University of Hawaiʻi alumna Jocelyn “Josie” Howard received the Health Equity Champion Partner Advocate Award on behalf of We Are Oceania (WAO) at the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) Annual Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Howard is CEO of WAO, a non-profit dedicated to empowering Micronesian and Pacific Islander communities in Hawaiʻi, which was honored for its impactful work in connecting communities to accessible health insurance and vital services.
Howard, a co-founder of WAO, worked to establish the organization to meet the Micronesian community’s need for a dedicated resource center in Hawaiʻi. During the pandemic, WAO became a crucial support hub, serving not only Micronesian families but others in the community.
“It is truly an honor to receive We Are Oceania’s Award for the work we do in helping not just Micronesians, but everyone in Hawaiʻi access health insurance,” said Howard. “Our deepest gratitude and appreciation to our Micronesian communities; the Chuukese, Kosraeans, Marshallese, Pohnpeians, Palauans and Yapese; for your trust and willingness to allow us to serve you. This is truly a privilege. This award is for you.”
Howard holds multiple degrees from UH, including her masters of social work (MSW) from the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health and a certificate in Pacific Island studies from UH Mānoa, and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from UH Hilo. Maintaining strong ties to her alma mater, Howard serves as a field instructor for WAO, a field placement for Thompson School bachelor and master’s-level students in social work. She also sits on the advisory board of the UH Pacific Partnerships & Workforce Development Initiatives.
Also attending the APIAHF ceremony was fellow Thompson School MSW alumna Halaevalu Fonongavaʻinga Ofahengaue Vakalahi. Vakalahi currently leads the Council on Social Work Education as president and chief executive officer. Her presence highlighted the shared mission among social work professionals dedicated to advancing health equity and supporting diverse communities.
“Representation matters! And championing equity in that representation is a collective responsibility,” said Vakalahi. “This award was not only an incredible way to represent the Pacific community, but all of our communities. Thank you Josie Howard and WAO!”
WAO continues to make strides in partnering with communities and organizations to provide pathways to access vital services and opportunities to further foster empowerment.
—By Maria Pou
