About the Wai’alae School Foundation
The purpose of the Foundation is to raise and manage money in order to support and advance long-term educational innovation and programs at Wai’alae School. The volunteer board is comprised of 11 members who work closely with school leadership as well as the governing board to allocate funds to serve the needs of students and faculty.
Board Members
Trung Lam, president
Trung is the father of three young boys, two of which are currently at Wai‘alae School. Trung holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of California at Davis, as well as an MBA from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. He has 16 years of experience in the food industry and is currently working as a consultant for INNOVATE Hawaii.
Erica Yamauchi, VICE PRESIDENT
Erica is “mama” to two children, one at Wai‘alae School. She is the Director of Communications & Engagement at the Office of Wellness & Resilience. Erica is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, where she teaches classes in public relations in the School of Communications.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication with a concentration in Asian studies, and a master’s degree in mass communication as a Park Fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Erica is the president of the board of directors for Hawaii Children’s Action Network and is active in PRSA Hawaii and the Junior League of Honolulu.
Kenny Lee, Treasurer
Kenny Lee has lived in Kaimukī for more than 15 years and considers it the best neighborhood in Honolulu. Lee graduated with a Bachelor of Science in finance from Hawaii Pacific University and earned a master’s in business administration from the University of Hawaii’s Shidler College of Business.
“I’m so grateful to live in the Kaimukī area and look forward to contributing to its continued success by supporting Wai‘alae School.”
kyle yoneshige, Assistant Treasurer
Kyle Yoneshige is a Senior Vice President in Wealth Management at UBS Financial Services in Honolulu. He was born and raised in Honolulu and is a graduate of Iolani School. He attended the University of Southern California where he obtained his bachelor and master’s degrees in accounting. He started his career in the Los Angeles office of Deloitte & Touche where he serviced banks, real estate companies, non-profits, and asset managers in the firm's external audit practice. After earning his CPA license, he was an investment banking analyst at Financial Technology Partners in San Francisco handling corporate mergers and acquisitions and IPO consulting. Kyle currently serves on the boards of the Kapahulu Community Center, the Hawaii Estate Planning Council, and the Wai‘alae School Foundation.
Sabrina mau, SECRETARY
Sabrina Mau is a fundraising professional with experience working within higher education, K-12 schools and smaller, local non-profits. Currently, she manages the annual giving program at Maryknoll School, Hawaii’s largest Catholic co-educational K-12 school. Sabrina is responsible for the cultivation and stewardship of school constituents to create a culture of philanthropy and maintain a healthy giving program to support all students of the school.
Sabrina holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from the University of San Diego. Sabrina and her husband, Steve, have two daughters, Camilla and Sophia.
LORI KOHARA, Assistant SECRETARY
Lori is a seasoned HR executive turned entrepreneur with 20 years of experience building high-performing teams and transforming culture. She’s worked in various industries, from high tech to health care to banking to education, and is consistently passionate about making people and companies healthier. Lori is co-owner of In10, a boutique human resource consulting firm that handles search and organizational development consulting. Lori holds a BA in American Studies from Stanford University and a Master of Human Resource Management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is a mom to two little ones, both at Wai‘alae School. Lori looks forward to serving on the Wai‘alae School Foundation Board and contributing to the local community.
Joseph bertucci, board member
Joseph is a proud father of two daughters, one of which attends Wai‘alae. He holds a BS in both Mathematics and Computer Science. Joseph has spent 20 years working in the data-driven technology sector and has founded multiple successful start-ups. He is currently a consultant and treasurer of the Ducati Owners Club of Hawaii.
Brian Mikel, board member
Brian Mikel is a Conflict Management Professional with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, supporting our community with conflict resolution and mediation resources. He has two children currently enrolled and growing at Wai'alae. He also previously served as President and Vice President of the Friends of Wai‘alae School.
He has a bachelor's degree in International Relations and Peace & Conflict Studies from Tufts University. He has lived, worked, and called Hawaii home since 2012, and you'll likely find him outdoors somewhere (from the beaches, trails, or at the Waipio Soccer Complex), enjoying the active lifestyle these beautiful islands offer.
“Our family loves being active and outdoors: hiking, playing at the beach, and enjoying these beautiful islands we call home.”
Keone nakoa, board member
Keone Nakoa is the current Washington, D.C., bureau chief for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). In this position, he serves as the primary liaison between OHA and the federal government as OHA advocates for the betterment of the Native Hawaiian community. Keone’s prior experience includes serving as a staff assistant, legislative correspondent and speechwriter for the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Kahikina Akaka, and working as a summer law school intern at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Before returning to D.C. to take on this new role, Keone practiced law in Honolulu specializing in complex commercial litigation and general corporate governance, including nonprofits.
Keone earned his J.D. and master’s in business administration from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, and an AB in biological anthropology from Harvard University.
Shannon nishio, board member
Shannon Nishio is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, currently serving the Kaimuki area at the branch office on 12th Avenue. She works with individuals, businesses, and non-profits to achieve their investment and financial goals. She graduated from the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, concentrating in Finance and Marketing. After starting her career in finance in Seattle, WA, she moved home where now she and her husband enjoy living, working, and supporting their community in Kaimuki. She is an associate member of the Hawaii Estate Planning Council and serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii and the Wai‘alae School Foundation.