Piʻikū means  “transpiration”–

the process by which water that has been absorbed through a plant, nourishes its leaves, and evaporates, rising into the air and returning into the water cycle.

the process by which water that has been absorbed through a plant, nourishes its leaves, and evaporates, rising into the air and returning into the water cycle.

It also means to climb or ascend.

We take our cues from our home, Hawaiʻi, and its ʻike to build regenerative systems that not only help our participants ascend to new heights and go off to new opportunities, but also contribute back to the local technology ecosystem, like rain nourishing new growth.

We take our cues from our home, Hawaiʻi, and its ʻike to build regenerative systems that not only help our participants ascend to new heights and go off to new opportunities, but also contribute back to the local technology ecosystem, like rain nourishing new growth.

Our History

How we do it the Pi’ikū way

The Internship

We match emerging tech talent with experienced mentors to work on projects for exciting local companies.

  • Part-time, paid work

  • Cross-functional teams

  • High-touch, experienced mentors

  • Real-world, high-impact projects

  • Networking with fellow up-and-coming talent and industry leaders

Community Building

We take pride in creating a warm community to support our participants through every step of their career journey.

We host ongoing in-person and online events for our community of mentors, alumni, participants, and supporters, so we all continue to learn and grow together.

  • Speaker sessions

  • Partnerships with local events

  • Community building events

Career Support

We know once the internship ends, the job search begins. Our number one goal is getting local folks into tech careers and that means supporting every step of the job search.

  • Weekly post-program series for job search & career prep

  • Connecting employers with the right alumni to fit their needs.

We’re committed to getting our people jobs that utilize their talents and keep them home.

Our legacy

32

Alumni

11

mentors

21

companies

11+

thought partners

And Co. isn’t short for “company.”

It’s the beginning of all our favorite words - collaborate, cooperate, community, and more. It’s an invitation to create with us.

To build something new, exciting, and bigger than all of us.

It’s the beginning of all our favorite words - collaborate, cooperate, community, and more. It’s an invitation to create with us.

To build something new, exciting, and bigger than all of us.

  • co-create • co-exist • community • co-invent • cooperate • congregate • co-design • conspire • co-create • co-exist • community • co-invent • cooperate • congregate • co-design • conspire •

Our values

Embody Aloha

We strive to create generous spaces where everyone is welcome.

Embrace Curiosity

Remember the wonder of the world and possibilities in design.

Be Brave

We strive to have courage to engage in productive discomfort during areas of disagreement or uncertainty.

The people behind the scenes

The core team

Carlo Liquido

Executive Director

Kim Davidson

Chief Operating Officer

May Sermonia

Program Director

Hana Nakano

Marketing & Community Director

Our Board members

Our Board members

Board President

Marissa Rowell

Director of Marketing @ ʻŌlelo Programming

Secretary

People & Talent ( Formerly Talent at Render, Notion, Lyft and GitHub)

Treasurer

Sara La Torre

GTM Leader | Engineer | Advisor | Investor

Board Member

Ipo Wright

Digital Employee Experience Specialist @ Alaska Airlines

Our advisors

Our advisors

Judd Antin

Consultant

Rana Kaanan

Chief Product Officer | Advisor | Founder

blain Kahoonei

Native Hawaiian Entrepreneur | Investor | Philanthropist

Allen Murabayashi

Entrepreneur

In the news

Ready to join?

Apply now for our cross functional internship starting in March 2025

Ready to join?

Apply now for our cross functional internship starting in March 2025

Ready to join?

Apply now for our cross functional internship starting in March 2025

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Piʻikū Co. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in the State of Hawaiʻi.

Subscribe for updates

Be the first to hear about upcoming cohorts, community events, opportunities to get involved, and more.
Follow us on

Piʻikū Co. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in the State of Hawaiʻi.

Subscribe for updates

Be the first to hear about upcoming cohorts, community events, opportunities to get involved, and more.
Follow us on

Piʻikū Co. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in the State of Hawaiʻi.