MURIEL BOWSER
MAYOR
May
6, 2024
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman
Council of
the District of Columbia
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 504
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Chairman M endelson:
In accordance with section
2 of the Confirmation Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law 2-
142;
D.C. Official Code § 1-523.01), and pursuant to section 305 of the Office of Asian and Pacific
Islander Affairs Establishment Act of 2001, effective October 3, 2001 (D.C. Law 14-28; D.C. Official
Code § 2-1374), I am pleased to nominate the following individual:
Dr.
Halaevalu V akalahi
E
Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
(Ward 2)
f
or appointment as a public voting member of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander
Community Development, filing a vacant
seat, for a term to end April 17, 2025.
Enclosed, you will find biographical information detailing the experience of the above-m entioned
nominee, together with a proposed resolution to assist the Council during the confirmation process.
I would appreciate the Council’s earliest consideration of this nomination for confirmation. Please
do not hesitate to contact me, or Steven Walker, Director, Mayor’s Office of Talent and
Appointments, should the Council require additional information.
Sincerely,
Muriel B owser
Mayor 1
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A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
;#7~
Chairman Phil Mendelson
at the request
of the Mayor
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
To confirm the appointment ofHalaevalu Vakalahi to the Commission on Asian and Pacific
Islander Community Development.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, that this
resolution may be cited as the "Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community
Development Halaevalu Vakalahi Confirmation Resolution
of 2024".
Sec.
2. The Council of the District of Columbia confirms the appointment of:
Dr. Halaevalu Vakalahi
E Street,
NW
Washington, DC 20004
(Ward 2)
as a public voting member
of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community
Development, established by section 305
of the Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
Establishment Act
of 2001, effective October 3, 2001 (D.C. Law 14-28; D.C. Official Code§ 2-
1374), filing a vacant seat, for a term to end April
17, 2025.
Sec.
3. The Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy of this resolution,
upon its adoption, to the nominee and to the Office
of the Mayor.
Sec.
4. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 1
Halaevalu F. Ofahengaue Vakalahi, MSW, M.Ed., Ph.D.
LEADERSHIP and ADMINISTRATION EXPERIENCES
President and CEO, 2023 to present – Council on Social Work Education, Alexandria, VA
22314.
Dean and Professor, 2018 to 2023 – Hawai’i Pacific University, College of Health and Society,
Honolulu, HI 96813. School of Social Work, Department of Public Health, Department of
Nursing, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program, and
Physician Assistant Program.
Associate Dean and Professor, 2014 to 2018; Associate Dean and Associate Professor, July
2012 to 2014 – Morgan State University, School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD 21251.
Director of Master’s Social Work Program and Associate Professor, February 2007 to June
2012 – George Mason University, Department of Social Work, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Accreditation Specialist, January 2005 to January 2007 – Council on Social Work Education,
Office of Social Work Accreditation and Educational Excellence, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Coordinator of Baccalaureate Social Work Program and Lecturer, August 2003 to
December 2004 – San Francisco State University, School of Social Work, San Francisco, CA
94132.
Department Chair and Assistant Professor, August 2001 to July 2003 – Brigham Young
University-Hawaii, Department of Social Work, Laie, HI 96762.
Assistant Professor, July 1999 to July 2001 – New Mexico State University, School of Social
Work, Las Cruces, NM 88003.
SCHOLARSHIP, RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION
Book(s)
Starks, S.H., Mallinger, G., Countee-Gilliam, C.C., Schmitz, C., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2021).
Mentoring Women for Leadership: Empowering the Next Generation. Washington DC: NASW
Press.
Wells-Wilbon, R., McPhatter, A., & Vakalahi, H.F.O., Editors (2015). Social Work Practice
with African Americans in Urban Environments. New York, NY: Springer Publishing.
Ritter, J., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2014). 101 Careers in Social Work, 2
nd
edition. New York, NY:
Springer Publishing.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., Simpson, G.M., & Giunta, N., Editors (2014). The Collective Spirit of Aging
Across Cultures. New York, NY: Springer Science and Business Media publisher. 2
Vakalahi, H.F.O., & Godinet, M., Editors (2014). Transnational Pacific Islander Americans and
Social Work: Dancing to the Beat of a Different Drum. Washington DC: NASW Press.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., & Peebles-Wilkins, W., Editors (2009). Women of Color on the Rise:
Leadership and Administration in Social Work Education and the Academy. New York, NY:
Columbia University Press.
Ritter, J., Vakalahi, H.F.O., & Kiernan-Stern, M. (2009). 101 Careers in Social Work, 1
st
edition. New York, NY: Springer Publishing.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., Starks, S., & Ortiz Hendricks, C., Editors, (2007). Women of Color as Social
Work Educators: Strengths and Survival. Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education
Press.
Journal Co-Founder, Co-Editor in Chief
Urban Social Work (2017-present) peer-reviewed journal, partnership between Morgan State
University, Lehman College, and Hawai’i Pacific University, underwritten by New York
Community Trust, and published by Springer Publishing. Co-Editor in Chief, Co-Founder (Dr.
Halaevalu Vakalahi, Dr. Dana Wilson, Dr. Brenda Williams-Gray, Dr. Carl Mazza). Prose
Award.
Journal Special Section/Issue
Stevenson, A., Vakalahi, H.F.O., & McPhatter, A., Editors (2016). Journal of Social Work
Education, Special Section on “The HBCU Experience: Contributions to Social Work
Education”.
Journal Articles Peer-Reviewed
Vakalahi, H.F.O., Countee-Gilliam, C., McPhatter, A., Washington, E.M., & Waites, C. (in
press). Women of color pipeline to academic leadership. Advancing Women in Leadership.
Kamaka, M.L., Freitas, S.M., Marshall, S.M., Walsh, M.E., Kamakawiwo’ole, S., Miller, J.M.,
& Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2021). He ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani Mai Au: Developing a cultural framework
for advancing COVID-19 related, community-informed health policies. Hawai’i Journal of
Health and Social Welfare, 80(10 Suppl 2), 50-56.
Godinet, M.T., McGlinn, L., Nelson, D., & Vakalahi, H. (2019). Factors Contributing to
Substance Misuse Treatment Completion among Native Hawaiians, Other Pacific Islanders, and
Asian Americans. Substance Use and Misuse, DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1657896.
Godinet, M.T., Vakalahi, H.F.O., & Mokuau, N. (2019). Transnational Pacific Islanders:
Implications for Social Work. Social Work, 64(2), 113-122.
Rasheem, S., Alleman, A.-S., Mushonga, D., Anderson, D., & Ofahengaue Vakalahi, H. F.
(2018). Mentor-shape: Exploring the mentoring relationships of black women in doctoral
programs. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 26(1), 50–
69. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2018.1445443
3
Alleman, A., Allen, S., Darrell, L., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2018). Women of Color and work-life
balance in an urban environment: What is reality? Urban Social Work, 2(1), 80-95.
Van Sluytman, L., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2017). Our immigrant fathers: Reflecting on caregiving.
Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 23(1), 13-26.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. & Hafoka, O.K.L. (2017). Beyond Words: Language of our Ancestors.
Ameriasia Journal, 43(1), 1-12.
Gilliam, C.C., Chandler, M.A., Al-Hajjaj, H.A., Mooney, A.N., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2016).
Intentional leadership planning and development: The collective responsibility to educate more
social work leaders. Advances in Social Work, 17(2), 330-339. doi:10.18060/18606
Baldwin-Clark, T., Ofahengaue Vakalahi, H. F., & Anderson, B. (2016). What about African
American older women and depressive symptoms? Educational Gerontology, 42(5), 310–320.
Egleton, M., Banigo, D., McLeod, B., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2016). Homelessness among
formerly incarcerated African American Men: Contributors and consequences. Contemporary
Social Science, 11(4), 403-413. DOI: 10.1080/21582041.2016.1258590
Allen, S.A., Sinclair, M. & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2016). Organizational Identification: Perspectives
of Dispersed Social Workers. Advances in Social Work, 17(2), 285-303.
Mafile’o, T. & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2016). Indigenous social work across borders: Expanding
social work in the South Pacific. International Social Work. DOI: 10.1177/0020872816641750
Davis, R.L., Vakalahi, H.F.O., & Smith, L.L. (2015). Pacific Islander youth and sources of risk
for problem behavior. Families in Society, 96(2), 99-107.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., Sermon, M., Richardson, A., Dillard, V., & Moncrief, A. (2014). Do you see
me? The complex experiences of female students of color. Intercultural Education, 25(5), 418-
427.
Baldwin, T., Vaughn, J., Cotton, C., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2014). Where is Spirituality in Social
Work? Perspectives on Social Work, 10(1), 5-13.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. & Davis, R.L. (2014). The Taro Plant and Pacific Islander Health: Returning to
the Wisdom of the Elders. Food Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 3(4), 9-18.
Starks, S.H., Vakalahi, H.F.O., & McPhatter, A. (2014). Spirituality: A sustaining force among
Women of Color academics. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought,
33, 131-147.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., Ihara, E.S., Hafoka, M.P. (2014). Family Roots: Sustenance for Samoan and
Tongan American Elders. Journal of Family Strengths, 13(1), 1-17.
Allen, S.A., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2013). My team members are everywhere! A critical analysis
of the emerging literature on dispersed teams. Administration in Social Work, 37, 1-8.
4
Vakalahi, H.F.O & Taiapa, J. (2013). Getting Grounded on Maori research. Journal of
Intercultural Studies, 34(4), 399-409.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2013). Generations Linked: A case example of Māori grandparents. Journal of
Family Social Work, 16(4), 332-347.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., Taiapa, J., & Ware. F. (2013). Taonga: Grandchildren the Treasures of
Grandparents. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 20(3), 112-119.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., & Godinet, M.T. (2012). Lived experiences of youth of color in secured
facilities. Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, 10, 295-315.
Ihara, E.S. & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2012). Collective Worldviews and Health: Through the Lens of
Pacific American Elders. Journal of Educational Gerontology 38(6), 400-411.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2012). Cultural context of health and well-being among Samoan and Tongan
Elders. Indian Journal of Gerontology, 12(1), 75-93.
Ihara, E.S. & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2011). Spirituality: The Essence of Wellness among Tongan
and Samoan Elders. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 30(4),
405-421.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2011). Pacific roots and American wings. Advancing the Conversation
(Personal Reflections). Multicultural Perspectives, 13(2), 105-110.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. & Ihara, E. (2011). Research with Indigenous Cultures: A Case Study Analysis
of Tongan Grandparents (Research Note). Families in Society, 92(2), 230-235.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. & Starks, S.H. (2011). Health and well-being of women of color academics.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(2), 185-190.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2011). Tongan grandparents and grandchildren: The impact of
grandparenting. International Social Work, 54(4), 580-598.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., De Paz, C.M., & Davis, M.E. (2010). Diversity and difference: What’s the
social work commitment? Mosaic, 3(1), 13-24.
Kashim, S. & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2010). Children, Youth, and Families in Dual Jurisdictions: An
analysis of the emerging literature. The Michigan Child Welfare Law Journal, XII, 2, 7-18.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., & Starks, S.H. (2010). Complexities of becoming visible: Reflecting on the
stories of women of color as social work educators. AFFILIA, 25(2), 110-122.
Starks, S.H., Vakalahi, H.F.O., Comer, J., & Ortiz Hendricks, C. (2010). Gathering, telling,
preparing the stories: A vehicle for healing. Journal of Indigenous Social Work, 1(1), 8-16.
Vernon, B., Vakalahi, H.F.O., Pittman-Munke, P., Adkins, L., & Pierce, D. (2009). Distance
Education Programs in Social Work: Present Trends and Future Intentions. Journal of Social
Work Education, 45(2), 1-13. 5
Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2009). Pacific Islander Students: Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place?
Children and Youth Services Review, 31(12), 1258-1263.
Godinet, M., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2009). Conceptualizing Delinquency among Samoan
adolescents: An Integrative Model. Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, 7(2), 135-159.
Godinet, M.T., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2008). Community, Neighborhood, and Peer Influence on
Samoan-American Youths. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 17(4), 326-
348.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., Toafa, S.G., & Moala, K.O. (2008). Grand-parenting in the Tongan
Community: A Cultural Model. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 6(3), 305-319.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. & Godinet, M. (2008). Family and culture and the Samoan youth. Journal of
Family Social Work, 11(3), 229-253.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., Heffernan, P.K., & Johnson, R.A. (2007). Pacific Islander elderly: A model
for bridging generations and systems. Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work, 12(2), 26-41.
Vakalahi, H.F., Briar-Lawson, K., Yaffe, J., & Durrant, L. (2002). Family-based Predictors of
Adolescent Substance Use. Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse, 11(3), 1-15.
Vakalahi, H.F. (2001). Adolescent Substance Use and Family-Based Risk and Protective
Factors: A Literature Review. Journal of Drug Education, 31(1).
Vakalahi, H.F., Harrison, R. S., & Janzen, F.V. (2000). The Influence of Family-Based Risk and
Protective Factors on Adolescent Substance Use. Journal of Family Social Work, 4(1), 21-34.
Book Chapters, Commendatory, References, and Professional Reports
Vakalahi, H., Giroux, D., & Toafa-Kaufusi, S. (under revision). Theories and frameworks of
group work. In Group Work for Social Workers: A culturally responsive applied approach,
Patricia Saleeby (Ed.).
Vakalahi, H.F.O. (in press). Be still, eat some chocolate, and let God in C.S. Turner and C.A.
Stanley Preparing for Full Professor: Critical Issues on Gender and Racial Equity in Research,
Teaching, Service, and Policy Making.
Wells, A., Kirchner, S., Ramsey, G., Van Sluytman, L.G., Vakalahi, H.F.O, & Rowel, R. (in
press). Closing the Community-Academia Gap to move Baltimore City to New Heights in
GBUL State of Black Baltimore.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., Sinclair, M.M., Sheafor, B., & Tupola, P. (2022). Organizations and
Associations. In Encyclopedia of Macro Social Work. Oxford Press.
Mafile’o, T., Mitaera, J., & Vakalahi, H. (2022). Collective cultures, power, and individual
judgement. In SAGE Handbook of Decision Making, Assessment and Risk in Social Work,
Brian Taylor (Ed.).
6
Vakalahi, H., Sinclair, M., Sheafor, B., & Tupola, P. (2022, Feb 24, 2013, June 11). Social Work
Professional Organizations and Associations. In Encyclopedia of Social Work. doi:
https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.274
Vakalahi, H.F.O, Locklear, A.K., Balestrery, J. (2021). Sovereignty, Rights, and the Well-Being
of Indigenous Peoples living in the United States. NASW Policy Statement, Social Work Speaks,
12
th
Edition, NASW Policy Statements 2021-2023.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., & Hafoka Kanuch, O.K.L. (2020). Navigating the Hyphen: Tongan-American
Women in Academia. In Hune, S. & Nomura, G.M., (Editors). Our Voices, Our Lives: New
Dimensions of Asian American and Pacific Islander Women’s History. New York University
Press.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., & Hafoka Kanuch, O.K.L. (2019). Our Pacific Elders as keepers and
transmitters of culture. In Ravulo, J., Mafile’o, T., & Yeates, D.B., (Editors). Pacific Social
Work: navigating practice, policy and research. Routledge (UK).
Wagner, F.A., Van Sluytman, L.G., Vakalahi, H.F.O., & Wosu. C.N. (2018). Qualitative
research in gerontology and geriatrics, p. 73-81, in Aging Research: Methodology Issues by
Carmen Garcia-Pena, Luis Miguel Gutierrez-Robledo, & Mario Ulises Perez-Zepeda. Spring
Link publishing.
Vakalahi, H.F.O., Hafoka, O.K.L, & Fong, R. (2016). Asian and Pacific Islander Immigrant and
Refugee Children and Families. In Alan Dettlaff and Fong, R. (editors), Immigrant and Refugee
Children and Families: Culturally Responsive Practice. New York, NY: Columbia University
Press.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. & Fong, R. (2015). Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. In Social Workers’
Desk Reference, 3
rd
ed. New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press.
Pittman, M.E., Scheidt, L.M., Munford, M.R., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2015). The Magic of Aging
in the Urban Environment. In R.W. Wilbon, A. R. McPhatter, & H. F. O. Vakalahi
(Eds.), Social work practice with African Americans in urban communities. New York, NY:
Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Littlefield, M.B., McLane-Davison, D., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2015). Global Gender Inequality.
Oxford Encyclopedia of Social Work Online. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. DOI:
10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.932.
Davis, R. & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2014). Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Oxford
Bibliographies in Social Work. Ed. Edward J. Mullen. New York: Oxford University Press.
DOI: 10.1093/OBO/9780195389678-0185.
Davis, M.E., Vakalahi, H.F.O., & Scales, S.R. (2014). Women of Color in the Academy: From
Trauma to Transformation (p. 265-177). In Disrupting the Culture of Silence: Women
Navigating Hostility and Making Change in the Academy, Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
7
Yancey, K., Baldwin, T., Saran, A. & Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2014). City Life—What a Wonderful
Way of Life: Aging in the Urban Environment. In Vakalahi, HFO, Simpson, G., & Guinta, N.
The Collective Spirit of Aging Across Cultures. Springer Media and Business Publishing.
Vakalahi, H.F. (2011). Commentary: Embracing Culture as Essential to Pacific People. Invited
Expert Commentary. Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology, 5(2), 85-89.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. & Fong, R. (2008). Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. In Social Workers’
Desk Reference, 2
nd
ed. New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press.
Vakalahi, H.O., Godinet, M., & Fong, R. (2006). Pacific Islander Americans: Impact of
Colonization and Immigration. In R. Fong, R.G. McRoy, & C.O. Hendricks, (Eds.), Intersecting
Child Welfare, Substance Abuse, and Family Violence. Washington, D.C.: Council on Social
Work Education Press.
Vakalahi, H.O., (2005). Commendatory Preface. In D. Hippolite Wright, K. Ward, & R. Ram,
In her own voice: Pacific Islander women speak. Mellen Press.
Ofahengaue Vakalahi, H.O. (2005). From Outside the Box: Too Pacific Islander, Woman,
Professional? In R. Takahashi (Ed.), Diversity: Value, Promote, and Achieve. San Francisco,
CA: Institute for Multicultural Research and Social Work Practice (IMRSWP).
Vakalahi, H.O., & Godinet, M. (2004). Pacific Islanders and the Juvenile Justice System. In K.
Davis & T.M. Goodley, (Eds.), The Color of Social Policy. Washington, DC: Council on Social
Work Education Press.
Vakalahi, H.F., Coggins, K., & Holley, L. (2001). Crime and Delinquency and Child Welfare.
In K. Briar-Lawson, Lawson, H., & Sallee, A. (Eds.). New Century Practice with Vulnerable
Families. Dubuque, IA: Eddie bowers publishing, inc.
Vakalahi, H.F. & Khaja, K. (2001). Parent to Parent & Family to Family: Innovative Mutual
Support Services. In K. Briar-Lawson, Lawson, H., & Sallee, A. (Eds.). New Century Practice
with Vulnerable Families. Dubuque, IA: eddie bowers publishing, inc.
National Association of Social Workers, Member, National Committee on Racial and Ethnic
Diversity (2001). Member of the group who wrote the NASW Standards for Cultural
Competence in Social Work Practice. NASW Press.
VanVleet, R.K., Vakalahi, H.F.O, Holley, L., Brown, S.F., & Carter, C. (2001). Ethnic minority
overrepresentation in the Utah Juvenile Justice System. University of Utah, Graduate School of
Social Work and the Utah State Task Force on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Legal System.
Vakalahi, H.F. (2000). Reviewer, book Infants, Toddlers, and Families. Family Preservation
Journal 5(1), 63-63.
Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2000, 2001). Needs assessment and evaluation of Permanency Planning
Training. State of New Mexico Children, Youth, and Family Department and the Family
Preservation Institute of New Mexico State University School of Social Work.
8
Foreword
Halaevalu F. Ofahengaue Vakalahi (in press). In Galuola: Pacific Indigenous Psychology by
Siautu Alefaio-Tugia. Springer, NY.
Halaevalu F. Ofahengaue Vakalahi (2022). In Pandemic of Silence by Adrienne Dillard and
Tristan Renae. Black Artist of Hawai’i, HI.
‘Ike Mana: Halaevalu Vakalahi, Adrienne Dillard, Momilani Marshall, Tammy Martin, Sophia
Kim, Poki’i Balaz, Puni Kekauoha (2021). In The Intersection of Environmental Justice, Climate
Change, Community, and the Ecology of Life by Ande A. Nesmith, Cathryne L. Schmitz,
Yolanda Machado-Escudero, Shanondora Billiot, Rachel A. Forbes, Meredith C.F. Powers,
Nikita Buckhoy, Lucy A. Lawrence, & Lacey M. Sloan. Springer Link, NY.
Media
Vakalahi, H.F.O. (Op-Ed August 14, 2020). A leader in Hawai’i’s Pacific Islander communities
offers ways to help this vulnerable population handle health issues, including COVID-19. Star
Advertiser.
KHON News Beyond the Mask, COVID series, represented Pacific Islander Community (2020).
Co-presenters Vakalahi, H.F.O., Howard, J., & Berreman, J.
Competitive Presentations
Council on Social Work Education (2022). Women pushing forward as leaders and mentors,
presentation. Starks, S., Vakalahi, H.F.O, Countee-Gilliam, C., & Schmitz, C.
Council on Social Work Education (2020). Mentoring Women for Leadership, presentation.
Countee-Gillim, C., Starks, S., Schmitz, C., Vakalahi, H.F.O.
Council on Social Work Education, Dallas, TX (2017). Women of Color Writing Retreats:
Experiences and Outcomes, Hot Topics. Vakalahi, H.F.O., Davison, D., Wilson, D., Alston, S.,
Evans, D., & Countee-Gilliam, C.
The 21
st
IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, San Francisco, CA (2017).
Promoting Healthy Aging in Diverse Older Communities through Academic-Community
Research, Symposium. Vakalahi, H.F.O., McGovern, J., Giunta, N., Gelman, C., Gardner, D.,
Glushefski, R.E., Morano, C.
Society for Social Work and Research, New Orleans, LA (2017). Community Based
Participatory Research with Diverse Urban Older Adults, Symposium. Vakalahi, H.F.O.,
Giunta, N.
Council on Social Work Education, Atlanta, GA (2016). Women of Color in the Academy: A
Collaborative Approach to Transforming Trauma. Davis, M., & Vakalahi, H.F.O.
Council on Social Work Education, Tampa, FL (2014). Creating a pipeline for women of color
leaders and administrators. Vakalahi, H.F.O., McPhatter, A., Waites, C., & Washington, E.M.
9
Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development, Melbourne,
Australia (2014). Mafile’o, T. & Vakalahi, H.F.O. Re-centering and re-invigorating Pacific
indigenous approaches for Pacific peoples' social and economic development.
NCORE Conference, New Orleans, LA (2013). Scales, R., Davis, M., & Vakalahi, H.F.O.
Women of color and trauma, paper presentation.
Food Studies Conference, Austin, TX (2013). Davis, R., & Vakalahi, H.F.O. Cultural
significance of Taro, paper presentation.
NIH Health Disparities Summit, Washington DC (2012). Davis, M.E., Vakalahi, H.F.O., &
Davis, B. Trauma in the Chantilly Mews Community, poster presentation.
Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Washington, DC (2012). Sermon,
M., Richardson, A., Moncrief, A., Dillard, V, & Vakalahi, H.F.O. Female Students of Color:
The complexities of lived experiences, panel presentation.
International Conference in Social Sciences, Honolulu, HI (2012). Vakalahi, H.F.O., Davis,
M.E., & Scales, S.R. Traumatic Experiences of Women of Color in the Academy: A Call to
Action, Panel.
International Conference in Social Sciences, Honolulu, HI (2012). Davis, M.E., Vakalahi,
H.F.O., & Scales, S.R. A College Dream Tour, Panel.
International Conference in Social Sciences, Honolulu, HI (2012). Scales, S.R. Davis, M.E., &
Vakalahi, H.F.O. Mental health issues among medical and non-medical students, Workshop.
Gerontological Society of America, Boston, MA (2012). Vakalahi, H.F.O.. Pacific Islander
American Elders: Cultural Navigators, Paper Presentation.
Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Atlanta, GA (2011). Vakalahi,
H.F.O., Starks, S.H., Davison, D., & Dozier, C. Women of Color at the Intersection of
Race/Gender/Power and Leadership, Panel, Feminist Scholarship track.
Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Atlanta, GA (2011). Vakalahi,
H.F.O., & Saleeby, P. Health Disparities, Panel, CSWE Commission on Diversity and Social
and Economic Justice.
American Public Health Association, Washington, DC (2011). Ihara, E.S., & Vakalahi, H.F.O.
Pacific American elders: The salience of spirituality for health and well-being, Oral Presentation.
International Conference on Social Sciences, Honolulu, HI (2011). Davis, M.E. & Vakalahi,
H.F.O. Transforming Life Course Trauma.
Gerontological Society of America, Atlanta, GA (2009). Davis, M.E., Vakalahi, H.F.O., &
Ihara, E. Risk assessment: Cultural practices in Pacific Islander, African American, and Asian
American elders and healthy aging, Poster.
Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Philadelphia, PA (2008). Co-
presenter Saundra Starks, Women of Color as Social Work Educators: Health and Wellbeing. 10
George Mason University, College of Health and Human Services, Research Day, Fairfax, VA
(2008). Presenter, Women of Color as Social Work Educators: Health and Well-being.
Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2007). Co-
presenter Saundra Starks, Women of Color as Social Work Educators: Health and Wellbeing.
Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2007). Co-
presenters Robert Vernon, Dean Pierce, & Peggy Pittman-Munke, Distance Social Work
Education.
Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2007). Panel
member on special topic of academic social work careers, sponsored by CSWE.
Indigenous Voices in Social Work: Not Lost in Translation, Honolulu, HI (2007). Co-presenter
Saundra Starks & Carmen Ortiz Hendricks, Voices of Women of Color in Social Work
Education.
Rural Social Work Conference, Bowling Green, KY (2006). Co-presenter Saundra Starks &
Suzie Cashwell, Women of Color as Social Work Educators: Implications for Practice and
Education.
Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Chicago, IL (2006). Co-presenter
Carmen Ortiz Hendricks & Saundra Starks, Women of Color as Social Work Educators:
Implications for Practice and Education.
National Gerontological Social Work Conference, NY (2005). Co-presenter Kaunanga Moala
and Jamee Enesa, Grandparenting in the Tongan Culture.
Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Anaheim, CA (2004). Co-
presenter Sharlene Furuto & Isaac Kuzukuma, Sovereignty and Health of Indigenous People:
Implications for Social Work Practice and Education.
Asia-Pacific Social Work Conference, Japan (2003). Accepted co-presentation of paper “Moana
Nui: A Pacific Model of Inclusion and Leadership” Meripa Godinet. [Conference cancelled due
to SARS].
International Baccalaureate Program Directors Conference, Africa (2003). Accepted co-
presentation of paper “The Pacific, U.S.A, and Africa: Cultural Competency in HIV/AIDS
Education”. [Unable to attend due to reduction in university travel funds].
Baccalaureate Program Directors Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA (2002). Co-presenter,
Ho’okele: A Pacific Island Approach to Aging.
International Conference of Schools of Social Work, Montpellier, France (2002). Co-facilitator,
Moana Nui: A Pacific Island Approach to Global Citizenship.
Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Nashville, TN (2002). Co-
presenter, Asian and Pacific Islanders through 2010: Demographic, social and political realities. 11
Cultural competence in Child Welfare practice, Austin, TX (2001). Commentator, Pacific
Islander families and issues of substance abuse and family violence in relation to child welfare.
Family Preservation Institute Conference, San Antonio, TX (2000). Co-presenter, Pacific
Islanders and Family Preservation.
Building on Family Strengths Conference, Portland, OR (2000). Poster presenter, Influence of
Family-Based Risk and Protective Factors on Adolescent Substance Use.
Family Preservation Institute Conference, Austin, TX (1999). Presenter, Influence of Family-
Based Risk and Protective Factors on Adolescent Substance Use.
Society for Social Work Research Conference, Austin, TX (1998). Accepted for poster
presentation, Pacific Islander Adolescents at Risk for HIV/AIDS. [Unable to attend due to
financial difficulty].
Hawai’i Psychological Association Conference, Honolulu, HI (1994). Co-presenter, Pacific
Islander Adolescents at Risk for HIV/AIDS, master’s thesis.
Invited Presentations
Hawai’i State of Reform (2022). Panel on Creating a Workforce that Looks like Us.
Hawai’i State Center for Nursing (2021). Presentation to Advisory Board on the state of nursing
education at Hawai’i Pacific University.
Hawai’i State of Reform (2021). Panel on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community and
COVID-19.
Council on Social Work Education, CRSSW (2020). Critical Race Theory, inaugural panel:
Spencer, M., Ortiz, L., Vakalahi, H.F.O, Huggins, M., Ortega, D.
AlohaCare Panel on NHPI and COVID (2020). Co-presenters Fox, K., Duarte, M., Vakalahi,
H.F.O., & Howard, J.
Hawai’i Health Workforce Summit September 12, 2020. Panel member for Native Hawaiian
and Pacific Islander Health: Lālama ka Pakipika - Leading With Courage. Sponsored by Papa
Ola Lokahi. Co-presented with Dr. Palakiko and Ms. Howard.
Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Educators Association Conference, Portland, OR (2010).
National Panelist, Transnational Pacific Islanders.
Tongan American Community, San Francisco, CA (2010). Presenter, Youth and Parents
Communication, Pacific American Youth and Parents Communication.
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (2010). Plenary Co-
speaker Dr. Molly Davis. Looking Inward: Exploring & Sharing Personal Values and Beliefs.
12
Virginia Governor’s Conference on Children (2010). Co-presenter Dr. Molly Davis. Bridging
the Culture Divide.
Keynote Presentations
Keynote Speaker, Tongan Research Association international conference, “Navigating the
Tongan-American Hyphen: The role of Mentoring” (spring 2022).
Keynote Speaker, Hawai’i Roundtable Discussion on food security and sustainability, in
preparation for the United Nation Food Sustainability Summit (spring 2021).
Keynote Speaker, Hawai’i Pacific University, Light Up the Night leadership event (spring 2021).
Keynote Speaker, University of Hawai’i-Manoa Department of Native Hawaiian Health, Pu
Pu’ukai Series (2021). “Mentorship: Lifting as we Climb”.
Keynote Speaker, Western Kentucky University, Department of Social Work, BSW & MSW
graduation ceremonies (spring 2017).
Keynote Speaker, multiple Pacific Island community events (1998-ongoing). Invited as keynote
speaker at yearly events including youth conferences, high school baccalaureate, educational
events, cultural celebrations, etc. in Hawai’i, California, Utah Pacific Islander communities.
Presentation: Knowledge is Power and the Role of Higher Education.
Grants, funds development and entrepreneurial activities
HPU Undergraduate infrastructure student research center (The “HUI SRC”): An entrepreneurial
health research center (2020-present). Funded by the National Institutes of Health/National
Institute on General Medical Sciences (U01GM128435; PI: Vakalahi), $750,000. Co-I Dr. Scott
Okamoto and Dr. David Horgen; Dr. Ngoc Phan, Dr. Eunjung Lim, Mr. Blaize Soakai. Modeled
after ASCEND SRC developed by Morgan State University ASCEND Center for Biomedical
Research.
HPU Faculty Mentorship Training Program, under HUI SRC (2022-present), to enhance faculty
ability to effectively mentor students particularly those from underrepresented communities.
Funded by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute on General Medical Sciences
(U01GM128435-03S1; PI: Vakalahi), $250,000. Co-I Dr. Scott Okamoto and Dr. David Horgen;
Dr. Ngoc Phan, Dr. Eunjung Lim, Mr. Blaize Soakai.
Mana Wahine Fellowship Program (2021-present). Funded by Papa Ola Lokahi, focused on
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander women interested in nursing, public health, social work,
physical therapy, marine biology, $180,000. (PI: Vakalahi, co-I Dr. Kayla Black).
HPU IPE Island Mobile (2020-2023). Funded by Atherton Foundation, focused on
interdisciplinary practicum with nursing, public health, and social work, $70,000. (PI: Vakalahi)
Vaccine education for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander kupuna (2021-2022). Funded by
Pfizer Foundation, focused on interdisciplinary team creating in-language vaccine education
webinars and workshops, $15,000. (PI: Vakalahi)
13
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement grant (2019-2020). Census focus on increasing
numbers in the Tongan community, $7,500. (PI: Vakalahi)
CVS Foundation grant (2018-2022). Scholarship for MSN FNP nursing students, $8,000. (PI:
Vakalahi)
ASCEND Health-Related Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Small Grants,
Morgan State University (2016-2018). Development and Translation of Medical Technologies
to Reduce Health Disparities, $20,000 (PI: Vakalahi). Co-PI Dr. Alice DeLaney and Dr. Jayfus
Doswell.
New York Community Trust (2016-present). Establishment of the peer-reviewed Urban Social
Work journal, partnership between Morgan State University, Lehman College, Hawai’i Pacific
University, and Springer Publishing. Co-Editors in Chief with Dr. Carl Mazza, Dr. Brenda
Williams-Gray, Dr. Dana B. Wilson, $260,000 over 5 years.
Title III SAFRA grant (2015-2020). Expanding the School of Social Work. Co-PI and Co-grant
writer with PI: Dr. Anna McPhatter, estimated $1,000,000+ over 5 years.
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2014-2018). Results Accountability Training Program, Casey-
Morgan Partnership to train scholars of color on results accountability methods. Co-PI with Dr.
Anna McPhatter; Co-PI with Dr. Denise Davison, $250,000 over 4 years.
“SOAR” Continuing Education and Professional Development Program (2015). Launched the
School of Social Work’s Continuing Education and Professional Development overseeing
development, negotiating costs, contracts, invoices, implementing on-campus and on-site
workshops, and management of finances. Partnership with Dr. Belinda Smith, Dr. McPhatter,
Ms. Deja Mathews and Mrs. Sherrie Eaton, generated $4,000+ from workshops and trainings.
School of Social Work, Biennial Scholarship Dinner (2015). Played key role in conceptualizing
fundraising event, securing sponsorship, ticket sales, and implementation of program, generated
$40,000+ for student scholarships.
Geriatric Social Work Initiative, Hartford Faculty Scholar (2009-2012). Research topic
“Engagement in Cultural Practices: Protective Influences on Physical Health and Psychosocial
Wellbeing of Polynesian Grandparents”. Principal Investigator, $100,000 over 2 years.
Fulbright Scholar, U.S. Department of State (2010). Research topic “Grandparenting among
Pacific Islanders in New Zealand”. Principal Investigator, $40,000 over 4 months.
George Mason University, Faculty Research Seed Grant (2008-2010). Research topic “Health
and well-being among Samoan and Tongan elders”. Principal Investigator, $14,000.
George Mason University, Faculty Research Program (2007-2008). Research topic “Health and
well-being of women of color social work educators”. Principal Investigator, $4,000.
Utah State Department of Health and Human Services & Juvenile Justice System, Salt Lake City,
UT (2006-present). Funding for a community organization. Grant Writer, $100,000+ each year
over 5 years. 14
Peninsula Community Foundation and San Francisco Foundation, San Francisco, CA (2005-
2007). Pacific Islander Association of California. Principal Investigator, $45,000.
BYU-Hawaii, College of Arts and Sciences, Laie, HI (2002-2003). Research topic “Grand-
parenting in the Tongan Culture in Tonga and Hawaii”. Principal Investigator, $7,200.
American Philosophical Society, Franklin Research Grants (2002). Research topic “Grand-
parenting in the Tongan Culture”. Principal Investigator, $3,000.
University of Utah, Graduate School of Social Work and the Utah State Task Force on Racial
and Ethnic Fairness in the Legal System (1998-2000). Research topic “Ethnic minority
overrepresentation in the Utah Juvenile Justice System” (Principal Investigator Russell K.
VanVleet). Researcher, $10,000.
U.S. Children’s Bureau and Parents Anonymous (1998). Parents Anonymous mutual support
services in Utah (Principal Investigator Dr. Katharine Briar-Lawson). Grant Co-Writer, $50,000.
TEACHING AND MENTORSHIP
Hawai’i Pacific University, College of Health and Society
Morgan State University, School of Social Work
George Mason University, Department of Social Work
San Francisco State University, School of Social Work
BYU-Hawai’i, Department of Social Work
New Mexico State University, School of Social Work
• University 1000
• Issues in Social Work Pedagogy and Education
• Communication and Technology for Social Work Practice
• Organizational Leadership
• Thesis Seminar
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Social Policy
• Social Welfare in Asia and the Pacific
• Child Welfare
• Social Differences and Social Work Practice
• Social Work Practice
• Social Work Research
• Child Welfare Policy
• Juvenile Delinquency
Dissertation Chair
Chair (2014 graduated). Tiffany Rice, Morgan State University, Dissertation: Mental
Health and Clinical Service Utilization among Sexually Victimized Women.
Chair (2014 graduated). Janet Vaugh, Morgan State University, Dissertation: Lived
experiences of lesbian women who served under the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” Policy. 15
Chair (2014 graduated). Tamika Baldwin, Morgan State University, Dissertation: Factors
Associated with Depression Among Older, Community-Dwelling, African American
Women.
Chair (2014 graduated). Rod Michael Jones, Morgan State University, Dissertation: Lift
every voice: Informal and formal social support experiences among African American gay
men 50 and older living with HIV/AIDS.
Chair (2015 graduated). Ruby Nelson, Morgan State University, Dissertation:
Organizational Culture and Vicarious Trauma.
Chair (2015 graduated). Diari Banigo, Morgan State University, Dissertation: Exploring
Family Functioning of Service Members Exposed to War: Implications for Social Work
Practice.
Chair (2015 graduated). Myia Egleton, Morgan State University, Dissertation: Relationship
between self-esteem, parental challenges, and social networks among African American
single mothers.
Chair (2017 graduated). Gregson Francis, Morgan State University, Dissertation: Middle
class African Americans and the economic crisis.
Chair (2017 graduated). Ali-Sha Alleman, Morgan State University, Dissertation: Women
Entrepreneurs.
Chair (2018 graduated). Stacy Smith, Morgan State University, Dissertation: Hybrid Gang
Families.
Dissertation Committee Member
Angela Henderson, Howard University, PhD Social Work (2013)
George Randall, Morgan State University, PhD Social Work (2015)
Brynez Baxter, Morgan State University, PhD Social Work (2015)
Festus Osoiwan Inegbenebor, Morgan State University (2017)
Veronica Dillard, University of Tennessee-Knoxville (2019)
Lavi Uluave, UCLA (in progress)
International/External Dissertation Expert Reviewer
Massey University, New Zealand, focused on grandparenting in the Maori community.
The University of Queensland, Australia, focused on Pacific migration.
SERVICE, OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Faculty/Professional Development
‘Scholars Initiative’ Faculty Development
Hawai’i Pacific University, College of Health and Society and HUI Scholars Initiative
(university wide professional development) (2018-2023).
Morgan State University, School of Social Work (2012-2018).
Lead. Lead and oversee planning and coordinating faculty development initiative focusing
on scholarship, research, publishing among faculty, staff, students; mentoring tenure-track
faculty. Components of the initiative include monthly Writers & Reviewers Circle, bi-
monthly Writing Retreats, on-going Intellectual Space, Grants Group, Scholarship
Networking, Boot Camps, 30 Day Challenge and Boosters. Lead and oversee development
of faculty Community Engagement through partnering with community organizations and
businesses and connecting faculty to research, grants, and service opportunities in the
community. 16
Part-time/Adjunct Faculty Development
Lead (2012-2018), Morgan State University, School of Social Work. (2009-2012) George
Mason University, Department of Social Work. Planning and implementing Annual Part-
time/Adjunct Faculty Orientation and Semi-Annual Boosters on teaching, writing, grading,
technology, classroom management, etc. in collaboration with Center for Teaching
Excellence and Writing Center.
Editorship & Reviewer Experience
• Co-Founder and Co-Editor in Chief, Urban Social Work (2017-present), with Dr. Wilson,
Dr. Mazza, Dr. Gray-Williams.
• Editorial Board Member (2014-2020, 2022-present), NASW Social Work journal.
• Reviewer (2012-2018), Journal of Social Work Education.
• Abstract Reviewer (2012-2018), APHA Cleckley Award Selection Committee.
• Associate Editor (2014), Food Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal. Volume 3, Issue 3.
• Consulting Editor (2010-2014), AFFILIA journal.
• Reviewer (2009-2013), NASW Book Committee under auspices of NASW Press and
Publication division.
• Invited Pacific Islander expert reviewer (2011, 2010). World Medical & Health Policy
journal, US; Journal of Social Work, UK.
• Abstract Reviewer (2010-2011, 2001-2003). Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Annual Program Meeting.
• Abstract Reviewer (2006-2007). National Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect
Conference (Children’s Bureau), 13
th
Annual Conference, Portland, OR.
• Consulting Editor (2001-2005). Social Work: Journal of the National Association of
Social Workers.
• Grant Reviewer (2001). Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), SAMHSA.
Discipline and Regional Accreditation Experience
• CSWE (social work) accreditation standards and processes; CCNE (nursing)
accreditation standards and processes; CEPH (public health) accreditation standards and
processes; training on CAPTE (physical therapy) accreditation standards and processes;
training on ACOTE (occupational therapy) accreditation standards and processes;
training on ARC-PA (physician assistant) accreditation standards and processes.
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Hawai’i Pacific University
Accreditation Team (2018-2023).
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Commission on Accreditation.
Commissioner (2017-2019).
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Morgan State University
Accreditation Team, Peer Evaluator (2017-2018).
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Accreditation Specialist (2005-2007),
Consultant (2007-2012), Site Visitor (2007-present).
Professional Organizational Experience
• Board of Directors, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Vice Chair/Secretary
(2021-2022), 3-year term. 17
• National Nominating Committee, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Chair
(2016-2017). Committee Member (2014-2016). Elected as Graduate Representative, 4-
year term.
• Diversity Center Working Committee, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Committee Member (2013-2015). Appointed by CSWE President as a member of the
committee working on developing the diversity center.
• National Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity (NCORED), National Association of
Social Workers (NASW). Committee Member (2008-2013, 1999-2003). Contributions
to Social Work Speaks policy document on issues of diversity in Criminal Justice,
Immigration, Hate Crimes, and the NASW President’s Initiative on diversity, anti-racism.
Contribution to creation of Cultural Competency Standards.
• CSWE Commission on Diversity and Social and Economic Justice. Commission
Member (2007-2013). Member of the Diversity Center work group; contributor to
APM sessions on Redefining Diversity; Co-chair, Task Force for Defining Social and
Economic Justice.
• SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program. Representative, CSWE Minority Fellowship
Program (2013) in a multi-disciplinary forum (Marriage & Family Therapy, Nursing,
Counseling, Psychiatry, Psychology, and Social Work) to recruit from underrepresented
communities.
• Virginia Social Work Educators Consortium (2008). Represented George Mason
University, social work program. Contribution to revisions of consortium’s mission,
goals, and objectives.
• National Child Welfare Workforce Policy Group (Children’s Defense Funds). Member
(2005-2007), national child welfare workforce policy and grant proposal.
• Annie E. Casey Family Services Research Roundtable on Child Welfare. Representative,
CSWE (September 2006).
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW), New Mexico Chapter. Board Member
(2000-2001).
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Committee Chair (1998-1999), Utah
Chapter, Social Policy and Action Committee.
Hawai’i/Pacific Island Community
• Mentoring NHPI Women into Academic Pipeline (bachelor’s to doctoral level), Hawai’i,
California, Utah. Writing Circles for NHPI women in graduate school (1998-present).
• Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Hawai‘i COVID-19 Response, Recovery &
Resiliency Team (NHPI 3R), co-Chair Policy Committee with Dr. Kealoha Fox (2020-
present).
• Pasefika Empowerment and Advancement, Inc. (2019-2022). Board of Directors,
President. Non-profit organization created with the vision of a healthy and thriving
Pacific Islander community through a mission to increase college graduation rate among
Pacific Islanders.
• Gates Millennium Scholarship Program, Washington DC (2015). Reviewer for Asian
and Pacific Islander category.
• Grant writer and evaluator for Pacific Islander owned grassroots foster care agencies, Salt
Lake City, UT, (2006-2015). Developed and implemented programs, policies and
procedures manuals, and staff performance assessment.
Maryland Community 18
• Baltimore City Commission on Aging and Retirement Education (2013-2018).
Commissioner, appointed by City of Baltimore Mayor Rawlings-Blake. Represented
Morgan State University. Major projects: Hospice Conference, Caregivers Conference,
Grandparenting Conference, Town Hall meeting with State Department of Aging
regarding 2016-2022 Strategic Plan.
• City Life Homebuilder (2015-2018). Partner, One Baltimore initiative to train returning
citizens on construction skills. Partnered with Dr. Paul Archibald, Prof. Thelma Rich.
• Baltimore Police Department (2015-2018). Partner, training on cultural competence and
community policing. Partnered with Dr. Kevin Daniels, Prof. Thelma Rich.
• LIGHT Health and Wellness Comprehensive Services Inc. Consortium, Baltimore, MD,
Consortium Member (2013-2018). Represented Morgan State University on consortium
of organizations in the community. Board Member on LIGHT Rock Group Therapy
Counseling.
• Roberta’s House (2013-2018). Worked on evaluation and research with Roberta’s
House, focused on grief and loss. Partnered with Ms. Annette March-Grier, Dr. Sandra
Austin, Prof. Yvonne Greene, Dr. Linda Darrel.
International Community
• Hawai’i Pacific University (U.S.)-Massey University collaboration (New Zealand) (2018-
2022).
• Morgan State University (U.S.)-Massey University collaboration (New Zealand) (2013-
2018). Hosted forum (2015, 2013). Organized and hosted visit with Lecturer Rachael
Selby of Massey University, New Zealand. Hosted Dr. Tracie Mafile’o and Dr. Siautu
Alefaio from Massey University, New Zealand.
• Massey University, New Zealand, Social Work (2010). Invited guest lecturer. Lectured
on my research on grandparenting and Pacific Islander American identity.
• Victoria University, New Zealand, Pacific Studies (2010). Invited seminar speaker.
Presented my research on Pacific Islander American youth and identity.
• Wellington New Zealand Tongan Community (2010). Invited keynote speaker.
Presented on my research on educational achievements of Pacific Islander Americans.
University
• Hawai’i Pacific University, WASC Accreditation Committee (2018-2023).
• Hawai’i Pacific University, Student Advising Taskforce (2020-2023).
• Morgan State University representative on Mid-Atlantic Campus Compact, Taskforce for
Community Engaged Teaching and Scholarship in P&T (2016-2018).
• Morgan State University, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Morgan
State University Accreditation Steering Committee Member (2016-2018). Chaired
Subcommittee on Standard IV on Student Learning Experience.
• ASCEND Internal Committee (2016-2018). Member of Advisory Board for a $23M
NIH grant to develop students of color in health and biomedical research.
• Internal Research Council, Morgan State University (Chaired by VP Dr. Victor
McCrary). Member (2013-2018). Member of Research Strategy sub-committee,
contributed to conceptualization and writing of university’s research framework.
• University Taskforce on Faculty Workload, Morgan State University. Member (2015-
2018). Responsible for assessment of data to generate informed recommendations for
faculty workload to the Provost. 19
• Intellectual Property Committee, Morgan State University. Committee Member (2014-
2018).
• Provost Transition Team (2015), Morgan State University. Member, Strategic Plan
Subcommittee.
• Faculty Senate (2011-2012). George Mason University. Senator, Member of the
Academic Policies Committee of the Senate.
• Hawai’i Student Organization (2010-2012). George Mason University. Founding
Advisor.
• Minority and Diversity Issues Committee, appointed by the Faculty Senate (2008-
2010). George Mason University. Member.
• Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Pacific Institute Board (2002-2003). Board Member.
• Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Tongan Club (2002-2003). Advisor.
• New Mexico State University, Undergraduate Education Committee (2000-2001).
Member.
• New Mexico State University Police Chief’s Advisory Board (2000-2001). Vice Chair.
• New Mexico State University Bridges Program for American Indian students (1999-
2001). Faculty Mentor.
College of Health and Society
• New Vision, Mission, Strategic Plan
• Accreditation and legitimacy, budget and finance, evaluation
• Student Success; Faculty mentorship, promotion and reappointment
• Branding and Visibility: build relationship with community, organizations; emphasis on
core values of Aloha, Pono, Kuleana
• College Advisory Board
• Annual Mahalo Run to all community partners
• Annual Faculty Awards for Teaching, Scholarship, Service Excellence
• Faculty Scholars Initiative
• Annual Retreats, Pau Hana, Semester Zoom, Orientation, Preview Day
• Faculty Promotion and Reappointment Criteria and Processes
• Scholarship and Research on Inter-disciplinary Innovations
• Grow funding, distributed $300,000+ in scholarships
• College Scholarship and Fellowship Directory
• Kuleana Gathering for CHS students for Inter-disciplinary partnership
• Jobs Tank initiative for graduating students and alumni in CHS
School of Social Work
• Faculty Community Engagement, School-wide (2012-2018). Lead. School of Social
Work, Morgan State University.
• Faculty Professional Development, School-wide (2012-2018). Lead. School of Social
Work, Morgan State University.
• Search Committee, Member (2016-2017), selected Director of Admissions and Student
Affairs, Assistant to the Dean, and Budget officer. School of Social Work, Morgan
State University.
• Diversity Committee, Member (2012). Department of Social Work, George Mason
University. 20
• Curriculum Committee, Member (2011-2012), Co-Chair (2007-2009). Department of
Social Work, George Mason University.
• Assessment Committee, Member, Chair (2009-2012). Department of Social Work,
George Mason University.
• Phi Alpha Honor Society, Co-Advisor (2011-2012). Department of Social Work,
George Mason University.
• Diversity Committee, Chair (2009-2011). Department of Social Work, George Mason
University.
• Governance Committee, Member (2009-2010). Department of Social Work, George
Mason University.
• Reaffirmation Team (with Dr. Raskin & Dr. Tompkins), Co-Lead (2008-2009).
Department of Social Work, George Mason University.
• MSW Admissions Committee, Chair (2007-2009). Ex-officio (2009-2012).
Department of Social Work, George Mason University.
• Phi Alpha Honor Society, Faculty Advisor/ Co-Founder (2004). Mu Beta Chapter, San
Francisco State University.
• Social Work Advocates for Visions of Empowerment (SWAVE), Faculty Advisor (2003-
2004). Student association, San Francisco State University, School of Social Work.
• Director’s Advisory Council, Member (2003-2004). San Francisco State University,
School of Social Work.
• Baccalaureate Committee, Chair (2003-2004). San Francisco State University, School of
Social Work.
• Social Work Student Association, Advisor (2002-2003). Brigham Young University-
Hawaii. Co-founder of Ho’okele: Pacific Islander/Asian Caucus in social work.
AWARDS, LICENSES, & TRAININGS
• Morgan State University, 2017 Iva G Jones award for excellence in research, teaching and
service, Recipient.
• Council on Social Work Education, Women’s Council, 2016 Feminist Scholar.
• Hartford Change Agent (2014), selected for inaugural Change AGEnts Conference
convening leaders in Aging, Philadelphia, PA.
• Harvard Institutes of Higher Education & Council on Social Work Education (2014),
completed Management Development Program.
• American Public Health Association, Aging and Public Health Awards (2011), Honorable
Mention Award for Betty J. Cleckley Minority Issues Research Award category, Recipient.
• National Institutes of Health, Translational Research on Health and Health Disparities Course
(2011), Recipient Scholar.
• Council on Social Work Education, Minority Fellowship Program (1995-1998), Recipient.
• University of Utah, Presidential Graduate Fellowship (1995-1998), Recipient.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Council on Social Work Education
National Association of Social Workers
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 21
Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society
EDUCATION
Ph.D. – Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work
University of Utah, School of Social Work, Salt Lake City, Utah
M.Ed. – Master’s in Educational Administration, Higher Education
University of Utah, School of Education, Salt Lake City, Utah
M.S.W. – Master’s in Social Work
University of Hawai’i-Manoa, School of Social Work, Honolulu, Hawai’i
B.S. – Bachelor’s in Business Management
Brigham Young University-Hawai’i La’ie, Hawai’i
Leadership Training
• AGB Institute for Leadership and Governance.
• Harvard Institutes of Higher Education, Management Development Program.
• Hartford Foundation Scholars Program, Leadership training, Teaching Institute,
Communication Institute.
• Okura Mental Health Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program.
Executive Office of the Mayor – Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments
John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20004
Dr. Halaevalu Vakalahi
Dr. Halaevalu Vakalahi is a Pacific Islander-American woman, born in
Tonga and raised in Hawai’i. She is the President and CEO of the Council
on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Prior to joining CSWE, she was Professor and Dean of the College of
Health and Society at Hawai’i Pacific University over the disciplines of
social work, public health, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy,
and physician assistant. Prior to HPU, she was Professor and Associate
Dean of the School of Social Work at Morgan State University, Baltimore
MD; Associate Professor and MSW Program Director at George Mason
University, Fairfax, VA; Lecturer and BSW Coordinator at San Francisco State University, San
Francisco, CA; Assistant Professor and Department Chair at BYU-Hawai’i, La’ie, HI; and
Assistant Professor at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM.
She has served in various professional organizations including the Council on Social Work
Education and National Association of Social Workers as well as in her Pacific Islander
community and in communities in which she has lived and worked. Her areas of teaching include
social policy, human behavior and the social work environment, and organizational leadership.
Her two areas of scholarship are: Pacific Islander culture and community, and Women of Color in
academia, in which she has contributed extensively to the existing literature through peer-reviewed
articles, chapters/references, co-edited/co-authored books, and other communication mediums.
She hopes that her work has acknowledged her deep commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and
inclusion as actions that ultimately impact family and community well- being.
A Ward 2 resident, Dr. Vakalahi earned her Bachelor of S cience in Business Management at
Bringham Young University-Hawai’i, her Master of Social Work at University of Hawai’i-Manoa,
and her Master of Educational Administration and PhD in Social Work from the University of
Utah. GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser
Office of the General Counsel to the Mayor
______________________________________________________________________________
The John A. Wilson Building • 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW • Suite 300 • Washington, D.C. 20004 • Office (202) 724-7681
To: Tomas Talamante, Steve Walker
From: Betsy Cavendish
Date: April 30, 2024
Subject: Legal sufficiency review of Resolutions nominating Sina Uipi, Niranjan Adhikari,
Jennifer Anderson, Jennifer Hara, Karen Kwok, Jeffrey Le, Artisha Naidu,
Anesha Bhat, Halaevalu Vakalahi, Mike Park, Moh Sharma, Martha Watanabe,
and Yilin Zhang as members of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander
Community Development
This is to Certify that this office has reviewed the above-referenced resolutions and
found them to be legally unobjectionable. If you have any questions in this regard, please do not
hesitate to call Erika Satterlee, Deputy General Counsel, Executive Office of the Mayor, at 202-
724-1303, or me at 202-724-7681.
______________________________
Elizabeth A. (Betsy) Cavendish