University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 alumna Noe Sagapolutele is making a meaningful impact on mental health in Hawaiʻi through the , a network of local private practicing therapists focused on culturally rooted and community-based care.
Sagapolutele’s journey began at 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 during her internship at Kalihi-Palama Health Center, where she witnessed both the struggles and strengths of mental health support in local communities. That experience shaped her mission to bring accessible, relatable mental health support to the people of Hawai‘i.
“One of my founding ʻōlelo noʻeau (proverb) is ‘aʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia,’ which means no task is too big when shared together,” Sagapolutele said. “The more we hui (unite) together, the greater the impact.”
Mental Health Awareness Month
As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end in May, Sagapolutele’s Waʻa Collective aims to break long-standing stigma around mental health in Hawaiʻi, especially in situations where people are often taught to stay silent about personal struggles.
“Most of us were groomed not to share our problems or be a burden,” Sagapolutele said. “But mental health conversations need to happen year-round, not just during Mental Health Awareness Month.”
She also emphasized the importance of visibility and representation in mental health services.
“How do you know you can be a doctor unless you’ve seen a doctor who looks like you?” Sagapolutele said.