years. Through storytelling, interviews, and cultural celebration, Jingo used the airwaves to strengthen Filipino identity and pride. He also served as a court interpreter for Filipino-speaking clients, ensuring access to justice and clear communication for those navigating the legal system.

During the Lahaina wildfires of 2023, Jingo Magic’s voice became a vital lifeline. Working closely with the Philippine Consulate General, he delivered real-time updates via DZRH to families around the world. His commitment ensured that the Filipino diaspora was informed and comforted in a time of crisis.

Today, Jingo Magic serves as President of the Maui Taxi Operators, representing an industry where 90% of drivers are Filipino. Under his leadership, the group successfully advocated for the first taxi tariff update in 20 years, helping drivers remain competitive in the changing transportation landscape. He has also spearheaded key discussions with the Department of Transportation, leading to long-overdue improvements at both the harbor and airport. His team continues to collaborate with Maui County to promote tourism and enhance visibility for local parks.

Jingo Magic’s legacy is one of voice, visibility, and advocacy. Whether behind the microphone or in the halls of local government, he remains a tireless champion for his community.