Laura Fortin Schwing
President and Treasurer
As the President and Treasurer of Nā Keiki O Emalia, Laura brings a wealth of experience in finance, business operations, and clinical systems to the organization and is passionate about using her expertise to help the children in the community. Laura’s motivation to get involved with Nā Keiki O Emalia stems from her personal experience of watching her grandchildren struggle after the sudden death of her husband, David, in 2021. Laura was moved to action by the limited resources available to her family and was grateful to discover an organization that shared her passion for helping Maui’s youth.
As a dedicated member of Nā Keiki O Emalia, Laura is committed to expanding the organization’s reach and impact on Maui’s youth. She has expressed a desire to develop an educational curriculum for schools that focuses on grief and the grieving process, as she believes this will better serve children who are struggling with loss.
Laura’s unwavering commitment to Nā Keiki O Emalia has been exemplified through her generous $100,000 matching gift, which resulted in an impressive $135,000 in donations. This significant contribution has provided vital funding for the organization’s programs and services and has also inspired others to contribute to the cause of supporting Maui’s children. In addition to her financial support, Laura recognizes the importance of sustainable funding and aims to expand the pool of donors and reestablish fundraisers to ensure the organization’s long-term success.
Laura Fortin Schwing
President and Treasurer
As the President and Treasurer of Nā Keiki O Emalia, Laura brings a wealth of experience in finance, business operations, and clinical systems to the organization and is passionate about using her expertise to help the children in the community. Laura’s motivation to get involved with Nā Keiki O Emalia stems from her personal experience of watching her grandchildren struggle after the sudden death of her husband, David, in 2021. Laura was moved to action by the limited resources available to her family and was grateful to discover an organization that shared her passion for helping Maui’s youth.
As a dedicated member of Nā Keiki O Emalia, Laura is committed to expanding the organization’s reach and impact on Maui’s youth. She has expressed a desire to develop an educational curriculum for schools that focuses on grief and the grieving process, as she believes this will better serve children who are struggling with loss.
Laura’s unwavering commitment to Nā Keiki O Emalia has been exemplified through her generous $100,000 matching gift, which resulted in an impressive $135,000 in donations. This significant contribution has provided vital funding for the organization’s programs and services and has also inspired others to contribute to the cause of supporting Maui’s children. In addition to her financial support, Laura recognizes the importance of sustainable funding and aims to expand the pool of donors and reestablish fundraisers to ensure the organization’s long-term success.
Candice Carter was raised on Oahu and spent several years as the Executive Director of Na Hoaloha – Maui Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, where she was recognized for the national “Best Practices in Caregiving” and the “People Who Make a Difference Award” in 2015 and 2016, respectively. During her time at Na Hoaloha, Candice was appointed by Governor Abercrombie to serve on the Hawaii Statewide Independent Living Council and the Maui County Council on Aging, where she continued her advocacy for older adults. She is also a member of the Ahahui Ka’ahumanu, Hawaiian Royal Society
Throughout her professional career, Candice has dedicated herself to lobbying for policy changes and creating innovative programs to support seniors in aging in place as an Executive Director. Her life’s work has been focused on establishing an empowering environment for older adults, encouraging them to become self-advocates, and amplifying the voices of those who are frequently overlooked. In pursuit of this goal, she has devoted her professional life to grassroots advocacy and community development. One of her most notable experiences includes serving as an Advocacy Director for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) for nearly two decades. Today, Candice continues to advocate for vulnerable populations as an appointed court advocate for children in Texas foster care and as a member of the Waipukua Board of Directors in Maui. With her leadership and vision, Candice is making a positive impact in the lives of Maui’s youth through her work with Nā Keiki O Emalia.
Candice Alelani Carter
Vice President
Candice Alelani Carter
Vice President
Candice Carter was raised on Oahu and spent several years as the Executive Director of Na Hoaloha – Maui Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, where she was recognized for the national “Best Practices in Caregiving” and the “People Who Make a Difference Award” in 2015 and 2016, respectively. During her time at Na Hoaloha, Candice was appointed by Governor Abercrombie to serve on the Hawaii Statewide Independent Living Council and the Maui County Council on Aging, where she continued her advocacy for older adults. She is also a member of the Ahahui Ka’ahumanu, Hawaiian Royal Society.
Throughout her professional career, Candice has dedicated herself to lobbying for policy changes and creating innovative programs to support seniors in aging in place as an Executive Director. Her life’s work has been focused on establishing an empowering environment for older adults, encouraging them to become self-advocates, and amplifying the voices of those who are frequently overlooked. In pursuit of this goal, she has devoted her professional life to grassroots advocacy and community development. One of her most notable experiences includes serving as an Advocacy Director for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) for nearly two decades.
Today, Candice continues to advocate for vulnerable populations as an appointed court advocate for children in Texas foster care and as a member of the Waipukua Board of Directors in Maui. With her leadership and vision, Candice is making a positive impact in the lives of Maui’s youth through her work with Nā Keiki O Emalia.
Carri Markoulis
Secretary
After years of working as a Registered Nurse in Urgent Care and Orthopedic Sports Medicine, as well as volunteering for various organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Carri made the decision to establish Maui as her primary residence in 2020. Tragically, her husband, Steve, passed away in 2013, leaving their young high school-aged daughter behind.
Through a friend and former board member of Na Keiki O Emalia Nonprofit Organization, Carri became aware of the organization’s local outreach efforts and recognized the immense impact and importance of their work. Having personally experienced the grief and loss that her daughter faced without her father, Carri felt a strong desire to support and assist grieving children in their community. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s mission and help it reach new heights.
Carri Markoulis
Secretary
After years of working as a Registered Nurse in Urgent Care and Orthopedic Sports Medicine, as well as volunteering for various organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Carri made the decision to establish Maui as her primary residence in 2020. Tragically, her husband, Steve, passed away in 2013, leaving their young high school-aged daughter behind.
Through a friend and former board member of Na Keiki O Emalia Nonprofit Organization, Carri became aware of the organization’s local outreach efforts and recognized the immense impact and importance of their work. Having personally experienced the grief and loss that her daughter faced without her father, Carri felt a strong desire to support and assist grieving children in their community. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s mission and help it reach new heights.
Zadoc has been involved with Nā Keiki O Emalia since its inception, as the organization was founded by his mother to honor his sister, Emalia. Zadoc has played an integral role in the development and growth of the organization, and he is passionate about helping children in need.
Zadoc is proud of the collaborative spirit of the organization, with everyone working together towards a common goal. He believes that the strength of the board lies in the diverse skills and expertise of its members.
Zadoc is committed to furthering the mission of the organization and providing support to children facing difficult situations. He understands the important role that Nā Keiki O Emalia plays in the community and is dedicated to ensuring that the organization continues to make a positive impact in the lives of Maui’s youth.
Zadoc Brown III
At Large
Zadoc Brown III
At Large
Zadoc has been involved with Nā Keiki O Emalia since its inception, as the organization was founded by his mother to honor his sister, Emalia. Zadoc has played an integral role in the development and growth of the organization, and he is passionate about helping children in need.
Zadoc is proud of the collaborative spirit of the organization, with everyone working together towards a common goal. He believes that the strength of the board lies in the diverse skills and expertise of its members.
Zadoc is committed to furthering the mission of the organization and providing support to children facing difficult situations. He understands the important role that Nā Keiki O Emalia plays in the community and is dedicated to ensuring that the organization continues to make a positive impact in the lives of Maui’s youth.
Nikki Akau
Voted onto Board
Nikki is a Maui girl and graduate of Seabury Hall. She earned her BA in Business Administration from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2010. Following graduation, Nikki followed her heart back home to Maui and began her career at Bank of Hawaii as a Teller at Kihei Branch. She has steadily worked her way up through various positions in four different branches and currently serves as a Vice President and Branch Manager at Bank of Hawaii’s Kahului Banking Center, one of the busiest branches in the state.
As a member of a family with three generations of business owners, Nikki feels a great sense of responsibility and joy in being able to help the community that has long supported her own family. She is very excited about this development in her career which will allow her to help an even larger segment of the Maui community. Adding to that sense of community responsibility, Nikki is a 2015 graduate of the distinguished Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows program, a non-profit, community-based program designed to identify and develop future Maui leaders.
Nikki has her hands full at home with 2 little ones, Riley (7) and Leia (4), as well as her husband Adam. In her spare time, Nikki enjoys going to the beach and camping and fishing with her family in Kaupo, in the desolate backside of Haleakala.
“I am interested in joining Na Keiki O Emalia because I truly care about protecting and serving the keiki and families in our community. Also, I had the privilege and honor of being one of Emalia’s students at Seabury Hall while in high school. Just from the short time I spent with her in the school setting, I felt her positivity, optimism, and true kindness. Now that I am a leader and mother, I remember Emalia as a true role model and someone I aspire to be more like.”
Carole Zoom
Executive Director
Carole Zoom has been a dedicated member of the Nā Keiki O Emalia community since 2018 when she joined the board of directors. With a decade of experience living on Maui, Carole has developed a deep understanding of the community and is passionate about supporting children in need.
As a member of Nā Keiki’s Board of Directors, Carole collaborated with Founder Brooke Brown and former Executive Director Terri Erwin on fundraising and outreach initiatives. Concurrently, Carole served as the Outreach Coordinator for Evermore, an organization dedicated to improving bereavement care systems nationwide.
Carole has been a community organizer since 1991, trained by the Industrial Areas Foundation. As someone living with congenital Muscular Dystrophy and using a ventilator and mobility scooter full-time, Carole is a fierce advocate for disability rights. She served as the former Executive Director of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities and worked with the Texas contingent to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, Carole directed the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange and served as the Leadership Exchange coordinator for Mobility International USA.
Through her extensive experience and passionate advocacy, Carole brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Nā Keiki O Emalia. She is committed to ensuring that the organization continues to make a positive impact in the lives of Maui’s children and the wider community.
Carole Zoom
Executive Director
Carole Zoom has been a dedicated member of the Nā Keiki O Emalia community since 2018 when she joined the board of directors. With a decade of experience living on Maui, Carole has developed a deep understanding of the community and is passionate about supporting children in need.
As a member of Nā Keiki’s Board of Directors, Carole collaborated with Founder Brooke Brown and former Executive Director Terri Erwin on fundraising and outreach initiatives. Concurrently, Carole served as the Outreach Coordinator for Evermore, an organization dedicated to improving bereavement care systems nationwide.
Carole has been a community organizer since 1991, trained by the Industrial Areas Foundation. As someone living with congenital Muscular Dystrophy and using a ventilator and mobility scooter full-time, Carole is a fierce advocate for disability rights. She served as the former Executive Director of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities and worked with the Texas contingent to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, Carole directed the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange and served as the Leadership Exchange coordinator for Mobility International USA.
Through her extensive experience and passionate advocacy, Carole brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Nā Keiki O Emalia. She is committed to ensuring that the organization continues to make a positive impact in the lives of Maui’s children and the wider community.
Birgitte brings a wealth of experience in non-profit and business development to her role as Operations Manager at Nā Keiki O Emalia. She has held key positions at a variety of organizations, including the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, HUE Home & Design, Pier 1 Imports, and OSU Federal Credit Union. Her extensive background in these fields has provided her with valuable skills and expertise that she can now apply to her work with Nā Keiki O Emalia.
Born and raised on Maui, Birgitte has a deep appreciation for Hawaii’s unique culture and diversity. She is personally connected to the mission of Nā Keiki O Emalia, as a friend of Emalia Brown Guard and her family. Birgitte is grateful to be a part of the NKOE team and is committed to furthering the organization’s mission of supporting Maui’s children through their grief journey.
Birgitte’s passion for bettering the lives of others and her genuine aloha for the community make her an ideal fit for her new role as Operations Manager. She is excited to use her skills and expertise to support the organization’s programs and services and to make a positive impact in the lives of Maui’s youth.
Birgitte Golden
Operations Manager
Birgitte Golden
Operations Manager
Birgitte brings a wealth of experience in non-profit and business development to her role as Operations Manager at Nā Keiki O Emalia. She has held key positions at a variety of organizations, including the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, HUE Home & Design, Pier 1 Imports, and OSU Federal Credit Union. Her extensive background in these fields has provided her with valuable skills and expertise that she can now apply to her work with Nā Keiki O Emalia.
Born and raised on Maui, Birgitte has a deep appreciation for Hawaii’s unique culture and diversity. She is personally connected to the mission of Nā Keiki O Emalia, as a friend of Emalia Brown Guard and her family. Birgitte is grateful to be a part of the NKOE team and is committed to furthering the organization’s mission of supporting Maui’s children through their grief journey.
Birgitte’s passion for bettering the lives of others and her genuine aloha for the community make her an ideal fit for her new role as Operations Manager. She is excited to use her skills and expertise to support the organization’s programs and services and to make a positive impact in the lives of Maui’s youth.