About Us
PIFFNYC
A year long Programme
We're a year-long platform offering Pacific Indigenous narratives, spotlights on creatives and pou (support) for our whānaunga Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (family from across the entire pacific) to be seen, heard and most importantly connected. 'Ohana lead, and non-profit we're grounded in service, reciprocity and the values of our sea of islands.
A mihi (acknowledgement) to our people and ancestors from across the vast Pacific, Melanesia and Micronesia we welcome you as manuhiri (visitors) and whānaunga (relatives) alike.
As people belonging to biggest and deepest ocean in the world we know a thing or two about the ways of our people, the depths of our indigenous knowledge, the way-finding spirit that fiercely centers the betterment of us as a collective and the vaka (vessel) that transcends it all, the art of story-telling.
Our Team
Stacey Young | Executive Director
Lose Moala | Festival Director
Ohia Morrison | Co-Chair
Kanoé Reece | Development Director
Te Ata Rikihana | Programming Director
Marliesje van den Assum | Operations Director
Kelsey Angel Baehrens | Stage Manager
Joey Carranza | Guest Services
MaryRose Go | In-Kind Sponsor
Kim Holmes | Copy Editor
Kulani Jenkins | Events Director
Ellie Omari-Sampson | Producer
Malia Morioka | Events
Claire Mosteller | Development
Rachel Norton | Fundraising Development
Ryan Sagawa | Designer
Francis Visaya | Webmaster
Leion von osdol | Production Manager
Sue Young | Designer
Our Board
Kim Taylor Reece
Board Member & Festival Founder
Kim, one of Hawai‘i’s premier fine art photographers, has dedicated over 40 years to studying hula kahiko. His photography—central to the cultural renaissance of the 1980s—captures the deep spirit and sacred elegance of the dance, resonating with audiences around the world. As a founding member of our team, Kim’s vision and leadership in the fine arts and media world have been monumental to our success.
Kimo Gerald
Board Member
James Adams Nakapaʻahu Gerald, better known as Kimo, was born and raised in Hilo and graduated from Hilo High before earning a degree in English and Humanities from New York University. His diverse career spanned journalism, hospitality, and the performing arts—including nearly three decades as House Manager at Carnegie Hall. As an original board member of Hālāwa NYC, Kimo brings deep cultural roots, a longstanding commitment to Pacific Islander community in NYC, and a rich network in the musical arts.
Pamela Young
Board Member
Pam is an award-winning journalist with a proven track record in the television industry, bringing deep expertise in non-linear editing, field production, news writing, and audio-visual storytelling. Her work has earned her 12 regional Emmys®, a Peabody Award, the American Legion Fourth Estate Award, a Governor’s Citation from NATAS NorCal, and 21 Society of Professional Journalists honors. As part of our team, Pam offers invaluable insight and leadership in navigating the ever-evolving media and journalism landscape.
Kiana Anderson
Board Member
A proud kanaka in New York City, Kiana has spent over a decade immersed in the city's fine arts community, building lasting connections through culture and creativity. Before relocating to NYC to care for her grandchildren, she served as an administrator for the Hawai‘i Island Government, where she led key administrative initiatives. Through her signature talk story and ukulele sessions, Kiana weaves together Pacific Islander communities and offers a welcoming bridge into some of New York’s more exclusive cultural circles.