Meet the team
Our hard-working team at HCL gets the job done! We are committed to working with you to make homeownership a reality and sustain homeownership for generations to come.
Management
Our Team
Meet the team
Our hard-working team at HCL gets the job done! We are committed to working with you to make homeownership a reality and sustain homeownership for generations to come.
Management
Our Team
Jeff Gilbreath, CEO, has served as HCL’s executive director for the past 12 years, with more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. He joined HCL’s parent corporation, Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA), in 2008, and six years later, he established HCL as a nonprofit native community development financial institution (CDFI).
Since its founding, HCL has originated 6,559 grants and loans, with more than $203.7 million disbursed, resulting in more than 6,500 ‘ohana in homes.
Since its founding, HCL has originated 6,559 grants and loans, with more than $203.7 million disbursed, resulting in more than 6,500 ‘ohana in homes. During Gilbreath’s tenure, HCL has grown from a team of nine to 49 staff members statewide. Gilbreath’s advocacy includes serving as a board member for the Hawai‘i Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, Hui Malāma O Ke Kai, and the Waimānalo Health Center.
In 2021, he was honored with a Ho‘okele Award from HCF, recognizing his work as a nonprofit leader helping to improve the quality of life for Hawai‘i’s people, and in 2024 received the Social Impact Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Hawaiʻi Venture Capital Association.
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Chanel Josiah serves as Chief Operating Officer of Hawaiʻi Community Lending, where she oversees organizational development, operations, data, technology and information systems, human resources, marketing, and lending operations. Working closely with executive leadership, she leads enterprise-wide operational strategies that strengthen the systems, people, and partnerships that drive organizational performance while expanding access to capital and homeownership opportunities across Hawaiʻi.
Throughout her career, Chanel has held leadership roles in community development, operations, communications, and external affairs, helping build systems, partnerships, and programs that increase access to housing and financial opportunity for Native Hawaiian families. She believes lasting change happens when organizations build trust, strengthen relationships, and create systems that work for the people they are intended to serve. Her leadership emphasizes accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement to strengthen HCL’s capacity to serve Native Hawaiian families and expand pathways to homeownership.
A fifth-generation Hawaiian Home Lands lessee, Chanel brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Business Administration.
When she’s not working, you can usually find Chanel fishing, at hula, or getting lost in a good book.
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Aikū’ē Kalima, former Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund Manager for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, joins Hawaiʻi Community Lending as its lending director.
Kalima comes to HCL with more than 25 years of experience in community development and mortgage lending. In his new position, Kalima will direct HCL’s consumer, construction, mortgage and small business lending.
“As a native Hawaiian and Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiary, I understand the financial needs for economic development and quality housing for kānaka is great,” said Kalima, who led OHA’s deployment of $9.8 million in loans to 286 native Hawaiians statewide over the last five years. “For over 25 years, I have worked tirelessly at the grassroots level, educating kānaka on the skills necessary to achieve the dream of homeownership and providing resources to achieve financial sustainability. I plan to continue serving the lāhui empowering ‘ohana and communities as the lending director for Hawai‘i Community Lending.”
Kalima takes the reins of HCL’s $16-million revolving loan fund and will oversee a team of seven staff members statewide. “HCL is honored to have Aikū’ē join us in our mission to help tackle our housing crisis by funding native Hawaiian and local families to build, buy and save homes from foreclosure,” said HCL Executive Director Jeff Gilbreath. “He has proven leadership in both the public and private sectors and has the passion to get families on the land through homeownership.”
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Kahaunani, a proud Native Hawaiian, was born and raised in Kāneʻohe and Waimānalo, where she continues to make her home in Hawaiian Home Lands. She is one of 11 siblings and a fourth-generation lessee on Hawaiian Home Lands, tracing her family’s connection to their Waimānalo homestead land back to 1939 when her great-grandmother was relocated from the Mokauea fishing village.
A passionate supporter for Native Hawaiian rights, Kahaunani joined Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) in 2013 at the invitation of founder Aunty Blossom Feiteira. Her journey began by attending Hawaiian Homes Commission contested case hearings to help prevent lease cancellations—a mission she sees as her calling from Ke Akua.
As the leader of HCL's servicing department, Kahaunani oversees a team of two managers and 12 staff members dedicated to administering programs like the organization’s loan fund, Homeowner Assistance Fund, and Home Preservation initiatives, including Lahaina Recovery efforts. Despite the demands of her role, Kahaunani says, “Working for HCL doesn’t feel like work. I feel fulfilled contributing to the goals of our lāhui.”
Deeply rooted in the values passed down by her kūpuna and inspired by her parents, Kahaunani is fueled by her commitment to economic advancement for Native Hawaiian communities. In her free time, she cherishes moments with her ‘ohana, especially her dad and mo’opuna.
“I follow the values of my Ke Akua and mākua, who led the fight for rehabilitation and preservation of our Native Hawaiian identity,” Kahaunani shares. “Aloha kēkahi i kēkahi—love one another. Lama kākou i ka hauʻoli o haʻi—we rise together by lifting those around us.”
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Haarell, a seasoned Finance Director, has a diverse professional background that spans corporate, government, and non-profit sectors.
Born in the Philippines and raised on the sunny shores of Oʻahu, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University.
For Haarell, finance is more than just crunching numbers, it’s a powerful tool for positive transformation. As a non-profit Finance Director, he navigates a mission-driven landscape, ensuring donor trust, financial stability, and impactful initiatives that leave a tangible mark on the world, particularly in Hawai‘i.
His financial expertise seamlessly blends with a deep understanding of the communities he serves. This unique combination enables him to champion fiscal responsibility while advocating for community well-being. Haarell firmly believes that responsible financial management, coupled with an unwavering commitment to social good, are the driving forces behind lasting positive change.
Expressing his perspective, he states, “My role extends beyond numerical considerations. It’s about nurturing a brighter future for the communities we serve, where financial impact transforms into authentic and enduring change.”
Beyond spreadsheets, Haarell discovers joy in trying new dishes and immersing himself in diverse cultures through travel. Finding solace in nature, he takes pleasure in hikes and meaningful moments with his ʻohana. Haarell values and holds dear simple yet diverse experiences on various occasions.
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As a proud native Hawaiian homeowner on the island of Maui, it is my privilege to help our community members toward their homeownership goals and financial success. Through partnerships and advocacy my goal is to support and empower those around me.
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Maria Linz is a Leiali‘i homesteader and works mainly in the HCL office site in Lahaina through the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) office. A former massage therapist and operations manager in the hospitality industry, Maria has always been committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those around her. Following the 2018 Lahaina fires, she helped lead disaster relief out of Waiola Church, forming “Team No Sleep” and participating in recovery efforts. A mother of three boys and a bonus daughter, she has also been a volunteer wish granter with Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i.
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Joyce Davis was born in Cordova, Alaska, and raised in Kalihi, Oʻahu, and Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. With a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit and community-based work, Joyce has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate financial challenges and build greater stability.
As a Mortgage Coordinator at Hawaiʻi Community Lending, Joyce brings deep community knowledge, empathy, cultural understanding, and a passion for helping families achieve homeownership. Her own experiences with financial hardship have shaped her commitment to making financial and lending processes more accessible, while helping local families build stability, opportunity, and generational wealth.
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Husband, Father, Papa. Families are Forever.
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Chloe Addington brings a diverse background in insurance, mortgage lending, and disaster recovery to her work at Hawaiʻi Community Lending. She is a licensed property and casualty adjuster and Mortgage Loan Originator, with previous experience as a Disaster Case Manager supporting families affected by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
With a deep understanding of the urgency involved when families’ homes and livelihoods are at risk, Chloe is passionate about connecting Hawaiʻi’s communities with the resources and support they need. Her commitment is simple: Let’s save a home!
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Maria Linz is a Leiali‘i homesteader and works mainly in the HCL office site in Lahaina through the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) office. A former massage therapist and operations manager in the hospitality industry, Maria has always been committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those around her. Following the 2018 Lahaina fires, she helped lead disaster relief out of Waiola Church, forming “Team No Sleep” and participating in recovery efforts. A mother of three boys and a bonus daughter, she has also been a volunteer wish granter with Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i.
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Every family’s journey toward homeownership is different, I am blessed to be a small part of their success. The strength of our community is the strength of its people, lets work together toward your goals!
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Born and raised in Hawai‘i, lives in Kaneohe. I’m committed and dedicated to making Hawaii’s Families dream of homeownership come true.
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I am a San Francisco native with over 20+ years in the Mortgage Industry, with a range of experience in sales, underwriting and servicing. I am excited about this journey with Hawaiian Community Lending, where I will be able to make a difference in the community and still follow the career that I love.
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I have been blessed to join HCL as a Loan Servicing Assistant. I look forward to contribute to the purpose of this program that will benefit the needs of our communities.
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Dedicated to serving our community, while providing the utmost Aloha.
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Rona Kahoonei was born and raised on the windward side of Oʻahu and brings a deep appreciation for the work of Hawaiʻi Community Lending through her own experience navigating the challenges of homeownership. Having gone through a daunting homebuying journey without an organization like HCL to help guide her, Rona values being part of a team that helps make the process easier and more accessible for others.
Guided by the values instilled in her by her parents and grandparents, Rona strives to show up each day with integrity, dedication, and a commitment to serving Hawaiʻi’s families and communities.
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One of my greatest joy’s in life is helping others. It is a blessing for me to make a living doing what brings me joy. I am blessed. I am grateful and I am honored to be here to serve you.
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Graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University. I live on the Big Island with my husband and fur babies.
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Sean Perez, finance director, manages HCL’s finances, accounting, compliance, and information technology matters. In his previous job as director of operations and finance for the Hawai‘i State Bar Association, Perez gained extensive background in nonprofit financial management, accounting, grants management, IT and human resources.
Currently living in Honolulu, Perez is originally from Guam, where he returned after three and a half years of military service in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.
While in Guam, he obtained a degree in finance and economics, and then pursued an MBA. In his work at HCL, Perez enjoys hearing the stories of families who achieve homeownership through HCL’s programs, and he feels honored to be part of that success.
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From an early age, Britney Kalua knew she wanted to impact her Hawaiian community in a significant way.
She grew up with a lot of social and economic challenges. Through those challenges, she wanted to help and bring change to people with similar backgrounds in the Hawaiian community. As a teenager, it was her dream to become a counselor for “at-risk” or “houseless” Hawaiian youth. At the age of 17, she became pregnant with her first son, and for a big part of her life, trying to make it and survive became the focus.
She attended Hawai‘i Institute of Technology, where she earned her certificate in medical coding and billing. She gained experience and knowledge but discovered that the medical field was not her passion. Her work experience includes roles at Kealahou West O‘ahu, an emergency homeless shelter; as a freight processor with Matson Navigational Inc.; as an account specialist in Phoenix, Arizona; and as a community service specialist at Hawaiian Community Assets.
Her two children are now 15 and 7 years old. She loves the outdoors and spending time with her ‘ohana at the beach. She recently discovered a love for lauhala weaving and continues to further her knowledge by attending workshops and classes.
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Gail Marie works with the Lahaina Homeowner Restoration Program through HCL. Her professional background spans various roles, from English professor to tech startup marketing director, most recently as a remote employee. After eight years on Maui and experiencing the devastating effects of the wildfire alongside fellow Lahaina residents, she felt compelled to shift her focus to serving her in-person community.
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Sarah Pa was born and raised on the island of Kaua‘i. She and her family lead an active lifestyle, engaging in sports, spending time in the mountains and at the beach, and passing down family traditions. Raising her children has given her the determination and drive to improve life for herself and her family. She was taught from an early age to always lend a helping hand to anyone in need, without expecting anything in return. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, capturing moments of daily life.
She is thrilled to be part of Hawai‘i Community Lending and strives to provide respect and care to families. Her goal is to help individuals unlock their true potential by offering the tools and resources needed to achieve independence.
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Riley Bond has lived in Lahaina since the age of two and has become even more passionate about serving the community since the fires. Actively engaged in the legislative session last year, Riley read and submitted testimony on issues that directly impact the area. Currently, Riley sits on the board of a nonprofit focused on reforesting Lahaina by removing invasive plants, planting native trees, and using aloha ‘āina concepts to help people reconnect with the land and heal. In just one year, the nonprofit evolved from a completely grassroots effort with no funding or land lease to a fully established organization receiving grants and engaging in talks with DLNR and the state for an official land use agreement.
Riley has primarily worked in the tourism and service industry, with the exception of a role at an elementary school teaching English to children who needed extra assistance. This experience inspired a return to college to study early childhood education, later shifting focus to social work.
At HCL, Riley is part of a team with a shared vision of empowering the community and ensuring that individuals and families can return home.
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Lilinoe Punahele Todd has five brothers and three sisters and has called Kāneʻohe home her entire life. She also considers Molokaʻi her second home, where she and her siblings, cousins, and grandparents spent their summers together. Both she and her husband grew up in Kāneʻohe and chose to stay there to raise their family. They have been married for 16 years and are raising their 15-year-old son, along with their 16-year-old niece.
During school, she fulfilled a community service graduation requirement by volunteering as a summer intern for the Board of Trustees office at OHA. She loved the fast-paced professional atmosphere and found fulfillment in knowing that their work was helping the lāhui.
At HCL, she oversees internal referrals and facilitates effective communication and collaboration between HCA and HCL. She takes pride in supporting the lāhui and kaiāulu, ensuring that people in Hawaiʻi have the resources they need to stay and thrive. As a local organization with many kānaka maoli, HCL understands and relates to the struggles facing Hawaiʻi’s people, and she is committed to helping them move forward.
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Nikki Hollern is a mother of five, born and raised in Upcountry Maui, but she spent the last 15 years in the beautiful town of Lahaina. Lahaina stole her heart, with the people and the town being unlike any other. After the fire, her family had to relocate to Kahului.
Her heart remains in Lahaina, and her goal is to help this amazing community get back to where they belong. She feels blessed to have the opportunity to be part of the HCL ‘ohana, helping navigate this incredibly hard time and hopefully serving as a guiding light to assist the community in returning home and coming back even stronger.
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Moanikeala Pomare was born in Kāne‘ohe but raised in Mākaha. She was able to map out her family’s genealogy and can trace her roots back about 180 generations. Formerly, she worked at Waikīkī Health with the pursuit of prevention and management of HIV within Hawai‘i. Now, at HCL, she loves being able to contribute to something that positively impacts the community.
She believes that every part within HCL contributes to a person or family being able to live in their dream home—their forever home. Every role is essential.
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Matthew Park’s father grew up in Nānākuli, and his mother grew up in Kalihi Valley, where he lived for the majority of his life. His parents instilled in him from a young age the passion to never give up and to always focus on God—believing that without Him, we cannot make it in this world. His father worked two jobs to put him and his brother through school; times were tough, but he taught them to give their best in all they do, no matter how hard it may seem, never back down, and keep moving forward with a grateful heart.
For Matthew, Hawai‘i Community Lending is a place people can call home—a place where they will find the help they need. The team works with clients to resolve their situations so they no longer need to feel stressed. He loves helping people in need and seeing their hearts touched by the service and relief provided to them.
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Kimberly Kealohanui is from Waimānalo. She was fortunate to receive help from HCL when they assisted her with an appeal letter to keep her home after her parents’ passing. She was unaware of such a wonderful program that helps Native Hawaiians stay on ‘Āina, and she wanted to be a part of the movement. She is passionate about her faith and her family.
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People who choose to help society become a better place inspire Kathy Yoo every day to do the same.
Her grandmothers inspire her. Both lived through brutal oppression during the Japanese occupation, escaped North Korea as teenagers, lived through poverty during wars, and made the decision to immigrate to the U.S. at later stages of life just so the next generation could have a better future.
Her parents are from Korea and immigrated to the U.S. in the ’80s. She grew up in Philadelphia. At Penn State, she earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with a minor in labor relations and remains very active with her alma mater’s alumni chapter. She moved to Waikīkī as an assistant front office manager for the Hyatt Regency and later became a loan processor.
Now, as HCL’s construction closing coordinator, she tracks all the projects that have closed their interim construction loan with the organization. She loves seeing housing projects come to life and witnessing the smiles and excitement on homeowners’ faces. She values being part of a team that helps the Native Hawaiian community stay in homes or achieve homeownership for the first time on their lots.
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Kani Kucich grew up on O‘ahu and currently lives on the Big Island with her husband and daughter. She has always valued the importance of community service and is honored to be a part of an organization that is striving to make a difference.
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Jona Ahuna is a devoted wife, mother of 12, and grandmother of six whose strong faith and commitment to family guide both her life and her work. She serves as Operations Director at Hawaiʻi Community Lending (HCL), where she previously worked as Technical Assistance Manager for the Hookele Home Program, supporting Native Hawaiian families in accessing affordable housing capital.
A homesteader in Anahola, Kauaʻi, she brings both professional knowledge and personal experience to her role, having navigated HCL’s programs with her own ‘ohana.
The Ahuna family was recognized at the Hui Waiwai 2026 for their perseverance in achieving homeownership while working with financial counselors to strengthen their credit, income, and savings. Through both her professional work and personal journey, Ahuna continues to demonstrate how commitment to community, culture, and faith can help build a lasting legacy for future generations.
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Living in Hilo, Hunter Pierto cherishes the time spent with family and considers it a true privilege to contribute to the community. There’s nothing more fulfilling than being a part of something that works to make a positive impact in the place she calls home.
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Born and raised in O‘ahu, Dasialia Julian currently resides in Nu‘uanu with her husband and two boys. In their free time, her family loves to holoholo and make memories together. She considers it a blessing to be a part of HCL and to be able to make a difference in the community.
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Joyce Nobriga, deputy CFO, was born and raised in Hawai‘i. Growing up in Kalihi Valley with her single grandmother, she saw firsthand the barriers to homeownership and the challenges of making ends meet.
Her grandmother valued education as being central to financial security, so Nobriga worked to obtained a B.S. in Accountancy at University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and became a CPA. She went on to deepen her expertise in finances through high-level positions, including as controller for Outrigger Canoe Club and most recently as CFO/controller/assistant treasurer at Waialae Country Club.
As deputy CFO of HCL, she works closely with the CFO to improve and increase revenue growth, operational efficiency and profitability within the organization. She is proud to devote the rest of her career to advancing a mission that is aligned with improving the well-being of Hawai‘i and its people.
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David Doyon, CFO is an accomplished financial executive with more than 30 years of experience in both private and public organizations.
Doyon previously served as the first CFO of ROC USA, LLC, a national CDFI that provides loans to limited equity cooperatives in the affordable housing space. With revenues of $14 million and assets of $180 million, ROC has a portfolio of close to $400 million in loans.
Doyon earned a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Southern Maine, and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University, where he previously served as full-time faculty in the accountancy and taxation department.
At HCL, he is using his leadership and analytical skills to improve and increase revenue growth, operational efficiency and profitability within the organization.
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Aushalyn-Clarice Haia is a Senior Lahaina Navigation Specialist at Hawaiʻi Community Lending, supporting Lahaina wildfire survivors as they navigate the recovery and rebuilding process. Rooted in her faith, ʻohana, and community, Aushalyn-Clarice brings a deep sense of kuleana and compassion to her work.
After experiencing the Lahaina fires herself, she began volunteering in her neighborhood, helping connect families with essential resources such as food, medication, medical assistance, and other support. Her personal experience and hands-on journey into disaster recovery have shaped the empathy and understanding she brings to every client she serves.
Today, she helps homeowners understand program requirements, review documents, coordinate resources, and navigate the complexities of recovery—ensuring families feel supported, informed, and cared for throughout the process.
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Imaiah Lyn Villon is from Hanamaʻulu, Kauaʻi, and has also lived on Oʻahu and in Kohala, Hawaiʻi. With a background in customer service, business management, and social media support for local businesses, she brings experience in leadership, organization, and community engagement to her work at Hawaiʻi Community Lending.
Growing up in a single-parent household and experiencing financial hardship and housing instability shaped Imaiah’s deep empathy for families working toward greater security and stability. Inspired by her daughter and her commitment to breaking generational cycles, she is passionate about serving Native Hawaiian families and the broader community with compassion, respect, and a belief in the power of opportunity and service.
When Imaiah is not working, you can find her at the beach or spending time with her ʻohana.
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Rainbow “Hoku” Preston was born and raised in Kāneʻohe and brings a strong foundation in finance and accounting to her role as a Servicing Specialist at Hawaiʻi Community Lending. She holds an Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Windward Community College and previously worked as a teller at HawaiʻiUSA Federal Credit Union and as an Accounting Clerk at Pohai Nani.
Inspired by her grandmother and father, Hoku is guided by a deep love for helping others and believes in HCL’s approach: “We don’t say no, we say how.” She is passionate about supporting families as they work toward financial stability, homeownership, and building generational wealth. Outside of work, Hoku enjoys spending time at the beach with her ʻohana and remains inspired by her goal of owning a home of her own one day.
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Taylor Pikini-Villon is a Kauaʻi native and Servicing Specialist at Hawaiʻi Community Lending. With more than 10 years of customer service experience, including hospitality and five years in financial institutions, Taylor brings strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine passion for serving clients and the community.
Inspired by her grandmother, who helped raise her and her siblings, Taylor is guided by the values of showing up, leading with kindness, and serving others with good intentions. She was drawn to HCL’s mission and the belief that “we don’t say no, we say how.” In her role, Taylor is committed to helping clients navigate their financial needs while bringing hope, optimism, and a willingness to go above and beyond for the families and communities HCL serves.
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Alyssa Palimoʻo is an Oʻahu native and Home Preservation Specialist at Hawaiʻi Community Lending. After spending 10 years in healthcare serving her community, Alyssa brings compassion, resilience, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to helping others to her work supporting homeowners through the Hoʻamana Homeowner Assistance Program.
Inspired by her mother’s strength and perseverance as a single parent raising four children, Alyssa is passionate about helping local families maintain housing stability and remain connected to their homes and communities. Her work is deeply rooted in empathy, humility, and a belief that preserving homeownership helps protect not only a place to live, but also family, culture, and opportunities for future generations.
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Anela Holt-Mizuguchi is a Hilo native and Referral Coordinator at Hawaiʻi Community Lending. With a background in Early Childhood Education, English, housing, and personal finance, Anela brings a unique combination of experience and knowledge to her work connecting clients with resources that support their housing and financial goals.
Her professional journey includes eight years with Kamehameha Schools Preschools and experience as a Housing Specialist and Personal Finance Intake Specialist with Hawaiʻi Community Assets. Guided by her faith in Jesus and her passion for supporting Native Hawaiian and local families, Anela is committed to helping people remain connected to the homes and communities they love.
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Nicole “Nikki” Hollern is a Maui native and Navigation Specialist at Hawaiʻi Community Lending, where she supports Lahaina wildfire survivors as they navigate their path toward recovery and returning home. With a background in early childhood education and hospitality, Nikki brings compassion, empathy, trauma-informed awareness, and a deep love for people to her work.
Inspired by her husband’s Papa and the values of faith, gratitude, humility, and service, Nikki is committed to ensuring clients feel heard, seen, and safe. She is passionate about helping local families move forward, access the resources they need, and remain connected to their homes and communities.
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Erika Hirouji was born in Honolulu and raised in Lahaina, Maui, and Kaʻū, Hawaiʻi. With 25 years of experience in hospitality and human resources, Erika brings strong relationship-building skills and a deep commitment to serving her community to her work at Hawaiʻi Community Lending.
As a Lahaina wildfire survivor herself, Erika understands the challenges and stress families face while navigating the rebuilding process. She joined HCL and HCA to support Lahaina and Native Hawaiian ʻohana with their housing needs, helping connect families with resources and create pathways toward successful homeownership. Erika is passionate about keeping Hawaiʻi lands in Hawaiian hands and helping families remain rooted in their communities for generations to come.
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Marissa Guerra was born in Sacramento, California, and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. With four years of experience in lending, Marissa brings a strong background in supporting diverse families through complex financial situations, always leading with empathy, integrity, and aloha.
Inspired by her children and the resilience and generosity of her grandmother, Marissa is passionate about helping families remain in their homes and build long-term financial stability. At Hawaiʻi Community Lending, she is committed to making financial processes easier to understand and providing the support she would want for her own ʻohana.
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Keyrsten Garcia is from Hanamaʻulu, Kauaʻi, and brings a deep commitment to serving Hawaiʻi’s people to her work at Hawaiʻi Community Lending. After beginning her career with an international hotel group, Keyrsten felt called to shift her focus toward serving local families and communities.
Inspired by her Tutu, who instilled in her a strong sense of faith, culture, family, work ethic, and connection, Keyrsten is passionate about helping Native Hawaiians achieve homeownership, build financial literacy, and create generational wealth. She is committed to being a reliable source of support for her clients and helping keep Hawaiians in Hawaiʻi for generations to come.
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Stephanie Espiritu was born in Seaford, Delaware, and has called Hawaiʻi home for many years. With nearly two decades of experience in sales management, Stephanie brings a strong work ethic, loyalty, dedication, and a tenacious spirit to her role as a Navigation Specialist supporting Lahaina wildfire survivors through the rebuilding process.
After losing the shops where she worked in Lahaina, Stephanie joined Hawaiʻi Community Lending, where she now helps clients connect with resources, apply for funding, and navigate the complex path toward rebuilding their homes. Inspired by the perseverance of the families she serves, Stephanie is committed to helping Hawaiʻi’s families remain rooted in their communities with authenticity, humor, and kindness.
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Shai Yen Bagain was born in Honolulu and raised in ʻEleʻele, Kauaʻi. As a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator and Home Loan Consultant at Hawaiʻi Community Lending, Shai brings personal experience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the challenges many families face on the path to homeownership.
Her early work in affordable housing sparked a passion for helping families build stability, while her own experiences navigating adulthood and homeownership goals allow her to connect with clients on a personal level. Inspired by her children, Shai is committed to guiding families through the lending process with patience, understanding, and aloha as they work toward achieving homeownership in Hawaiʻi.
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Angel Tuifagu was born in Kailua, Oʻahu, and raised between Kailua and Hilo. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Angel has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and financial hardship.
As a Native Hawaiian, Angel brings personal understanding, cultural connection, and a strong ability to build trust within the community. Her experience includes disaster case management, emergency rental assistance, community resource navigation, and program coordination. As an Operations Manager at Hawaiʻi Community Lending, Angel is committed to helping families overcome barriers, remain in their homes, and stay connected to their ʻāina and communities.
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