Outstanding Student Leaders Celebrated at Spring Recognition Program

Doctor of Pharmacy students Kamahaʻo Kini-Lopes and Charlotte Powell-Agnew were recognized with the Kahele Student Leader of the Year award. The Kahele Student Leader of the Year award honors the late Senator Gilbert Kahele, whose leadership was instrumental in ensuring that the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) would have a permanent home at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

The award is given to a third-year DKICP student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the college’s pillars of education, scholarship and service through involvement in student organizations and/or projects. This is the first time that the award was presented to two exceptional student leaders in the same year.

Kini-Lopes is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, and hails from Nanakuli and Kapolei. “As a recipient of the Kahele Student Leader of the Year award, it is an honor to have served with the trust and support of students and faculty at the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. This award is especially meaningful to me because it reflects my commitment to supporting the future generations of pharmacy through consistent actions and good deeds. Strong leadership as a student is a cornerstone to building a community of leaders who feel supported, motivated, and able to grow. At the Daniel K. Inouye College of pharmacy, it goes without saying that I am but one leader amongst many. Together, we will be able to lead each other to greatness and advance the profession of pharmacy.”

Powell-Agnew is from Montana and selected DKICP for its emphasis on rural health. “Being named Kahele Student Leader of the Year alongside Kama is such an incredible honor. To me, leadership is all about serving others with compassion and integrity to do your best to make a positive impact in any and every community you serve. Throughout my time in different roles at DKICP, I've learned that leadership is most meaningful when you're able to support, uplift, and empower the people around you.”

Powell-Agnew also received a U.S. Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award at the Spring Awards Ceremony, which recognizes a student pharmacist who has made significant contributions to public health by promoting wellness and healthy communities.