MICAH ʻĀKAU
Micah ʻĀkau was born and raised on the Hāmākua Coast on the Island of Hawaiʻi. He pursued higher education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, earning a bachelor’s degree in English. Currently, Micah serves as a dedicated Brand Manager at the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA). In this capacity, Micah places utmost importance on preserving and showcasing Hawaiʻi’s rich culture, fostering a sense of community, and ensuring authenticity in every aspect of the organization’s efforts.
Beyond his professional life, Micah is a strong advocate for inclusive spaces that welcome and support LGBTQIA+ and MVPFAFF communities, promoting connection and a sense of belonging for all. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing board games, exploring new and exciting restaurants, and binge-watching Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
FRANCINE BEPPU
Francine has more than 17 years of combined experience in developing new business and growth strategies for international corporations as well as start-ups in the entertainment, media, and technology industries.
After earning a double major in Marketing and International Business at NYU Stern, she began her career at Sony Electronics and was involved in marketing the successful launch of seven luxury consumer electronics products under the exclusive Sony QUALIA line. During her time at Viacom’s MTV Networks, she was part of the team responsible for launching the first LGBT cable network, LOGO, growing viewership from zero to over 30M in the first year.
Currently the Network Strategy Director of Nella Media Group, Francine is passionate about new technologies, out-of-the-box thinking, and creating new channels to enhance the way entertainment is consumed.
Prior to joining NMG, Francine led digital campaign and corporate strategies with KHON2, Hawaii’s FOX and CW Networks. She has also been an e-council member of the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship to Kids (NFTE) program in Los Angeles, and has served on the board of the International Inspirational Women Awards.
DAVID BRUSTEIN
David was born and raised in New York and has always pursued many diverse interests throughout his career. He originally obtained two undergraduate degrees in hotel and restaurant management in New York and Miami and early on he was a Department Head at the world famous Windows on the World on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center.
David went on to obtain his law degree from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles in 1985 and he moved to Hawaii shortly thereafter. After becoming a practicing attorney David again gained diverse experience as a civil litigator in many areas including contracts, insurance matters, estate planning, personal injury and worker’s rights.
Early in his legal carrier David also devoted his pro-bono efforts in the areas of LGBT civil rights including the advancement of various causes of those living with HIV and AIDS. This included serving on the BOD’s of several non-profits including the Governor’s Committee on AIDS and the PWA Coalition. Additionally, David was one of the founding members of the Life Foundation of Hawaii’s legal clinic and he has litigated important questions of law before the Hawaii Supreme Court. Finally, David served as the President of the La Casa Homeowner’s Association for over 12 years.
WILL COLEMAN
Will was born and raised in Georgia, then attended the University of Georgia for his undergraduate and veterinary medical degree which he completed in 1999. He practiced emergency veterinary medicine for a decade in Colorado before moving to Hawaii with his husband, Chris, in 2009.
Here in Honolulu, Will opened Hawaii’s first 24-hour veterinary emergency and specialty hospital, Veterinary Emergency + Referral Center of Hawaii. In his free time, Will enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, and spending time with his husband and friends.
TIM “TJ” JONES
Tim “TJ” Jones is a native of Southern Illinois where he obtained his undergraduate degree in mass media and telecommunications with a minor in music. Tim always knew he would find his way to Hawaii after spending time with his college roommate from Oahu who shared many cultural stories about our beautiful islands.
Upon graduating in 1988, Tim moved to San Francisco and began his career in the legal industry while attending graduate school, and then moved into professional services at Deloitte, where he created and led the company’s first Diversity and Inclusion Council.
Currently, TJ spends his time as an independent consultant and senior business advisor to his personal clients. He also recently opened a food trailer in Waikīkī across from the LGBTQ+ bar Bacchus!
Tim’s volunteer work includes being the Chairperson for the American Heart Association and as the Interim-CEO of the San Francisco Aids Foundation. His time on the HLLF Board since 2019 was very rewarding as Secretary and Honolulu Pride Committee member! He’s an avid outdoor adventurer who also loves traveling and spending time with friends and family.
TATIANA KALANI’ŌPUA YOUNG
Dr. Tatiana Kalaniʻōpua Young (Tati) is a Kanaka ‘Ōiwi Maoli (Native Hawaiian), māhū+ (queer/transgender) healer, scholar-activist, university lecturer, social worker and community organizer.
Tati is the first known Native Hawaiian trans woman to complete a doctorate. Her dissertation, Constellations of Rebellion: Home, Makeshift Economies and Queer Indigeneity (2019) is based on three years of ethnographic fieldwork.
With over 20 years of organizing for Queer folk, Tati believes in centralizing and empowering marginalized LGBTQIA voices in academia and in the community. When she gets time to herself, Tati loves to chef up ono healthy grinds, walk around Honolulu, and randomly dance to anything with a beat. She currently teaches courses at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and works full time as an outreach case manager.
An Ōlelo No’eau or Hawaiian proverb that really sings to her heart is “Ma ka hana ka ike” or “In doing one learns.”
SCOTT D. LARIMER
Scott is a native of Illinois having lived in Champaign until moving to Hawai’i in 2008. It took nearly 15 years of vacation before the ultimate decision to call Hawai’i home.
A graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelors of Arts in Landscape Architecture, Scott’s career has been a mixture of Landscape Architecture, Commercial/Retail/Industrial Development and now Residential Real Estate. As an agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeService Hawaii Realty, Scott serves clients across the island of Oahu.
Community volunteering has always played a role in Scott’s life dating back to his years in Champaign. Upon moving to Hawai’i Scott soon became involved with Equality Hawai’i, serving as Co-Chair, volunteering as an usher for Diamond Head Theatre and becoming a founding member of the Hawaii Business Alliance Networking Group.
DAVID McEWAN
Dr. McEwan began his practice of Family Medicine in Hawaii in 1977, and in the spirit of Saint Damien, he has a long standing commitment to “Creating Change” in Hawaii Nei. He is a co-founder of the Life Foundation, Community Consortium of AIDS Physicians of Hawaii, Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation, and Aikane Investments.
Dr. McEwan also assisted in the creation of Names Project Hawaii, and the Gregory House, now operating as Gregory House Programs. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Susan G. Komen Foundation, Hawaii Equal Rights Marriage Project, Civil Unions-Civil Rights, Protect Our Constitution and the Marriage Project Hawaii, and was on the Advisory Council for Equality Hawaii.
Dr. McEwan has served on numerous city, state, and community health committees, and in 1991 was awarded the ACLU Allan Saunders Award for Civil Liberties. He has been listed in the Best Doctors of Hawaii in Honolulu Magazine numerous times over the past 38 years. He was also on the BOD of Hawaii Public Television, and was a Medical Consultant to multiple TV shows (Magnum P.I., Jake & The Fat Man, Lost, Hawaii 5-0) and many movies (Pearl Harbor, etc.) working on scripts, on the sets, in front and behind the camera and providing personal medical care to all on the set and in his private office.
Dr. McEwan has a Charitable Fund at Hawaii Community Foundation. He retired in 2015, and was appointed by Hawaii Gov. Ige to the “Judicial Selection Commission” for April 2, 2021 to April 1, 2027.
JAMES “JIM” MILLER
Jim was born and raised along the Gulf Coast of Texas before he joined the Navy in 1985.
He served on the USS Darter (SS 576) in Sasebo, Japan, USS Haddock (SSN 621) in San Diego, California, USS Tautog (SSN 639) and USS Olympia (SSN 717) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was the Chief of the Boat (COB) of the USS Pasedena (SSN 752) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the USS OHIO (SSGN 726) in Bangor, Washington, and Command Master Chief (CMC) for Naval Submarine Support Command in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Through his 30 year career Jim has lead, trained, and mentored hundreds of sailors from all parts of our great nation. Since his recent retirement he has dedicated his time to giving back to the community.
BLAKE OSHIRO
Blake Oshiro is Executive Vice President – Public Policy at Capitol Consultants of Hawaii where he focuses on state and local government relations, business development opportunities, and political and campaign advising.
From 2011 – 2014 he was Deputy Chief of Staff for Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie, during which time he was instrumental in helping pass Hawaii’s civil unions and marriage equality laws.
Blake was a member of the Hawaii State House of Representatives from 2000-2011 and an attorney with Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing from 2005-2011.