The Director Team
These are our directors. They're the leaders of our various teams
and are responsible for getting initiatives up, running, and going across all islands we're active in.
Kawika Pegram
Founder
Kawika is the founder of Hawaiʻi Youth Climate Coalition. He is passionate about politics, community organizing, and photography. Outside of climate justice, his other organizing work focuses on racial justice and education. Follow his twitter @kawikakekoa.
Dyson Chee
Executive Director
Dyson has been an avid water man for as long as he can remember, and loves going to the beach. A senior at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Dyson joined Hawaiʻi Youth Climate Coalition to inspire other people to protect what they love, whether it be the local shore breaks or the health of their family and friends. In his free time, Dyson enjoys playing tennis, snorkeling, and drinking boba.
Clara Ontal
Co-Advocacy Director
Clara was introduced to advocacy through HYCC, when she joined the coalition to see how she could help combat climate change. Since joining the team, she continues to learn about the intersectionality within environmental justice and is passionate about advocating for land and water rights and uplifting youth voices. Clara enjoys kayaking, hiking, and eating with friends.
Sabrina Cohan
Co-Advocacy Director
Sabrina is a senior at La Pietra Hawaiʻi School for Girls. She is interested in politics, community action, and civic education. She hopes to help others learn how to fight for the issues they care about and be involved in their communities. Outside of advocacy, her passions include dance, music, fashion, science, and math.
Jade Frank
Communications Director
Jade is 18 years old and lives in Kapahulu, Oʻahu. She is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and is attending the University of Pennsylvania. She is passionate about politics and the intersections of social justice and economic policy. In her free time, she enjoys painting, cooking, and playing with dogs.
Kim Ashley Sunio
Co-Logistics Director
Kim is currently a student at Moanalua High School (c/o 2024). Her interests & passions revolve around computer science, physics, renewables & sustainability. She is looking forward to having more peers be involved in taking action towards climate justice.
Michelle Matsumori-Kelly
Co-Logistics Director
Michelle is 19 years old and was born and raised on O'ahu. She graduated Kaiser High School in 2020 and is currently majoring in Environmental Studies at Humboldt State University. She is passionate about Environmental and Social Justice. In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, drawing, and reading.
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Lucy Fagan
Co-Outreach Director
Lucy is a Freshman at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She was born and raised on O‘ahu, and has been a part of HYCC since 10th grade. She became passionate about the environment in middle school and has since dove deeper into focusing on the intersection of climate change with other social issues. She enjoys learning, hanging out with friends, and crocheting.
Michaella Villanueva
Co-Outreach Director
Michaella is 18 years old and graduated from ʻAiea High School in 2022. She attends the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is passionate about intersectionality, sustainable development, and protecting the environment. In her free time, Michaella enjoys reading, jump-roping, and looking at expensive apartments for sale.
Meet
THE TEAM
Meet the directors of the Hawaiʻi Youth Climate Coalition. With positions ranging from the Advocacy, Communications, Logistics, and Outreach teams, HYCC has a place for everyone looking to combat the climate crisis.