Matthew Johnson | Executive Director
Pacific Gateway Center, a nonprofit founded in 1973 to serve immigrants, refugees, and other low-income residents, announced today that Matthew Johnson has been appointed its new Executive Director, effective February 1st, 2024.
Johnson’s diverse career has been dedicated to non-profit and business development, entrepreneurship and agriculture. Gregory Pai, the Pacific Gateway Center Board President, said Johnson’s background prepares him well for a social service organization that continues to grow to better serve the community.
“Matt earned his Bachelors’ degree in business administration from Villanova University in Pennsylvania in 2002 and joined the Peace Corp to work in the Philippines. He moved to Hawaii in 2006 to work in the non-profit sector supporting the local agriculture and conservation industries. In 2009 he co-founded Oahu Fresh, a farm to home delivery service and in 2015, he co-founded Oahu Food Hub, a co-working space for local food businesses. “We couldn’t be more excited to have Matt come aboard at this time of significant growth for PGC” said Pai.
“Being tasked with leading Pacific Gateway Center is a great honor,” said Johnson. Combining my economic development experience with supporting the legal and social immigrant services that PGC has been providing since its existence over 50 years ago is an exciting opportunity. I hope to provide the leadership in all these areas to help our community thrive for the next 50 years. PGC is rooted in serving the immigrant and underserved communities and I look forward to continuing its leadership in these core areas” said Johnson.
Hao Nguyen, Ph.D. | Deputy Director of Development
Dr. Nguyen brings over 25 years of experience designing, implementing, and directing programs that address the critical challenges faced by low-income residents and other socially, economically, and politically disadvantaged communities. With expertise in community planning, urban development, and issues of sustainability and livability, Dr. Nguyen has contributed significantly to creating more equitable and resilient communities.
He earned his doctorate from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. Born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dr. Nguyen has firsthand experience as an immigrant, which deeply informs his commitment to the mission and values of the Pacific Gateway Center.
Maria Rallojay | Deputy Director of Social Services
Maria's dedication to community work stems from her experience as a first-generation immigrant. With a B.A. in Political Science and Ethnic Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, she has gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by subaltern communities. She has worked at all levels of government and various nonprofits advocating for immigrant and migrant communities, from driving legislative campaigns to direct legal and administrative work. As the Deputy Director of Social Services, Maria will focus on empowering immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations to achieve self-sufficiency. She will oversee the administration of various programs designed to provide direct support to the community and make sure that individuals have access to vital resources and assistance.
Ethan Higa | Deputy Director of Immigration Legal Services
Ethan Higa previously worked as the Post J.D. Law Fellow at the Refugee & Immigration Law Clinic at the William S. Richardson School of Law, where he advocates for the rights of refugees and migrants. He is dedicated to providing legal assistance and amplifying the voices of vulnerable populations. Higa completed his law degree at the University of Hawai'i where he developed a strong commitment to social justice and humanitarian work. His professional background reflects a passion for immigration law, aiming to create impactful change within communities. In his spare time, he enjoys engaging with various cultural issues, further enriching his advocacy efforts.
Terrina Wong | Immigration Legal Accredited Representative
DOJ Accredited Representative at the Pacific Gateway Center and former Deputy Director, has dedicated 14 years to empowering immigrants, refugees, and low-income Hawaiʻi residents. She assists with vital immigration processes, serving thousands in family reunification, citizenship, DACA, and asylum and oversees federal programs aiding refugees and trafficking victims.
Nicole Cacal | Deputy Director of Social Enterprise Programs
Nicole is a highly regarded leader in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and innovation. As the Deputy Director of Social Enterprise Programs at the Pacific Gateway Center — a nonprofit supporting immigrants and refugees in agriculture and food entrepreneurship — she oversees the revenue-generating divisions such as the Culinary Business Incubator, Hawaii Language Bank, Kunia Farm, and Social Enterprise Program. Previously, she was the Founder and CEO of Forbes Ignite, a consultancy advising global companies like American Express, Salesforce, Accenture, and Colgate on innovating at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social impact. Committed to making innovation strategies accessible to all, Nicole also serves as a strategic advisor to small businesses in Hawaii, aiming to demystify the complexities of digital technology.
An accomplished educator and speaker, Nicole is a lecturer at the Parsons School of Design and a visiting professor at the Pratt Institute, where she teaches courses on social innovation and strategic technology. She also serves as a Virtual Professional-in-Residence at the University of Hawaii’s Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE). As a keynote and TEDx speaker, she addresses topics like reciprocal mentorship. Nicole holds a BBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Hawaii, an MSc in Strategic Design and Management from the Parsons School of Design, and an MSc in Technology Management from Columbia University.
Kara Teng | Managing Attorney of the Unaccompanied Children Project
Kara graduated with a B.A. from UH Manoa ('12) and a J.D. from Richardson School of Law ('17), where she externed for the Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center. After law school, Kara clerked for Judge Rhonda I.L. Loo and the San Francisco Immigration Court, where she advised immigration judges on complicated applications for asylum and other relief. She has worked as an immigration staff attorney at The Legal Clinic, the Refugee & Immigration Law Clinic at Richardson School of Law, and Speak Out & Up Law, LLC, where she represented both children and adults before the Honolulu Immigration Court, USCIS, and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Emma Bell |
Immigration Program Administrator
Born and raised in Florida, Emma moved to Hawaiʻi to explore her Kanaka ʻŌiwi identity and reconnect with her culture and community. With a B.A. in Ethnic Studies from the University of Hawaii Mānoa, she gained deep knowledge about the different ethnic and cultural groups in H
awaiʻi and their experiences here. After discovering her passion to help and empower vulnerable populations, Emma joined PGC as an immigration specialist to directly assist clients with immigration legal services. In her current role as Immigration Program Administrator, Emma supports the Immigration Services team, ensuring that they are able to best serve Hawaiʻi's immigrants and refugees.
Than Htut Aye | Senior Case Manager
Originally from Myanmar (Burma), Than Htut Aye—fondly known as "Mr. Than"—has been a dedicated member of the Pacific Gateway Center since 2004. A trained dentist, he graduated from Yangon Dental University and served on its faculty for nine years. In 2006, he completed a Master’s degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. His career also includes work as a State Staff Dentist in the Federated States of Micronesia during the 1990s.
After relocating to Hawaii in 2004 to join his children, who had moved to the U.S. for their education, Mr. Than began his journey with PGC as a bilingual Case Manager. Over the years, he has managed the Refugee Resettlement Program, Matching Grant Program, and Trafficking Victim Assistance Program, supporting refugees and survivors of human trafficking from around the world in rebuilding their lives in Hawaii with dignity and respect.
Mr. Than is fluent in both English and Burmese, and he brings his cultural and linguistic expertise to his work with PGC’s clients. Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys public speaking, cooking, and farming.
Bonarath Bory | Social Entrepreneurship Specialist & Farm Manager
Bonarath Bory, known as Bo, serves as Pacific Gateway Center’s Social Entrepreneurship Specialist and Farm Manager. Born in Cambodia, Bo and his family fled the country’s genocide when he was young, giving him a profound understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant refugees. Through resilience and hard work, his family established a small food business, lifting themselves out of poverty. This experience has deepened Bo’s empathy and commitment to supporting PGC’s immigrant farmers and small business owners.
With a BA in Cultural Anthropology and a strong commitment to service, Bo brings a unique perspective and valuable life experience to his work with PGC’s Social Entrepreneurship Program (SEP). As Farm Manager of PGC’s 176-acre farm, Bo oversees a wide range of responsibilities, including maintaining common areas, managing irrigation and pest control, coordinating staff, vetting new farmers, resolving tenant issues, and ensuring effective land access.
In his role as a Social Entrepreneurship Specialist, Bo collaborates with PGC’s partner agencies to support 40 socially disadvantaged farmers, not only in agricultural production and business development but also through critical wraparound services. These include access to healthcare, mental health support, housing assistance, and immigration legal services. Bo’s dedication makes him an invaluable asset to PGC’s mission of fostering self-sufficiency and opportunity for Hawaii’s immigrant and refugee communities.
Avemaia I. A’asa, Jr. | Culinary Business Incubator (CBI) Program Manager
A dedicated staff member of the Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) team, Avemaia (known as Ave) was born and raised in American Samoa and moved to the U.S. in 2000 to further his education, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Information Technology. In 2001, he began his journey with PGC as an intern, teaching computer skills. His transition to the role of CBI Program Coordinator happened naturally, as he often assisted the CBI team by giving tours of the kitchen facility and supporting program activities. In 2009, he officially took on the leadership of the CBI program.
Outside of work, Ave is active in his community, volunteering with Kaukau Wagon and Meals on Wheels. He also enjoys photography and video editing in his free time. Fluent in both Samoan and English, Ave brings cultural and linguistic strengths to his work, enriching the PGC community.
Carmencita P. Centeno | Accounting Manager
Carmencita brings both extensive experience and a commitment to service in her role at Pacific Gateway Center. Born and raised in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, she moved to Hawaii in 1980. Guided by the Jaycee creed, “And that service to humanity is the best work of life,” Carmencita has served her community as President of Kauai Fil-Am Jaycees and District Director of JCI Hawaii (formerly Hawaii Jaycees).
As Accounting Manager, Carmencita oversees essential financial operations, including budget management, grant reporting, and financial compliance to ensure the fiscal health of PGC and its programs. She previously worked as an Assistant Controller for The Garden Island Newspaper in Lihue, Kauai, and has also served as a Board Member for the Kauai Filipino Community Council. Fluent in Ilokano, Tagalog, and English, she brings cultural insight and a passion for community service to her role, supporting PGC’s mission to uplift Hawaii’s immigrant and underserved populations.
Jianelle Mae M. Sacolles | Accounting Associate
Jianelle is an Accounting Associate II at Pacific Gateway Center, where she contributes to the organization’s mission of empowering underserved communities. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Far Eastern University-Makati in the Philippines, she combines technical expertise with a personal understanding of the immigrant experience, having grown up as a child of immigrants.
In her role, Jianelle manages invoicing, payment processing, and grant reimbursement reports, ensuring accurate financial records through QuickBooks and handling weekly bank deposits. Fluent in Ilocano, Tagalog, and English, she connects easily with Pacific Gateway Center’s diverse community and is a valuable asset to the team.
Carmen Lee | Hawaii Language Bank Manager/Program Coordinator, Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center
As the Program Coordinator at Na Kupuna Makamae Center, Carmen enjoys working with kupuna (seniors), coordinating the free food distribution on Saturdays, and sharing with the community at large stories about NKMC and its history. For both school and work, Carmen has lived in various different places around the world. During her free time, she loves to create art, explore the island, and travel the world.
Carmen’s native language is English and speaks conversational Cantonese.
Nicole Kealoha | Maui Immigrant Resource Center (IRC) Manager
Born and raised on Maui, Nicole Kealoha has achieved an impressive educational background, holding five degrees: an Associate of Applied Business in Paralegal, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with a concentration in Psychology, an Associate in Applied Science in Business Technology (Information Processing), and an Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts.
With over 12 years of experience serving immigrant communities, Nicole is an invaluable asset to the Pacific Gateway Center team at the Maui Immigrant Resource Center. She has supported clients in family reunifications, citizenship, naturalization, DACA, family-based green card applications, and work authorization. Previously, she served as a Department of Justice-accredited representative with the County of Maui Immigrant Services Division. Upon joining PGC, she successfully regained this distinction, allowing her to continue providing critical immigration legal services as a non-attorney. Nicole’s dedication and expertise exemplify her unwavering commitment to empowering immigrants by ensuring they have access to essential resources and legal support to build thriving lives in Hawaii.
Kalesita Anitema | Disaster Case Manager Supervisor
Kalesita, known as Kale, serves as the Disaster Case Manager Supervisor at Pacific Gateway Center’s Maui-Immigrant Resource Center. In this role, she leads a team of culturally and linguistically relevant disaster case managers to support Limited English Proficient survivors of the Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires. As a child of immigrants, Kale personally understands the challenges of navigating language barriers, having acted as an interpreter for her family from a young age.
With a BA in History from Brigham Young University Hawaii, Kale brings cultural insight and a historical perspective to her work. Her diverse professional background—including experience in nutraceuticals and the cannabis industry—demonstrates her adaptability and her belief that any skill can be learned. Kale’s unique combination of experience, resilience, and empathy makes her an invaluable part of PGC’s disaster recovery efforts, empowering her to support survivors at every step of their journey toward rebuilding.
Board of Directors | 2024-2025
Darrin Sato, President | Chief Operations Officer, Kalihi-Palama Health Center
Shana Palmieri, Vice President | Chief Clinical Officer & Co-Founder at XFERALL, Instructor at aFederal Employment Legal Training Group
Vicki Shambaugh, MA, MPH, Secretary, Administration/By-Laws Committee Co-Chair | Executive Director, Pacific Health Education and Research Institute
Naomi Masuno, Treasurer, Chair, Finance and Audit Committee | Retired Banker and past District Governor Rotary International District 5000
Dorothy Douthit PhD, Co-Chair Administration Committee | Adjunct Professor, Hawaii Pacific University
Suzanne Chun Oakland, Member | Director, Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center
Ryan K. Hew, Esq., Member | Managing Partner, Hew and Bordenave, LLP Attorney
Ryan Catalani, Chair, Development Committee | Executive Director, Family Promise of Hawaii
Vincent Kimura | Member | Program Manager, Good jobs Oahu
Jessica Reimers-Langliota | Member | Freelance Translator
Matt Johnson, Ex Officio | Executive Director, Pacific Gateway Center