Sophia Bowart
President/Treasurer

Sophia has been on our board since 2016. She runs and operates her own non-profit farm organization in North Kohala and provides invaluable knowledge on financials and operations. Her passion for agriculture and sustainable agroforesty have led to innovative programs and partnerships around the world.

Madeline Sofranac
Member

Madeline has been volunteering in Mālaʻai garden since 2013 and joined the board in 2018. She is a Licensed Physical Therapist and has been practicing in Waimea for over 8 years. Madeline contributes her love for the community, local agriculture and healthy movement to the success of our organization.

Wendy Baker
Secretary

Wendy teaches high school history and gardening at Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts and Science Public Charter School in Pahoa, and she joined our board in 2021 as an advocate for teachers and educators across our island. Wendy is an experienced teacher and has been involved with the Hawaiʻi Island School Garden Network since 2010. She brings foundational knowledge on education and the school system in Hawaiʻi, allowing us to better serve our network partners.

Derrick Kiyabu
Member

Healohamele Genovia
Member

Healohamele joined our board in August 2021, and shares, “I am a reflection of my environment. Rooted in the moku of Hāmākua and Kohala. Wai and ʻāina continue to create opportunities for connection and an understanding of the depth and importance of reciprocal energy. 

I am a product of my kaiaulu. A village of diverse individuals have raised me - silently and fiercely. Nurturing my bowl of light, teaching me to lele into the magic of the unknown, and allowing me to kindle my fire in the darkness. 

ʻO Doug Genovia ke kāne. 

ʻO Sasha Lim ka wahine. 

Noho pū lāua a hānau ʻia ʻo Healohamele Genovia. 

ʻO wau nō ʻo Healohamele Genovia. 

I am a wahine, daughter, sister, aunty, friend, and devoted mother. I am a hula dancer, cultivator, dream manifestor and lifelong learner. I am in awe of this journey, and full of gratitude to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors - ma ke ala mēheuheu o nā kūpuna.”

Marilyn Fitzgerald

Marilyn started as a volunteer in 2017 and shortly after joined the board of directors. In 2021 she stepped off the board and is still actively involved as an ally and our fundraising guru. She received her BS in Agriculture and Horticulture, and has had a lifelong passion for fitness and health. Marilyn is currently an independent fitness professional and has been teaching group classes for over 23 years. Her favorite activity is teaching students during cooking classes in the garden.

Melanie Holt

Melanie Holt was born and raised in Hawaii and has experience in organic farming and business development. She is an involved contributor to the Waimea Community, including organizing meal pick-ups and food deliveries, and served on the Mālaʻai board from 2016-2022.