Ke‘alohi Reppun ’99 Named Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader
KE’ALOHI REPPUN ’99
Ke‘alohi Reppun ’99, Director of the Kuaihelani Learning Center for ʻIke Hawaiʻi at Punahou School, has been selected as one of the Obama Foundation’s 2025 – 2026 Leaders for the Asia-Pacific – a six-month program that brings together emerging changemakers from across the region to advance values-based leadership and inclusive community impact.
Founded by former U.S. President Barack Obama ’79 and Michelle Obama, the Obama Foundation supports leaders around the world who are working to strengthen their communities through ethical leadership, civic engagement and service.
A 1999 Punahou graduate, Reppun has led the development and delivery of Hawaiian language and culture curriculum for grades K – 12 since 2018. Through her leadership at Kuaihelani, she has helped embed Hawaiian language, history and perspective into Punahou’s curriculum, connecting students to culture, ʻāina and identity. Her work reaches more than 3,000 students, and her efforts to implement Hawaiian language proficiency assessments at the elementary and middle school levels are now being adopted across immersion schools statewide.
“This honor reflects the ongoing, collective work of many,” she said. “It recognizes the shared potential and purpose that guide what we do together – from Punahou educators and students, to cultural practitioners and community partners who are helping Hawaiian language and knowledge flourish.”
President Mike Latham ’86 praised Reppun’s leadership and impact, saying, “Keʻalohi has a tremendous capacity to inspire, motivate, and discern questions of ultimate value and purpose. Her leadership at Kuaihelani has deepened our entire school’s connection to Hawaiian language, history, and ʻāina, and she has strengthened our community’s shared mission. We are very proud that the Obama Foundation has recognized her as an Asia-Pacific Leader and grateful to all who have supported this vital work at Punahou and throughout the state.”
Reppun joins a cohort of leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region who are dedicated to creating positive, lasting change in their communities.
Photo by Kathleen Connelly