Two UH Hilo pharmacy students each receive Kahele Student Leader of the Year award
This is the first time the annual award is presented to two exceptional pharmacy student leaders in the same year.
Two students in the doctor of pharmacy program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo have received accolades as outstanding student leaders.
Students Kamahaʻo Kini-Lopes and Charlotte Powell-Agnew, both in the Class of 2027, each recently received the Kahele Student Leader of the Year award. The award honors the late Senator Gilbert Kahele, whose leadership was instrumental in ensuring that UH Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy would have a permanent home on campus.
The award is given annually to a third-year pharmacy student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the college’s pillars of education, scholarship and service through involvement in student organizations and/or projects. This is the first time that the award was presented to two exceptional student leaders in the same year.
Kamahaʻo Kini-Lopes
Kini-Lopes, who hails from Nanakuli and Kapolei, is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools.
“As a recipient of the Kahele Student Leader of the Year award, it is an honor to have served with the trust and support of students and faculty at the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy,” he says. “This award is especially meaningful to me because it reflects my commitment to supporting the future generations of pharmacy through consistent actions and good deeds. Strong leadership as a student is a cornerstone to building a community of leaders who feel supported, motivated, and able to grow.
“At the Daniel K. Inouye College of pharmacy, it goes without saying that I am but one leader amongst many,” he adds. “Together, we will be able to lead each other to greatness and advance the profession of pharmacy.”
Charlotte Powell-Agnew
Powell-Agnew is from Montana and selected UH Hilo’s pharmacy college for its emphasis on rural health.
“Being named Kahele Student Leader of the Year alongside Kama is such an incredible honor,” she says. “To me, leadership is all about serving others with compassion and integrity to do your best to make a positive impact in any and every community you serve. Throughout my time in different roles at [the college], I’ve learned that leadership is most meaningful when you’re able to support, uplift, and empower the people around you.”
Powell-Agnew also received a U.S. Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award at the college’s Spring Awards Ceremony, which recognizes a student pharmacist who has made significant contributions to public health by promoting wellness and healthy communities.
