Meet Our Team
We have an amazing team producing the PILALI podcast that is brought to you by Funder Hui. PILALI tells stories of resilience and possibility, focusing on the people and partnerships creating pathways to real and enduring change.
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HOST + EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Ashley Lukens, PhD is a philanthropic leader and strategist dedicated to moving capital toward equity, resilience, and community-led solutions in Hawaiʻi. She is the founder and Director of Funder Hui, a statewide network advancing collaborative and trust-based philanthropy, and serves as Executive Director of the Hoʻiwai Fund and the Frost Family Foundation. Across these roles, Ashley designs and leads innovative grantmaking and funder collaborations that have moved millions of dollars to grassroots, women-led, and Indigenous-led organizations. She holds a PhD from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Ashley Lukens
HOST
Wren leads the development of renewable energy projects in Hawaii for Longroad Energy, and owns two commercial landscaping companies, Sea of Green and Kahuhipa Land Management. Wren was Co-founder and Executive Director of College Connections Hawai’i, a statewide educational nonprofit that prepared local students for college through tutoring and counseling and SAT prep classes. He also started Hawaii’s first bicycle messenger company, Mokes on Spokes. Wren has been an Omidyar Fellow, Pacific Century Fellow, and a commissioner on the Hawaiian Homes Commission. He wants to be a writer when he grows up, and posts humorous essays on the Substack channel “Ignorant Bliss.”
Wren Westcoatt
AUDIO & VISUAL ENGINEER
Depending on who’s talking, Walker Lukens is “mad Texan genius” (Texas Monthly), “a non-sexually threatening version of Prince” (Austin Chronicle), and “a rhythmic sound effect master” (All Songs Considered). So does that make him pop? Rock? “Who cares!” says NPR of the Austin-based singer, songwriter, and producer. “Walker Lukens is loyal to only one category: excellence.” Walker has released eight full length records under his own name, and a whole lot more for other people.
Walker Lukens
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Julia Ranney is a communications strategist and podcast producer with experience working at the intersection of climate, food systems, and public-interest advocacy. Her background includes five years at the Center for Food Safety, where they helped build the organization’s communications program and supported research and advocacy on food policy, environmental regulation, and public health. They later joined Powerhouse Ventures, a clean tech venture firm, where they produce the Watt It Takes podcast, featuring founders building the technologies shaping the future of energy. Across their work, they have organized and hosted conversations with leading thinkers and policymakers including former U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and food systems leaders such as Vandana Shiva. Their work focuses on helping translate complex issues into thoughtful conversations, storytelling, and public dialogue.
Julia Ranney
VIDEOGRAPHERS
Wakeful State (Cori and Tristan) is a Honolulu-based video production company that specializes in working with forward-thinking businesses, non-profit organizations, and startups. Wakeful State serves all of the Hawaiian islands.
Wakeful State
CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Anna is a digital storyteller and creative rooted in Hawaiʻi. She crafts narratives that honor people and place, while helping mission-driven projects communicate with clarity and care.
Anna Camacho
OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE
Nikki is an Operations and Programs Assistant specializing in creative digital communication and content development for diverse projects. With a strong foundation in the food and beverage industry, she brings expertise in event operations, catering logistics, and skilled social media management.