Paʻakai Communications Core Team
Christine Matsuda
Principal
Christine Matsuda finds joy in doing work that advances the interests of our community here in Hawaiʻi, from working to spark transformation for Maunakea astronomy, providing media relations in support of Hōkūleʻa’s Worldwide Voyage, to public health campaigns in response to the pandemic. A decade of experience in issues management, crisis communications, community engagement, and public relations continues to prove that the more challenging the issue, the more complex the misunderstandings probably are between the people involved. Christine has learned that listening, building commonality, and storytelling with authenticity are cornerstones of how we can advance as a community, together.
Christine was raised in Kaimuki on the island of Oʻahu in the shade of mango trees and under the watchful eyes of exacting aunties. After attending Punahou School, Christine studied comparative literature and dove into the impact of news media on society during her time at the University of Southern California. Christine is privileged to spend time in Nuʻuanu, Kaʻaʻawa, Hilo, and Waimea for both family ties and professional collaborations. She can usually be found with her rascal sons in tow for the adventures around every corner.
Diana Hahn
Creative Director
Diana Hahn is a writer, UX strategist, and communications professional with fifteen years of experience in tech and wellness startups. She is a seasoned storyteller, project and operations manager, and former executive who has built her career on doing work that makes a direct and meaningful impact in the world locally and at large.
She is currently based in Waimea on Hawai'i Island, with roots in Mānoa on Oʻahu. Diana’s skills include copywriting, content creation, website development, brand and voice development/management, project management, communications, product development, operations, and executive management. Diana’s broad experience and knowledge base allow her to speak to and balance the needs, priorities, and expectations of multiple stakeholders.
Aerinne Morisoli
Operations Lead
Aerinne Morisoli, Paʻakai Communications Operations Lead, specializes in optimizing operational capacity while delivering exceptional customer service through timely deliverables and responsive guidance. With a strategic mindset and meticulous attention to detail, Aerinne collaborates closely with clients to understand their distinct needs, objectives, and challenges. Her commitment to efficiency is evident, ensuring punctual execution on projects so clients can seize opportunities as they arise.
Aerinne was born and raised in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Her small-town roots are entrenched in her, but her yearning for something more grew after studying abroad. Aerinne eventually moved to Kailua, HI where she and her husband have grown their family and laid down their own roots.
Communications Consultant and Digital Strategist
Emma Knight Markrich
Emma is a versatile communications strategist specializing in social media content strategy and media relations. She’s worked with in-house communications teams of multinational companies, federal government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, global PR agencies, boutique communications firms, and nonprofits. Emma is passionate about harnessing the power of communications to educate and empower communities so they can make well-informed decisions. Her work has taken her around the world, including Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Washington, D.C., and she currently lives on O'ahu. Emma is a graduate of the University of Amsterdam and American University.
Olivia Cropper
Communications Specialist
Olivia is passionate about delivering messages that strengthen and support communities. Her background in communications, environmental science, and renewable energy allows her to bridge the gap between science and community by creating messaging that is engaging while maintaining its integrity. Creating this balance requires a deep understanding of stakeholders and a holistic approach that addresses the big picture and each individual element. Her skills include content creation, website construction, and copywriting.
Jamila Silver, Ph.D.
Policy & Education Specialist
Jamila believes that our best work, whether in our schools or in our community, is done together. She received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from New York University, and currently is a lecturer in the Education Administration Department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Previously, she consulted with the New York City Department of Education, served as an intern in the Office of the First Lady Michelle Obama, and lived in Brazil as a Fulbright Scholar. As a researcher, gardener, and mother, she finds great joy in doing all three outside from mauka to makai.
Trinity Asing
Communications Specialist
Trinity is a Native Hawaiian born and raised in Kailua, Oʻahu. A proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a degree in Marketing, Trinity carries a deep love for her culture and a strong commitment to weaving the knowledge of her ancestors into every aspect of her work. Her passion for community, ʻāina, and culture is reflected in her experience supporting nonprofits, cultural organizations, and sustainability-focused businesses across Hawaiʻi. With a background in marketing, event production, and community engagement, Trinity brings a grounded and people-centered approach to communications, always striving to uplift local voices and create meaningful impact.
Pearl Tulay
Environmental Communications Fellow (Fall 2025)
Pearl Tulay brings a creative approach to interweaving community engagement and environmental action. With a background in environmental writing and earth science, she is drawn to big-picture thinking that makes direct, local-scale environmental impact. She has worked in sustainability communications at the university and local government scale. With skills including website creation, social media content, and journalistic writing, she is passionate about translating science and sustainability data into meaningful, accessible content.
She focuses on building relationships to center community voices and stories, and enjoys working on a local scale. Originally raised in rural Massachusetts, she has worked and studied in Vermont and Aotearoa New Zealand with a focus on community-based natural resource management and higher education. Pearl is now based in Waimea, and is happy to be back among farm fields and hills, albeit with less snow.
Collaborators
We are honored to have long-term working relationships with these creatives & content specialists.
Join our team.
Paʻakai is growing! Our ideal team members are reliable, professional, kind, and inspired to make an impact; with a healthy sense of humor about life, the world, and themselves.
We are looking to collaborate with folks who are rooted and invested in Hawaiʻi. If you have solid experience working at the intersection of communications and community, we might be your people.