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OUR TEAM Matthew Johnson Executive Director Matthew Johnson has been appointed its new ED, effective Feb. 1st, 2024. Read More Avemaia I. A’asa, Jr. CBI Program Manager A dedicated staff member of the PGC team. Read More Kalesita Anitema Disaster Case Manager Supervisor Leads wildfire recovery team supporting LEP survivors. Read More Svitlana Gurianova Accounting Manager Finance professional dedicated to transparent, impactful leadership. Read More Than Htut Aye Senior Case Manager Mr. Than has been a dedicated member of the PGC since 2004. Read More Bonarath Bory Agricultural Program Director Bonarath Bory, known as Bo, was born in Cambodia. Read More Carmen Lee HLB Program Coordinator Carmen’s native language is English and speaks conversational Cantonese. Read More Nadezhda Gotovtseva Accounting Specialist Supporting financial operations and grant management Read More Mayra Martins Deputy Director of SEP Leads Social Enterprise Programs empowering communities. Read More Nicole Kealoha Maui IRC Manager Supports Maui immigrants through legal immigration services. Read More Linda Lee HLB Specialist Supports language access across Hawai‘i, connecting communities. Read More Board of Directors 2025-2026 Darrin Sato President Kalihi-Palama Health Center Chief Operations Officer Joseph Adriano Treasurer Chief Financial Officer, Waimanalo Health Center, Shana Palmieri Vice President Chief Clinical Officer & CoFounder at XFERALL Instructor at Federal Employment Legal Training Group Vincent Kimura Member University of Hawaii Community College VACANT Secretary George Yarbrough Member Associate Director, Entrepreneurship Programs University of Hawai‘i, Office of Innovation & Commercialization Gay Sibonga Member Chief Operating Officer, Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO) – Wailuku, HI Nicole Chatterson Member Senior Consultant, VEIC Helen Petrovitch Member Scientific Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System and VA Central California Health Care System James Soukamneuth Senior Advisor Chemonics International Barrett Gady Member VP, Senior Quantitative Analyst, Bank of America

VOLUNTEER Volunteering With Pacific Gateway Center Make a Difference. Empower Lives. Build a Stronger Community. At Pacific Gateway Center, volunteers are the heart of our mission. Whether you are passionate about supporting immigrants and refugees, providing immigration legal assistance, teaching English, mentoring small business owners, lending a helping hand at our farms and community kitchens, Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center, assisting with admin work in the office, newsletter production, our social media platforms, interpreting a meeting, translating a document, digitizing stories of our clients, or helping with crowdfunding/fundraising your time and skills can create lasting change. By volunteering with us, you will not only make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve but also become part of a diverse and compassionate community dedicated to empowerment and inclusion. Whether you can commit a few hours a week or participate in one-time projects, we have opportunities that fit your schedule and interests. Join us in transforming lives for uprooted people and building a more inclusive Hawaii! Click below to sign up and start your volunteer journey today. BECOME A VOLUNEER “As someone who hopes to one day be in a position to help others, I think it’s important to understand and experience the efforts local organizations in my community are making for the betterment of our people. Despite the vast diversity we see in Hawaii, there are numerous amounts of people who are under represented and whose voices go unheard in our society. However, volunteering has enabled me to experience and participate in the change that Pacific Gateway Center strives to make for the marginalized communities in Hawaii. At PGC, I'm able to actively contribute by creating marketing flyers, perform office operations, conduct field and market research, and interact with people by answering phones. Overall, volunteering at PGC has been a great experience for me because of the variety of work I'm able to do, and each day I am constantly challenged and encouraged to be an agent for social change.” Anjali Cash St. Andrew’s Priory, Class of 2020 “I volunteered at Pacific Gateway Center because I really admired their mission as a non-profit. Their goal is to provide immigrants/refugees with basic necessities to survive, and to help them become independent for themselves and their families. Working with PGC taught me how to deal with people and how to adapt to an office environment which will ultimately help me in the future. What I really like as a volunteer is that I am able to have some sort of part in their mission. Although it may be a slight impact, I like knowing that I have done something to help. I am able to achieve this by helping to market their work and doing basic office work. Overall, I enjoyed volunteering with Pacific Gateway Center and it was a new experience for me.” Maria Quadri University Laboratory School, Class of 2021

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ED) Community Development Through Social Entrepreneurship Our Social Enterprise Program (SEP) provides technical, social, and monetary support for entrepreneurial ventures creating jobs for vulnerable populations and revitalizing the community. Culinary Business Incubator PGC Farms in Kunia Ka Mea Kanu - The Cultivars Community Development Through Social Entrepreneurship Our Social Enterprise Program (SEP) provides technical, social, and monetary support for entrepreneurial ventures creating jobs for vulnerable populations and revitalizing the community. What is a Social Enterprise? A social enterprise is a business venture that gives back to the community. Nonprofit Organizations or For-Profit Organizations that are social enterprises blend sound business practices with social impact to develop with aloha. What does the program provide for me? The Social Enterprise Program recognizes that an entrepreneurial venture faces unique challenges beyond the bottom line. That's why the program provides "wrap around" services to find solutions to obstacles you and your organization may face. Capital - Often resources like facilities, equipment, and funding are difficult for small businesses to acquire when starting out or looking to scale. PGC-SEP has direct access to these resources or can facilitate acquiring them. For example, a commercial kitchen is available for a food truck start-up or microloans are available for up to $15,000. Education & Training - Experts in the industry provide one-on-one coaching for whatever your organization needs. Whether it is drafting a business plan or understanding market research, special classes are tailored to your specific business needs in the areas of taxes, legal issues, marketing, and more. Wrap Around Services - Real life challenges to running a venture need real life solutions. The Social Enterprise Program provides access to childcare, transportation assistance, language access support, and more. We have curated a strong network of local service providers that can address the diverse needs of our clients. For example, American Savings Bank offers a wide range of financial education resources free of charge to our local entrepreneurs.

IMMIGRATION SERVICES (IS) Guiding Newcomers Toward Stability, Safety, and Opportunity Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) is proud to be a Department of Justice–recognized agency providing comprehensive immigration and social services to immigrants, refugees, asylees, parolees, and other vulnerable populations across Hawai‘i. Our multilingual team delivers trusted, culturally responsive support to help individuals and families navigate complex immigration systems and access the resources they need to thrive. Whether you are seeking legal guidance, work authorization, public benefits, or support after a crisis, we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Services We Provide: Legal guidance on asylum, green cards, naturalization, TPS/UHP support, and family-based petitions Case management for refugees, parolees, and asylum seekers Referrals to accredited legal service providers and immigration attorneys Assistance with housing, public benefits (SNAP, MedQuest, etc.) Employment readiness, ESL, and cultural orientation Survivor-centered support for victims of human trafficking Affordable Housing Immigration and Refugee Services Refugee Services and Human Trafficking 2024 at a Glance: 310 individuals supported after the Maui wildfires, including LEP clients in disaster recovery 700+ people reached through immigration-related workshops and housing/tax/legal clinics 40+ outreach events across four islands 96 uninsured clients enrolled in health coverage through the Kaiser Health Access Program Clients received help with rent, USCIS filing fees, green card medical exams, and bus passes Life-changing success stories, including a former client now employed as a PGC Immigrant Specialist From urgent needs to long-term self-sufficiency, PGC’s Immigration Services are a vital bridge for Hawai‘i’s foreign-born residents. We believe in dignity, opportunity, and the power of community — and we’re here to help you build your future.

< Back Bonarath Bory Agricultural Program Director 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. bo@pacificgatewaycenter.org 808-517-6714

HAWAII LANGUAGE BANK In order to ensure all people have equal access to the same opportunities, the United States and the State of Hawaii have laws that ensure those who are limited-English proficient (are English language learners) have equal access to the same information in their own languages. This is called language access. Hawai'i has one of the highest relative proportions of non-English speakers in the nation. One in four or 26.5% of Hawai'i residents five years and older, speak a language other than English at home, ranking it ninth among all states. Pacific Gateway Center's Hawaii Language Bank (HLB) offers interpretation and translation services to the community in more than 35 languages to ensure language access, helping with issues related to health, education, social services, legal, and government documents. Languages available at our Hawaii Language Bank include: Arabic Armenian Bengali Burmese Cambodian Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) Chuukese Fijian French Hindi Ilocano Indonesian Japanese Korean Kosraean Laotian Malayalam Marathi Marshallese Mongolian Mortlockese Nepalese Persian/Farsi Pohnpeian Portuguese Russian Samoan Sign Language Spanish Tagalog Taiwanese Thai Tongan Vietnamese Visayan/Cebuano For Interpreters and Translators If you are interested in becoming an interpreter for HLB: Provide documentation on educational background, certificates and/or degrees earned. Successfully pass proficiency tests in both English and the targeted language. Be a registered Independent Contractor. You must obtain a General Excise Tax (GET) license and a business registered name with all necessary professional insurance coverage. Possess a minimum of one year’s experience in interpretation. If you are interested in becoming a translator for HLB: Provide examples of translation work. Be a registered Independent Contractor. You must obtain a General Excise Tax (GET) license and a business registered name with all necessary professional insurance coverage. Possess a minimum of one year’s experience in interpretation. Currently searching for interpreters/translators in these languages: Arabic, Armenian, Banga, Bengali, Cambodian, Cebuano, Chuukese, Farsi, French, Hawaiian, Hindi, Indonesian, Kinande, Kosraean, Lao, Lingala, Mortlockese, Nepalese, Pohnpeian, Punjabi, Samoan, Spanish, Swahili, Tahitian, Telugu, Thai, Tongan, Vietnamese, Visayan, Yapese For more information contact us at (808) 773-7051 or by email at hlb@pacificgatewaycenter.org To register your business name and acquire a GET license, complete the process online here .

Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) was founded in 1973 by the Palama Council of Churches in Hawai‘i, including St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Kaumakapili Church, and Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Visionary, innovative and committed to the traditionally underserved. OUR STORY In accordance with 29 CFR 38.9 (g)(3), Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals will receive language assistance in all communications of vital information. Vital information is defined as information whether written, oral or electronic, that is necessary for an individual to understand how to obtain any aid, benefit, service, and/or training; necessary for an individual to obtain any aid, benefit, service, and/or training; or required by law. Contact 808 762 5952 for information to ensure interpretation and/or translation is provided as needed. MISSION The mission of Pacific Gateway Center is to empower low-income residents, immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable populations to achieve self-sufficiency through skill-building and access to opportunities while respecting cultural heritages. VISION Towards self sufficiency. Survive and thrive. VALUES Pacific Gateway Center is driven by its organizational values of aloha, creativity, diversity, humor, integrity, mutual respect, teamwork, and food. These values are foundational to all PGC operations. Our Story: Transforming Lives & Building Pathways to Opportunity Since 1973 Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) was founded in 1973 by the Palama Council of Churches in Hawai‘i, including St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Kaumakapili Church, and Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Created in response to the large influx of Southeast Asian refugees following the Vietnam War, PGC has remained committed to empowering Hawaii’s immigrant, refugee, and underserved populations. Many of those we serve come to Hawaii facing significant challenges: they have fled their homelands due to political upheaval, war, civil conflicts, and even climate-induced displacement. Upon arrival, they encounter new risks such as social and cultural isolation, language barriers, poverty, limited job and communication skills, restricted access to education and financial resources, and a lack of housing, food security, and healthcare. Our Logo and its Meaning Symbolic of what an immigrant or refugee would see looking up from the base of the Statue of Liberty as they gaze upon the torch being held high, the Pacific Gateway Center’s logo tells the story of many immigrants in America. The gradations of blue in the logo represent the different phases of an individual's life: from the most challenging and difficult times (the darker blues hues) through the progression to the lighter hues of blue which symbolize an increasing amount of light as help and support are provided. Borrowing from the experiences of some of our clients as “boat people,” the gradations of blue also represent the challenges, literally and figuratively, of being out at the deepest ocean until finally reaching shore where there is safety and security for one's well-being. Our history — a story of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to support the most vulnerable and create meaningful pathways to hope and opportunity. Read More Through targeted programs, PGC addresses these critical needs, providing comprehensive support that empowers individuals and families to build self-sufficient and fulfilling lives in their new communities. Thank you for being part of this journey. AWARDS American councils for international education gives Pacific Gateway Center a Public Diplomacy Ambassador award & Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. State Department Pacific Gateway Center named finalist in Chaminade University's Hogan/American savings bank non-business plan competition Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association taste awards – June 14, 2014 In November 2019, Pacific Gateway Center was recognized as a Public Diplomacy Ambassador and a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States State Department. This program submitted as part of this competition aimed to decrease the numerous significant financial barriers that small scale food manufactures face due to the high cost of labor. Pacific Gateway Center was honored to have been recognized by the Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association as its first recipient of its Community Service Award for having made a significant contribution to improve the well-being of the local community through encouraging active employee involvement in the community. In December 2014, the City and County of Honolulu awarded a Certificate recognizing PGC's Executive Director, Dr. Tin Myaing Thein for her service and dedication to the City and County of Honolulu and the non-profit industry and the force behind the efforts to improve Hawaii's economic development of Hawaii refugee and low-income populations. 1/1

< Back Svitlana Gurianova Accounting Manager Svitlana ( Lana ) Gurianova is a finance professional at Pacific Gateway Center, where she oversees grant and fund management with a focus on transparency, impact, and sustainability. Her work integrates financial stewardship with mission-driven leadership, supporting programs that empower immigrant, refugee, and local communities across Hawaiʻi through entrepreneurship, education, and economic self-sufficiency. Lana is also a certified Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA), combining analytical expertise with a commitment to equitable economic development. A recipient of the 2025 Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance Scholarship, Lana was recognized for her resilience, purpose, and dedication to advancing women’s leadership and career growth. Beyond her professional role, she is actively involved in civic engagement and humanitarian initiatives that strengthen community well-being and opportunity.

Back to ED Culinary Business Incubator Have you ever thought about a food start-up? Making your own taco sauce? Make customized cakes? Bentos? Catering? Food truck? Vegan food? Mochi? Cookies? The Culinary Business Incubator (CBI) is designed to assist Hawaii entrepreneurs (with a special focus on low-income and the socially-disadvantaged) with a facility, equipment, and resources who are interested in operating or expanding a catering, lunch wagon, bakery, and/or other food service related business. Certified by the State of Hawaii Department of Health, the CBI facility features: 12 commercial kitchens (full, baking, and food prep kitchens) Dry and cold storage options On-site parking spaces Meeting and training rooms Reasonable rates Located in the Kalihi neighborhood of Honolulu, the resources at CBI are available to entrepreneurs at reasonable hourly rates. Our staff is available to assist clients with applications for temporary or long-term permits, assist with sign-up, scheduling, and use of CBI’s equipment and other resources. The Culinary Business Incubator is located at 723-C Umi Street, Honolulu, HI 96819. Contact Ave A'asa at (808) 851-7000 or email ave@pacificgatewaycenter.org for information about use, rental, scheduling, or for a tour of our facility. Congratulations to CBI Award-winning entrepreneurs! Pono’s Potions . Peter Hessler, founder of Pono’s Potions, named HVCA (Hawaii Venture Capital Association) Entrepreneur of 2021! Artisan Hawaiian syrups rooted in Hawaii Swiss Inn Salad Dressing , named Hawaii’s Best 2020 by the Star Advertiser A former executive chef at The Top of Waikiki restaurant, Sean pursued his passion for Southern cooking and created Soul Patrol. He first took his cooking style to various farmers markets and later opened up a food truck. Soul Patrol, through the help of CBI, was able to obtain its own kitchen space on Waialae Avenue and later opened a second location on Bishop Street. Sean Priester & Soul Patrol G-Town Catering, CBI client since 2007 I always wanted to [have my own food business] but didn’t know how to do it. Luckily, I came [to the Culinary Business Incubator] and I still remember Ave was helping me out with all the questions and information. And here I am ever since! Without this place, I would be nothing. Keiki Lunchbox, CBI client since 2008 Pacific Gateway Center’s Culinary Business Incubator has allowed our micro-business to thrive. The staff at the CBI constantly go out of their way to help our business grow.

GET INVOLVED SPONSOR A CHILD I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me and you can start adding your own content and make changes to the font. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you. VOLUNTEER I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me and you can start adding your own content and make changes to the font. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you. SPONSOR A SCHOOL I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me and you can start adding your own content and make changes to the font. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you. CORPORATE SUPPORT I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me and you can start adding your own content and make changes to the font. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you. GIVE A DONATION I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy. Just click “Edit Text” or double click me and you can start adding your own content. DONATE GET INVOLVED TODAY

< Back Carmen Lee HLB Program Coordinator As the Program Coordinator at Na Kupuna Makamae Center (NKMC), 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. hlb@pacificgatewaycenter.org 808-773-7051

Back to ED SOCIAL ENTERPRISE (PGC-SEP) Community Development Through Social Entrepreneurship Our Social Enterprise Program (SEP) provides technical, social, and monetary support for entrepreneurial ventures creating jobs for vulnerable populations and revitalizing the community. What is a Social Enterprise? A social enterprise is a business venture that gives back to the community. Nonprofit Organizations or For-Profit Organizations that are social enterprises blend sound business practices with social impact to develop with aloha. What does the program provide for me? The Social Enterprise Program recognizes that an entrepreneurial venture faces unique challenges beyond the bottom line. That's why the program provides "wrap around" services to find solutions to obstacles you and your organization may face. Capital - Often resources like facilities, equipment, and funding are difficult for small businesses to acquire when starting out or looking to scale. PGC-SEP has direct access to these resources or can facilitate acquiring them. For example, a commercial kitchen is available for a food truck start-up or microloans are available for up to $15,000. Education & Training - Experts in the industry provide one-on-one coaching for whatever your organization needs. Whether it is drafting a business plan or understanding market research, special classes are tailored to your specific business needs in the areas of taxes, legal issues, marketing, and more. Wrap Around Services - Real life challenges to running a venture need real life solutions. The Social Enterprise Program provides access to childcare, transportation assistance, language access support, and more. We have curated a strong network of local service providers that can address the diverse needs of our clients. For example, American Savings Bank offers a wide range of financial education resources free of charge to our local entrepreneurs.