Celebrating keiki literacy: UH Hilo Chancellor Irwin, alumna Valdeane Odachi, and Always Dream nonprofit
Founded by Olympic gold medalist and children’s author Kristi Yamaguchi, the nonprofit provides books for keiki in 19 schools, the latest is Naʻalehu Elementary.
By Susan Enright/UH Hilo Stories.
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin, along with alumna and former academic counselor Valdeane Odachi, attended a reception on Sunday at the Hilo Yacht Club to celebrate the work of Always Dream, a non-profit that supports literacy in California and Hawaiʻi.
“Always Dream is committed to impacting early literacy through fostering family engagement and building a love of reading,” says Chancellor Irwin.
Founded by Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, who is a New York Times bestselling children’s author, the group provides books for keiki in 19 schools, the latest of which is Naʻalehu Elementary on Hawaiʻi Island.
“As a mom of two, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of reading in my daughters’ lives and in the lives of the countless children and families we’ve worked with over the years,” says Yamaguchi. “I feel books unlock the imagination in children, and that’s where dreams are born.”
Chancellor Irwin says she feels honored to be included in the mission.
“I was honored to attend the event and connect with Always Dream’s Hawaiʻi Family Literacy Book Coach, Valdeane Odachi, a UH Hilo alumna,” says Chancellor Irwin.
“Valdeane hopes to partner with UH Hilo on this important work,” she adds.
Odachi is an author, too. In her first book Navigating Change, published in 2023, she bares her life’s journey through poetry and prose.
Story by Susan Enright, public information specialist for the Office of the Chancellor and editor of UH Hilo Stories. She received her bachelor of arts in English and certificate in women’s studies from UH Hilo.
