Our featured presenters

HANO is pleased to bring to Hawai'i Michael Margolis and Stephanie Jowers-Margolis, a dynamic team of consultants with a passion for working with the nonprofit sector from Thirsty-Fish Story and Strategy. 

Michael is a business storyteller and "PopAnthropologist" with a passion for organizational dynamics.  He offers experience across the realms of brand storytelling, organizational change and cultural innovation. 

Stephanie has experience as a discreet problem solver, social entrepreneur and on-the-ground deputy director. She offers expertise in producing high-stakes initiatives and international advocacy campaigns. Together, they have a combined 25 years of experience with nonprofits. 

Puanani Burgess is a community-building facilitator, trainer and consultant with clients all over the U.S. and the Pacific. She is also a poet, cultural translator, Weinberg Fellow and has been a lecturer with the University of Hawai'i. She is noted for her work in community, family and values-based economic development, mediation and storytelling processes as part of conflict transformation and in developing community-based organizations.

Monica Grant is vice president for Resource Development for the YMCA of Honolulu and a member of its senior management team. She is a member of the Aloha Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has a passion for developing an organization's culture to engage and cultivate volunteers and donors. She is a frequent presenter at HANO workshops.

Kealii Lopez is president and CEO of 'Olelo Community Television, Oahu's public, education and government cable television access provider. 'Olelo's facilities give people, communities and organizations the opportunity to produce and air their stories in video on six cable stations. 'Olelo provides training, access to production and editing equipment and studio facilities free of charge and Kealii will discuss tools, techniques and practical examples of effective visual storytelling.

James Gonser is the community news editor for The Honolulu Advertiser, overseeing its new community web sites for Honolulu, Metro Honolulu, Central Oahu, East Oahu, Leeward Oahu, West Oahu and Windward Oahu. He will discuss how the internet has changed the paradigm for local news from one which filtered out information to one where content is created by and for the community.