All Things Change

This conversation explores the profound insights from the book 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer, emphasizing indigenous knowledge, relationship with nature, language, and systems change. Participants reflect on how traditional ecological knowledge can inform modern practices and foster reciprocal relationships with the land and community.

In this episode of All Things Change, Olani Lilly sits down with Lei Riedel, Executive Director of Pakini Loan Fund, to talk story about the growing need for capital in Native Hawaiian communities and the work it takes to make lending more accessible, more supportive, and more grounded in culture.Lei shares how Pakini Loan Fund is helping Native Hawaiian-owned small businesses navigate barriers like low credit history, limited access to resources, and the fear that often comes with approaching financial institutions.The conversation explores what makes Native CDFIs different, including the importance of character-based lending, culturally relevant financial education, and relationship-centered support.Lei also opens up about Pakini’s vision for growth, the real demand they are seeing in the community, and why building confidence is just as important as providing capital. This episode is an honest, insightful look at what community-rooted economic development can look like in practice.

Philanthropy can be more than a transaction—it can be a relationship that strengthens community. Join us as we talk story with Kuʻuleinani Maunupau and explore the origin and mission of Native Hawaiian Philanthropy, spotlight current initiatives, and share what healthy, respectful funding partnerships should actually look like. From decolonizing wealth to protecting Indigenous rights, this conversation invites funders and community leaders alike to rethink what “giving” should mean in Hawaiʻi.

In this episode, Jenny and Olani discuss the book 'Indigenous Economics: Sustaining Peoples and Their Lands' by Ronald Trosper. They explore the differences between Indigenous and Western economic models, emphasizing the importance of relationships, sustainability, and community well-being.The conversation highlights the need for reciprocity and stewardship in economic practices, as well as the potential for innovative solutions rooted in Indigenous wisdom. They also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on local food systems and the importance of supporting local economies.The discussion also emphasizes the need for economies that prioritize community, sustainability, and relationships over mere profit. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to integrate these principles into their own lives and businesses.

In this episode of All Things Change, Olani Lilly speaks with Uʻi lani Evans from ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi about the vital work being done in workforce development on Hawaiʻi Island. They discuss the role of the American Job Center, the services offered to job seekers, and the importance of community engagement and partnerships. Uʻilani shares insights on current job market trends, the challenges faced by job seekers, and the goals for future improvements in workforce development. The conversation emphasizes the need for systemic changes to create a thriving workforce and community.

Christian McAdams, ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi's new Executive Director, temporarily takes the reins of All Things Change to lead a heart-forward convo with founder Olani Lilly.From childhood dreams of community planning to leading transformative change, Olani shares how she built an organization centered on relational philanthropy, financial literacy, and empowering Native Hawaiian families through education and housing development.Discover how Olani’s culturally rooted approach challenges traditional nonprofit structures, uplifts women, and redefines success by community impact. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership, legacy, and aloha can co-exist to drive real social change.🎧 Tune in for a masterclass in grassroots innovation, relational giving, and culturally conscious leadership.

Aloha! In this episode of All Things Change, Jenny and Olani of Change Makers Hawaiʻi sit down with Andrea Dias-Machado of Huliau Aloha for an inspiring talk about strategic planning—with heart, purpose, and place at the center. Learn how visioning for the next five years goes beyond spreadsheets and buzzwords—it’s about kuleana, pilina, and intentionality. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, community advocate, or curious change-maker, this episode offers grounded wisdom and practical tools to align your work with values and community needs. Join us as we reflect, plan, and dream forward together.

What happens when philanthropy actually listens to Indigenous communities? Hosts Olani and Jenny sit down for a deep, eye-opening conversation on the unique challenges and opportunities facing Native communities when it comes to funding, sovereignty, and civic engagement.They break down the myths, highlight the power of reciprocity in giving, and explore how funders can build real relationships with Indigenous communities instead of just checking a box. From the fight for better data to the push for decolonized funding models, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to rethink philanthropy from the ground up.Tune in for a conversation that challenges the status quo and amplifies Native-led solutions for a more equitable future.

In this episode of All Things Change, Jenny and Olani pull back the curtain on their team’s strategic planning for 2025. They’re diving deep into what it takes to create lasting impact—balancing core missions with new opportunities, strengthening community engagement, and redefining economic justice with a focus on equity over equality.Expect candid insights from the team as they share their roles, challenges, and the art of fundraising through relationship-building. They also explore the complexities of marketing nonprofit work in a crowded space, the realities of remote collaboration, and why trust and leadership are the backbone of sustainable growth.From blending tradition with innovation to embracing flat leadership structures, this episode is packed with thought-provoking takeaways on patience, adaptability, and the power of intentional work. Join the conversation as the team reflects on the future of economic development—and why, in the end, passion always outweighs profit.🎧 Tune in now!

Join us as we delve into the concept of biochar, a sustainable agricultural practice that enhances soil health and reduces environmental impact. Experts Brittany Zimmerman and John Webster discuss the benefits of biochar, its applications in agriculture and beyond, and the support available for farmers through the RCPP program. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and education in promoting biochar as a viable solution for modern farming challenges, particularly in Hawaiʻi. For more information about ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi's collaboration with Yummet Earth Solutions and the USDA, visit changemakershawaii.org/biochar

In this conversation, Mikiʻala Lidstone and Becky Brett discuss their work in the non-profit sector, focusing on grant writing and collaboration. They share insights into their partnership, the grant application process, and the importance of critical feedback. The conversation also briefly touches upon the history and significance of the Kapolei area in Hawaiʻi, providing context for Ulu Aʻe's work. The themes of non-profit leadership, grant writing, collaboration, and community engagement emerge as central to the discussion. The conversation covers the process of grant writing, the importance of human connection in grant applications, the role of AI in grant writing, and the resilience required in nonprofit fundraising. It also delves into the significance of alignment in grant applications and the transition from grant writing to building relationships with individual donors.

In this conversation Jenny and Olani speak with another member of the ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi team, Christian McAdams to discuss the importance of financial literacy, personal finance, and community impact. Christian shares his personal money story, highlighting the mindset shift he experienced in his journey towards financial health. The discussion emphasizes the connection between financial well-being and emotional health, the impact of financial trauma, and the importance of creating an action plan for managing finances. Strategies for paying off debt, establishing savings, and utilizing certificates of deposit are also explored, along with practical steps for saving money and understanding interest rates. We also delve into various aspects of financial health, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal finances, the impact of subscriptions, and the necessity of a mindset shift towards savings and income diversification. We also discuss the significance of community values in financial systems and the role of generational wealth in creating opportunities for future generations. The conversation highlights practical steps for managing finances, including the need to cancel unnecessary subscriptions and the importance of thinking critically about spending habits.

In this episode we introduce you to the Merrie Monarch festival and its significance in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. We'll discuss the economic impact of the festival and the opportunities it brings for local businesses. Our guest, Cassandra Evans, talks about her role in Manaola Hawaiʻi and the pop-up retail experience during Mele Manaka. She shares the challenges and logistics involved in organizing the pop-up and the importance of building relationships with vendors. The guest also highlights the cultural values and aloha spirit that guide their business. Overall, the conversation explores the intersection of culture, commerce, and community during the Merrie Monarch festival. In this conversation, Cassandra Evans, the Director of Retail for Manaola, shares insights into the strategies used to promote and market the mākeke (marketplace). She emphasizes the importance of social media in building excitement and anticipation for new releases. Cassandra also discusses the significance of the physical store location and the impact of wrapping the windows with eye-catching prints. She highlights the role of effective communication in maintaining relationships with customers and the importance of analyzing data to measure success and make informed decisions. Finally, she offers advice for small businesses, emphasizing the importance of setting goals, adapting to change, and putting in the work to achieve success.

In this episode of the All Things Change, we dive deep into the heart of transformative dialogues with our March 2024 Book Club pick, "Decolonizing Wealth" by Edgar Villanueva. Join us as we explore the profound insights and revolutionary propositions presented in this compelling read. Edgar Villanueva, with unparalleled compassion and wisdom derived from Native traditions, invites us into a critical examination of philanthropy's systemic flaws and the paths toward rectifying these deep-rooted imbalances. "Decolonizing Wealth" is not just a book; it's a movement towards a healing process that includes everyone, even the oppressor, in the circle of restoration and rebalance. Through Villanueva's lens, we confront the uncomfortable truths about wealth accumulation and distribution, while also being offered a beacon of hope through actionable solutions that promise a future of mutually assured liberation. Our discussion is not merely an analysis of the book's chapters but an invitation to reflect on our interconnectedness and how we can collectively work towards dismantling the structures that perpetuate inequality. We're thrilled to bring together voices from our community to share their reflections, insights, and how Villanueva's work has inspired action in their personal and professional lives. Whether you're a longtime advocate for social justice, someone curious about the intersection of wealth and systemic change, or simply looking for a profound book to shake up your worldview, this episode promises rich conversations that are as enlightening as they are mobilizing. Tune in to All Things Change Extra: March 2024 Book Club for an episode that promises not only to dissect "Decolonizing Wealth" but also to inspire a collective journey towards healing and equitable wealth redistribution. Together, let's explore how we can all contribute to a future where wealth serves as a tool for collective well-being. Book Club Questions: 1. How does the book challenge traditional notions of wealth and philanthropy? 2. How does historical trauma impact indigenous communities in relation to wealth and philanthropy? 3. Can you identify examples from the book that highlight the long-term effects of historical trauma on wealth distribution? 4. Villanueva discusses power dynamics within philanthropy. How are these power imbalances manifested, and what are their consequences? 5. Do you agree with the author's call for a shift in power dynamics, and if so, how might this be achieved? 6. What does it mean to "decolonize" wealth, and how does Villanueva propose we go about it? 7. Are there specific examples or strategies in the book that resonated with you in terms of decolonizing giving? 8. How are nonprofits and foundations portrayed in the book, and what role do they play in perpetuating or challenging colonial structures? 9. Can you think of real-world examples where nonprofits or foundations have successfully embraced decolonial practices? 10. How has reading "Decolonizing Wealth" influenced your perspective on wealth, philanthropy, and social justice? 11. Are there specific ideas or concepts from the book that you find challenging or that have prompted you to rethink your own beliefs about giving and receiving? 12. Villanueva discusses the intersectionality of social justice issues. How can different movements and communities work together in solidarity to address systemic issues related to wealth and power? 13. In what ways does the book encourage readers to consider the interconnectedness of various social justice struggles? 14. What practical steps or changes could individuals or organizations take to contribute to the decolonization of wealth and philanthropy? 15. How might these changes be applied in your local community or within your personal spheres of influence? 16. In the context of the book's themes, what is your vision for a more equitable and just future in terms of wealth and philanthropy?

n this conversation, Curt Lyon, the executive director of Transform Finance, discusses the concept of transformative finance and the organization's work in aligning the capital of investors with social justice values. Lyon explains the principles of transformative finance, including community governance or ownership, non-extractive investments, and a fair balance of risk and return. He highlights the importance of shared ownership and community engagement in financial processes, emphasizing the need for partnerships and strategic alliances. Lyon also discusses the challenges of shifting investor mindsets and the potential benefits of community engagement in finance. The conversation explores the importance of framing community goals for investors and the need to strategically engage finance. It then delves into the focus areas of Transform Finance, including alternative ownership enterprises and land, real estate, and housing. The concept of trust ownership is also discussed as a means to ensure community control and long-term impact. Visit us at changemakershawaii.org

Welcome to the first episode of "All Things Change," a podcast where change begins, one conversation at a time. In this episode of All Things Change, hosts Jenny and Olani delve into the origins and mission of ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through education, resource access, and innovative programs. They share personal stories of transformation, the importance of understanding Native Hawaiian history, and the challenges faced in community development. The conversation emphasizes the significance of collaboration, the abundance mindset, and the role of spirituality in changemaking. Listeners are invited to engage with the organization through various programs and initiatives aimed at fostering economic stability and social impact. To learn more about ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi, visit changemakershawaii.org