Our Story

Who we are

FoundHer was created by women for women and provides research-tested resources critical to the success of an early-stage wāhine-led business.

Mission

Our program drives a regenerative economy by empowering Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Asian American wahine entrepreneurs. Grounded in local Hawai'i values and addressing gender and ethnic barriers, we create pathways for lasting community impact through wahine leadership.

Vision

FoundHer empowers culturally driven, ethically conscious, women-led businesses, and serves as a model for Indigenous-serving groups across the world.

Founding Principles

  • Investing in women’s education and funding women-owned companies is good for the economy and good for everyone.
  • Women should be able to access funding at the same rates as men and feel empowered to ask for more!
  • Having kids should not be a barrier to entry in entrepreneurship.
  • Cultural grounding is a precursor to entrepreneurial success.
  • Women deserve to take up space at the table.
  • Exits are not the primary indicator of a startup’s success.

Our Team

Darien Siguenza

Program Director

Keanu Wilson

Program Operations Manager

Jess Manapul

Community Program Manager

Operating Partner

The Purple Mai'a Foundation is on a mission to educate and empower the next generation of culturally grounded, community serving technology makers and problem solvers.

Donors/ Sponsors