The School extends a warm mahalo to the leaders of the Parent Faculty Association (PFA), the Punahou Alumni Association (PAA), Nā Wāhine Pā‘ani o Punahou and Punahou O-Men. These volunteers play a crucial role in fostering an engaged community, and the School deeply appreciates these leaders, along with all individuals who generously contribute their time, expertise and resources to these essential organizations.
Parent Faculty Association
PFA is a volunteer organization of parents, faculty and staff, dedicated to supporting the School’s vision, programs and activities.
Melody Fukushima
PFA President
Fukushima’s steadfast dedication to the PFA began almost a decade ago, volunteering as a room parent. Over the years, she has served in various roles including Grade 6 Representative, PFA board member, CMS Chair and Secretary.
Beyond her volunteer work at Punahou, Fukushima is a consultant at Inkinen Executive Search, where she has supported leadership recruitment for the past 10 years. Before that, she spent more than 15 years as a human resources executive with organizations such as TeamPraxis, Roberts Hawaii and Target. Fukushima has two sons: Max ’28 and Zak ’33.
What brought you to work with the PFA?
I began in 2016 as a room parent when my oldest son entered kindergarten. As someone who is not a Punahou alum, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect – but it turned out to be a wonderful introduction to the community. That first experience allowed me to connect with teachers, explore the incredible resources Punahou offers and be involved in my son’s classroom. I especially valued the chance to build relationships with other parents – many of whom I first met in K – 1 and continue to stay connected with today, even into the Academy years.
What inspired you to become a PFA volunteer?
I started volunteering out of curiosity and a desire to be present in my children’s classroom experience. What really inspired me to stay – and eventually step into leadership roles – was seeing how much difference a group of committed parents can make.
It’s powerful to witness the impact of our efforts. From supporting admissions, SAT, and college preview events to partnering with the School to bring informational gatherings such as Teacher Talks and Parent Coffees to life – we’re creating spaces for connection and learning. The PFA also plays a key role in keeping communication open between families and school leadership, making sure voices are heard and valued.
What has fueled your volunteer work through the years?
I think I’m naturally someone who feels called to serve and support others – whether at Punahou or with other deserving organizations. It’s not always about big, visible outcomes – sometimes it’s the small wins, the simple act of showing up and being involved that matters most. That sense of purpose and shared commitment is what keeps me engaged.
What would you like to accomplish during your tenure as PFA President?
One of my main goals is to strengthen our sense of community, especially at the Junior School level. Whether it’s through more accessible volunteer opportunities or creating simple, welcoming spaces for parents to connect, I believe early relationships among families lay the foundation for a strong and engaged community. When you’re among friends, it’s easier – and more fun – to show up, pitch in and support the School. I’d love to explore bringing back class gatherings at the start of the school year – not elaborate events, just meaningful chances for families to connect and feel part of something bigger.
Another focus is making it easier for families to get involved. I’d like to explore ways we can centralize and simplify how volunteer opportunities are shared – so it’s easy to see, at a glance, when and where help is needed. So much has shifted post-COVID-19, and I see this as the perfect time to re-evaluate how we support events and clean up our processes. My hope is to make things more consistent, transparent and easier to navigate.
Punahou Alumni Association
PAA organizes and participates in educational, social and cultural programs that reach, connect and engage alumni.
Colleen Maeda ’85 Bird
Returning PAA President
The returning PAA President began volunteering with the PAA Hawai‘i Chapter in 2016 – serving as a Board Member since 2017. Bird is a negotiations and research specialist with the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association (HSTA) and an attorney. She earned her juris doctor degree from the National Law Center at The George Washington University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Bird has two sons: Kekoa Nakasone ’16 and Kainoa Bird ’26.
What memories stand out from your first year as PAA President?
Some of my favorite memories come from our events we hosted. Each gathering strengthened bonds, sparked new connections, and showcased the incredible things happening on campus – reminding us all of the pride we share as Punahou alumni. This year’s Lū‘au was particularly special to me: it marked my 40th reunion; my older son, Class of 2016, was volunteering at the alumni booth; and my younger son, a rising senior, was serving the Kūpuna under the tent. It truly felt like a full-circle moment, a lifetime of love and shared experiences under one beautiful starry sky. It was a night I’ll always cherish.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of how our alumni stepped up during Carnival. We started Carnival Friday morning shorthanded – but our alumni, who had already volunteered for over 900 individual shifts, rallied. They came early, stayed late and many worked more than three consecutive shifts. They came back strong on Saturday, called their classmates, filled in wherever needed, and helped our current Punahou families create lasting memories. Their commitment ensured that everyone who attended had a memorable and joyful experience. Whether the perspective was paying it forward or paying it back doesn’t really matter, it’s all about relationships, and it’s all positive. That spirit of service and love for Punahou is awe-inspiring.
What important lessons from your first term will inform the next chapter?
I’ve learned how vital it is to listen deeply and consider different perspectives. The Alumni Association’s mission is to reach, connect and engage; celebrating and honoring our members in meaningful ways. With such a diverse and wide-reaching group – from so many different class years – that’s both a beautiful and challenging task. The one constant is our enduring relationship with Punahou. I am proud of the events we continue to host, the events that evolve over time, and am excited for the events we’re working on to engage and connect with more of our alumni community throughout the world.
What do you hope to achieve during your second year?
My goal is to foster deeper, more meaningful alumni engagement across all generations. I’m excited to explore new and inclusive ways for us to reconnect – celebrating milestones, sharing what’s happening on campus today, and passing on the stories, perspectives and traditions that make Punahou so special. I am proud that our current Board of Directors span more than four decades of Punahou alumni! We are a multifaceted community – and when our collective energy comes together, it’s truly unstoppable.
How will Alumni Lū‘au’s 100th anniversary be celebrated by the PAA?
We’re thrilled to celebrate Lū‘au’s 100th anniversary across all eight of our chapters over the next year. With nearly half of our alumni living outside Hawai‘i, we’re bringing the aloha to them – sharing the spirit of Lū‘au and some caramel cuts. It’s a celebration of heritage, connection and the enduring Punahou spirit.
Nā Wāhine Pā‘ani o Punahou
The organization supports athletic participation throughout all grade levels and enhances the girls’ athletic programs.
Yolanda Lau ’98
Returning President
This is Lau’s second term as President of Pā‘ani. Last year, the organization marked its 40th anniversary with the launch of the Pā‘ani Girls’ Athletics Endowed Fund. “This fund’s purpose is to support girls’ athletic programs, giving preference to programs that have unexpected expenses,” Lau says. “It empowers the next generation of female athletes at Punahou.” Lau, who is also the director of the Case Accelerator for Student Entrepreneurship (CASE), has two kids at the School: Seamus ’32 and Beatrix ’30.
Punahou O-Men
The entity is devoted to enhancing students’ athletic experiences and providing a venue for fellowship among former athletes. Congratulations to our newly elected President Joshua McDonough ’12.