Foundation Awards 78 Scholarships to Pacific Islander Students

JoNelle Sood started the Ho'omau Foundation in 2020 to keep her late father's legacy alive while helping students like herself. The foundation has now awarded 78 scholarships worth up to $2,500 each to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students pursuing higher education.

Sood's father, Kamery Lee Jr., ran a family flower shop in Hayward, California for nearly 30 years. He was known for his cultural pride and deep commitment to community, values that now fuel the foundation named in his honor.

This year marks a milestone with 19 students receiving support, including eight new recipients and eleven returning scholars. That returning number matters most to Sood, who sees success not in writing more checks but in building lasting relationships with students.

The foundation has grown beyond financial aid to include mentorship, professional networking, and workshops on financial literacy and resume writing. Sood, who works in technology and human resources, draws from her own experience as a first generation college graduate who often felt alone in spaces where few shared her cultural background.

This year's cohort represents the foundation's expanding impact. Students come from Saipan, American Samoa, Hawaii, Texas, California and Washington, bringing diverse perspectives while staying rooted in their Pacific Islander heritage.

For the first time, the foundation awarded a scholarship to a vocational school student, recognizing that career success takes many paths. The 19 scholars range from incoming freshmen to PhD candidates, each carrying their culture forward in meaningful ways.

The Ripple Effect goes beyond individual students. Former scholarship recipients Kaua and Lilia now serve as a mentor and ambassador, creating a cycle where those who received help lift up the next generation.

The foundation hopes to raise $20,000 through its October 2nd silent auction and gala in Newark, California. The online auction features 30 items including wine tastings, zoo admission, and jewelry from Honolulu, with bidding open to anyone nationwide through October 2nd at 8 p.m. Pacific Time.

Every auction bid and donation directly determines how many students receive a yes next year.