Moderators

Sulma Gandhi

Deputy Director

County of Hawaiʻi Research and Development

Dr. Sulma Gandhi is the deputy director for Hawai'i County’s department of Research and Development where she supports pro-active leadership to enhance the quality of life and sustainability for a thriving Hawai'i. Her passion is building diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities. For more than two decades, she has worked in the fields of health, human service and education with both private nonprofit and public organizations on Hawaiʻi Island. She is a social-impact entrepreneur and holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in science from the University of Victoria, Canada, and a doctorate degree in business with a focus in health care management and leadership. Sulma serves on the Hilo Medical Center Foundation board, Hawaiʻi Suicide Prevention taskforce, Safe Spaces and Workplaces initiative, Early Childhood Action Strategy and is a Governor appointed commissioner for the Judicial Selection Commission.

Mahina Paishon-Duarte

CEO & Co-founder

Waiwai Collective

Mahina Paishon-Duarte is a Hawaiian wahine social entrepreneur that owns and operates three Hawaiʻi based businesses and is co-founder of a non-profit with an aim to transform philanthropy in Hawaiʻi. She and her ʻohana live on their small family farm and ranch on the verdant slopes of North Kona, Hawaiʻi. And on a good day, you can find Mahina surfing, sailing on Makaliʻi, or exploring Hawaiʻiʻs native forests, where she is happiest.