Pamela Alconcel Receives Educator of the Year Award

“I don’t do this for awards,” said Pamela Alconcel. “But I’m grateful.” On March 28, she received the Educator of the Year award from the Native Hawaiian Education Association (NHEA) during a ceremony at Kapi‘olani Community College.

Pam has worked in higher education on Lāna‘i for two decades. As coordinator and associate professor at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College’s Lāna‘i Education Center, she connects the UH system with local students, organizes college-level courses and provides direct support through advising, recruitment, admissions and testing.

In addition to her role at the college, Pam’s work is rooted in Hawaiian language, culture and history. “Most of the outside activities I do are Hawaiian culture-based,” she said. “Workshops for our students, volunteer time at the Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center, lauhala weaving — all that cultural stuff.” She teaches ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, leads mālama ‘āina activities and supports academic growth. Much of her focus is place-based, giving students ways to engage with the island through its history and values.

Pam takes a hands-on approach by helping students with college and scholarship applications, troubleshooting distance-learning issues and guiding them through the process step by step. Many have gone on to earn degrees and return as professionals. Ryllah Rodrigues, a 2021 graduate of Lāna‘i High & Elementary School and now a special education teacher, credited mentors like “Aunty Pam” for helping her access early college and scholarship support. She completed her bachelor’s degree and teaching credential by age 20.

For students living on Lāna‘i, access can determine direction. By building educational pathways close to home, Pam has helped keep students rooted while giving them tools to move forward.

NHEA, founded in 1998, is a nonprofit that supports Native Hawaiian educators and those serving Hawaiian learners. It organizes conferences and leads the annual Scholarship ‘Aha, which brings together funding agencies and colleges to help families navigate financial aid and post-secondary pathways. “Our focus is on Hawaiian students,” Pam said. “But if someone wants to learn or needs assistance, we’ll help anyone.”

Pam has been involved with NHEA since 2001. She keeps a low profile about her work. “I don’t like talking about myself,” she said, laughing, after running through the range of programs she’s involved in. But she’s clear about her commitment. “I’ll continue to be part of it.”