This past weekend, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin welcomed President of the Marshall Islands Hilda Heine to campus.
President Heine was the keynote speaker at this year’s annual Pacific Youth Empowerment for Success (PacYES) conference held on Saturday Oct. 18 at UH Hilo.
- Read full story on PacYES 2025 conference (UH Hilo Stories, Oct. 21, 2025).
More than 200 high school students of Pacific Islander heritage attended the conference, which is geared to motivate, inspire, and prepare high school students of Pacific Islander heritage for college and career opportunities as well as to foster cultural connections within their own communities.
In her opening remarks at the PacYES event, Chancellor Irwin emphasized UH Hilo’s commitment to diversity and encouraged students to think deeply about their futures and their journeys yet to begin.
“We pride ourselves on being one of the most diverse campuses in the country and, even more importantly, that this diversity of people feel welcome on our campus and in our community,” said Chancellor Irwin.
President Heine delivered an inspiring keynote challenging students to recognize that leadership and impact often begin with small, intentional steps rooted in purpose, culture, and connection. Her message deeply resonated with participants, reminding them that every action, no matter how modest, contributes to lasting change.
