About Us

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 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 .

Reynelson is a senior in the College of Business and Economics, pursuing double majors in management and finance. Originally from San Diego, California, Rey has spent most of his life growing up in Hilo. After graduating in the fall, he wants to work in Human Resources, or as a Data Analyst. He also wants to pursue his MBA/Doctorate in Business Administration in the near future working toward his goal of one day returning to UH Hilo to teach at the College of Business and Economics. As one of the Center for Community-Engagement’s interns, and as a student, he feels a great sense of pride, responsibility, and gratitude to promote awareness and trust in the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo with the island’s communities. He knows that as a place that fosters personal, professional, and academic growth, it is important that UH Hilo gives back to the communities that also take pride in UH Hilo as a member of the Hawai‘i Island community.