Junior Achievement of Hawaiʻi names Burgandie Onekea president and CEO

Junior Achievement of Hawaiʻi has named Burgandie Onekea as its next president and CEO effective Nov. 1, 2026. Born and raised on O‘ahu, Onekea brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the position, in which she will lead the organization’s statewide strategy, partnerships, fundraising, programming and growth.

Onekea most recently served as chief regional officer for Junior Achievement of Southern California and executive director of Junior Achievement of Orange County and Inland Empire, providing executive leadership across Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Kern counties. There, she helped stabilize and grow regional operations, revenue, staff capacity, board leadership and community partnerships.

During her tenure, annual student experiences in Orange County grew more than sevenfold, and the region’s operating budget more than doubled. She also helped expand Junior Achievement’s presence into the Inland Empire, strengthen its boards and team, open a dedicated Inland Empire office, and broaden experiential learning opportunities for students.

“I am honored to return home and serve the young people and communities that helped shape me,” Onekea said. “Hawaiʻi taught me the meaning of ʻohana, hard work, service and aloha. I’ve spent my career bringing people together around a shared purpose and building the relationships, teams and resources that help organizations reach more people. I’m excited to bring that experience home and work alongside the Junior Achievement of Hawaiʻi ʻohana.”

Prior to joining Junior Achievement, Onekea served in nonprofit leadership roles in Hawai‘i as executive director of the American Cancer Society and director of development for the March of Dimes. She also held key roles as vice president of development for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and executive director of the Pacific Region for the Arthritis Foundation.

“Burgandie brings a strong record of growing Junior Achievement’s reach and capacity, along with deep nonprofit leadership experience and a personal connection to Hawaiʻi,” said Nathan Kam, board chair of Junior Achievement of Hawaiʻi. “She’s the right person for the job at a critical time of evolution and renewed focus for our organization. We’re excited to welcome her to the team and support her as she continues to build on Junior Achievement’s positive impact on students across the state.”

Junior Achievement helps young people connect what they learn in school to the decisions and opportunities they will encounter in their personal and professional lives. Through experiential learning in financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship, the program gives students opportunities to practice real-world skills, explore future pathways, and see how their learning in school applies beyond the classroom.

“One of my strongest beliefs is that Junior Achievement can be a solution provider and a trusted partner to schools, educators and community organizations,” Onekea added. “Our experiential learning programs connect what students are doing in the classroom with real decisions about money, careers and entrepreneurship. When learning is practical, engaging and aligned with state and national standards, students can apply their knowledge and begin to see possibilities for their futures. We can help educators advance their goals while giving students experiences that build confidence, skills and a stronger sense of what they can achieve.”

Junior Achievement helps young people connect what they learn in school to the decisions and opportunities they will encounter in their personal and professional lives. Through experiential learning in financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship, the program gives students opportunities to practice real-world skills, explore future pathways, and see how their learning in school applies beyond the classroom.

“One of my strongest beliefs is that Junior Achievement can be a solution provider and a trusted partner to schools, educators and community organizations,” Onekea added. “Our experiential learning programs connect what students are doing in the classroom with real decisions about money, careers and entrepreneurship. When learning is practical, engaging and aligned with state and national standards, students can apply their knowledge and begin to see possibilities for their futures. We can help educators advance their goals while giving students experiences that build confidence, skills and a stronger sense of what they can achieve.”