Donna-Marie Palakiko, PhD, MS, BS, RN, APRN
Tribal Affiliation/Ethnic/Racial Background: Native Hawaiian
Current Position:
*Program Manager at Ke Ola Mamo, a Native Hawaiian Health Care System
*Director of Commuity Engagement and Outreach at the Center for Native and Pacific Health Disparities Research at the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at the John A Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa
Degree(s):
Ph.D. - University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
M.S. - University of Califorina San Francisco
School of Nursing B.S. - University of San Francisco, School of Nursing
Area of Focus:
Community and indigenous health
Community-based participatory research
Community engagement
What motivated you to obtain your educational/career goals?
My parents inspired me to seek a college education. I fulfilled my dreams and in doing so fulfilled theirs. Working with my community has been a life-long passion and commitment for me.
What steps did you take to achieve those goals?
I pursued a career in nursing. In doing so, it provided me with the health foundation needed to be a researcher and administrator. As I journeyed acadmically I knew that I needed to obtain the highest academic degree to have a greater influence.
Describe any obstacles or barriers to success that you encountered along your path:
As an indigenous person, I was constantly challenged to think and write in a western terms. It was difficult but I overcame by seeking out other indigenous scholars whom I consider to be mentors.
What advice do you have for college students?
Persevere and be resilient. In our culture we say kulia i ka nu'u, strive for the highest point.
Is there anything else you want to say?
It's ok to feel lost at times, just keep your eye on your goal and soar.
Current Position:
*Program Manager at Ke Ola Mamo, a Native Hawaiian Health Care System
*Director of Commuity Engagement and Outreach at the Center for Native and Pacific Health Disparities Research at the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at the John A Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa
Degree(s):
Ph.D. - University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
M.S. - University of Califorina San Francisco
School of Nursing B.S. - University of San Francisco, School of Nursing
Area of Focus:
Community and indigenous health
Community-based participatory research
Community engagement
What motivated you to obtain your educational/career goals?
My parents inspired me to seek a college education. I fulfilled my dreams and in doing so fulfilled theirs. Working with my community has been a life-long passion and commitment for me.
What steps did you take to achieve those goals?
I pursued a career in nursing. In doing so, it provided me with the health foundation needed to be a researcher and administrator. As I journeyed acadmically I knew that I needed to obtain the highest academic degree to have a greater influence.
Describe any obstacles or barriers to success that you encountered along your path:
As an indigenous person, I was constantly challenged to think and write in a western terms. It was difficult but I overcame by seeking out other indigenous scholars whom I consider to be mentors.
What advice do you have for college students?
Persevere and be resilient. In our culture we say kulia i ka nu'u, strive for the highest point.
Is there anything else you want to say?
It's ok to feel lost at times, just keep your eye on your goal and soar.
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