PRODUCER

Alia Wong is an award-winning journalist who serves as education collaborations editor at the Associated Press.

Alia previously covered inequities in education for USA TODAY. Before that, she worked as a staff writer and associate editor at The Atlantic, where she developed its education section. Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Alia began her journalism career as a reporter at Honolulu Civil Beat.

Alia graduated summa cum laude from Boston University in May 2012 with degrees in journalism and Latin American studies. She attended BU as a Martin Luther King Jr. scholar.

PRODUCER

Kananiokekai is a Kānaka Maoli woman with a deep connection to culture and nature, shaped by the rich traditions and values of her heritage. With a bachelor's degree in Animal Ecology and a career as a dive instructor on the Great Barrier Reef, she is committed to sharing knowledge of the natural world and her cultural roots.

Her goal is to educate others about the significance of Hawaiian culture and environmental conservation, fostering a deeper respect for the planet and its inhabitants.

PRODUCER

Hokupa’a Melim is a multimedia artist and photographer from Makakilo, O’ahu. His work focuses on the people that call Hawai’i home and explores the relationships between people, land, and art.

Hokupa’a is inspired by the ever changing landscape of Hawai’i, of its waters, songs, and colors. Hokupa’a envisions a future where Hawai’i is the creative hub of the Pacific, led by Hawaiians, creating a network of artists that venture into the night led by the stars yet always returning home. 

DIRECTOR | PRODUCER

Anabella Funk is a documentary film director from Austin, Texas.

Anabella received the student filmmaker award at the 2008 Wild and Scenic Film Festival. She went on to work for the Hangzhou International Documentary Film Festival. Her film, “Apartment 308” received the 2020 social justice award at the Florence Film Awards and she received the 2020 Educate Her Award at the ConnectHer Film Festival.

Anabella graduated from the London School of Journalism. Her film series on wildfire preparedness in Northern California received the 2025 CAPIO Award.