About Us
The Center for Community-Engagement (CCE) was established in 2018 to support UH Hilo’s mission, “One learns from many sources.” Our goal is to build partnerships between students, faculty, and community-organizations to address authentic issues in order to build a thriving community and stronger educational pathway.
Meet the Team
Julie Mowrer, EdD
Dr. Julie Mowrer spent 12 years of her career in higher education in the classroom, teaching English to students from all over the world, and designing curriculum that maximized the benefits of working with the diverse student population here in Hawaiʻi. In 2013, she became the Director of the English Language Institute at UH Hilo and in 2016 became the Director of the College of Continuing Education & Community Service. This new role ignited an interest in community-engagement, which led her to finish her EdD in Educational Professional Practice at UH Mānoa, with a research focus on community engagement in higher education. Contact Julie Mowrer .
Marisa Miyashiro
Marisa has been designing community-based personal enrichment courses at UH Hilo for 11 years, ranging from educational keiki camps to free community events on Japanese culture to language, arts and movement courses. Originally trained as an Occupational Therapist, Marisa’s experiences working in healthcare, organic farming and managing a yoga studio have shaped her ability to be in tune to the needs of others, with the overall desire to contribute to the strong emotional, physical and mental health of our community. Contact Marisa Miyashiro .
Brandon Molina
Brandon
Brandon received his B.S. at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC where he studied biology, sociology, and cultural anthropology. As a Bonner Scholar, Brandon spent all 4 years engaged in service learning. He graduated as the Senior Intern and Assistant Grant Writer of a queer youth center called Uplift Outreach Center and was a Hotline Advocate at a local DV/SA shelter called SAFE Homes. Brandon also studied Italian culture and language in Milan, Italy where he taught english and sociology to high school students.
Maria Vicente
Maria graduated from UH Hilo with her BBA in Business Administration in 2017. After graduation, Maria spent five years as a UH Hilo admissions counselor, recruiting students from local communities across the state. Her experience working with diverse students, becoming immersed into community activities, and building collaborative relationships ultimately led her to join the Center for Community Engagement at UH Hilo bridging her experiences and sharing her love of our community with our students. Contact Maria Vicente .