Aloha! Alii! Iakwe! Kamorale! Welcome to the WAO Youth Empowerment & Wellness Center. We take pride in providing a safe space free of discrimination for our Micronesian youth to navigate success by learning skills, engage in career development, and deepen their pride in their heritage.
If I have courage, it is because I have faith in the knowledge of my ancestors.
-Papa Mau Piailug
We look forward to seeing you at the WAO Youth Empowerment Center.
Address: 555 N. King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: (808) 913-1364 ext. 6
Fax: (808) 441-0133
Email: contact@weareoceania.org
Hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (M-F)
Click here to learn the history and lyrics for the We Are Oceania theme song.
Jesse Francis
Youth Program Manager
Sylvia Henry
Community Health Worker
Jayvina Victus
Youth Program Coordinator
Jolyn Horiuchi
Youth Case Manager
Micronesian Youth Summit
The Micronesian Youth Summit (MYS) is our annual event that brings together Micronesian youth from across the Hawaiian Islands and the continent to explore our potential, celebrate our strengths in our heritage, connect with each other, and prepare for future success by networking with local college students, community leaders, and professionals through workshops, forums, discussions, and cultural activities.
Pillars of Success:
- College readiness
- Career readiness
- Community readiness
- Solidarity readiness
Micronesian Youth Summit 2025
Date: February 22, 2025
Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Place: Hawaii Convention Center
College Readiness Workshops
FAFSA Workshops
Unlock college opportunities! These workshops provide Micronesian high school students and their families with essential guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn about eligibility, required documents, and how to maximize financial aid for college. Get personalized support and have your questions answered in a culturally responsive environment.
Career Development
Community Readiness & Engagement
Community readiness services for Micronesian youth in Hawaii are crucial for their successful integration and well-being. We aspire to provide culturally responsive services to address the unique challenges but importantly to deepen the strengths of our youth to navigate success in the US with pride, humility, and resiliency.