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Jadelyn Villena

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Location
Hilo, HI
Age
19
Gender
Female
US Citizenship
US Citizen
Ethnicity
Asian, Pacific Islander
Religion
Christian

Hobbies & Interests

  • Basketball
  • National Honor Society (NHS)
  • Dance
  • Photography and Photo Editing
  • Movies And Film
  • Video Editing and Production
  • Spending Time With Friends and Family
  • Baking
  • Cooking

Bio

Aloha! My name is Jadelyn Villena. As a Native Hawaiian, my deep connection to my culture drives my goal to give back to the home that raised me. Now a sophomore at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, I am blending the leadership skills I built in high school with the new perspectives I am gaining at university. To gain hands-on experience as a future teacher, I currently volunteer at a local private school. This allows me to make a difference on a smaller, more intimate scale, working directly with students to help them find their voices. I balance my education studies with two other pillars of my life: my small business and my faith. Through my lei-making business, Leionaona, I craft lei using native plants to preserve and share our cultural traditions with the community. Alongside this work, I find my center in Epic Ministry, a young adult group where prayer and community service ground me in my purpose. Balancing my studies, my business, and my faith is incredibly rewarding, and this scholarship would provide the vital support I need to continue this journey, complete my degree, and step into the classroom ready to uplift the next generation right here at home.

Education

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Bachelor's degree program

2025 – 2029

Majors:
  • Education, General
GPA3.5 GPA

Kamehameha Schools Hawai'i

High School

2021 – 2025

GPA3.5 GPA

Miscellaneous

Medical school interest:
No
Test scores:
  • SAT1030

Career

  • Student Front Desk Assistant

    Executive Office · UH at Hilo Vice Chancellor of Student Affair Office

    Aug 2026 – Present

  • Front Desk Assistance

    Hospital & Health Care · 'Ohana Alternative Care Services

    Feb 2026 – Present

  • Student Aid Multi Media

    Media Production · Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi

    Jan 2024 – May 2025

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Education
Dream career goals:
My long-term career goal is to become an educator and administrator, working to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that empowers students to succeed. I aim to foster a culture of growth, collaboration, and cultural awareness within schools, where students not only receive a quality education but also develop the skills and confidence to positively impact their communities. I hope to eventually work on initiatives that improve educational systems, promote diversity, and inspire students to reach their full potential.
Work experience:
1 year
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Entrepreneurship
Persephone Scholarship in Memory of Kirstie Campbell
Winner
As the student body president at my high school, I’ve had the privilege of leading several impactful projects, but one that truly stands out for me is my work on the Ka Mole o Lehua broadcast. This weekly news show, which airs at my school, is designed to promote student engagement, showcase achievements, and build a stronger sense of community and pride. My passion for this project stems from my desire to not only share important school events but also highlight Hawaiian culture in a modern and accessible way. Through this project, I’ve been able to embody the values of kindness, generosity, and perseverance in different ways. First and foremost, creating Ka Mole o Lehua allows me to be kind by giving students a platform to be seen and celebrated. Whether it’s highlighting a sports team’s victory or recognizing a student’s achievements in academics or the arts, I make sure everyone has the opportunity to shine. In a school setting, where many students may feel unnoticed, I believe it’s important to uplift others and show kindness by celebrating their accomplishments. Generosity is another key aspect of the work I do with Ka Mole o Lehua. Producing a weekly broadcast requires a lot of time and energy, especially alongside other responsibilities like schoolwork and extracurricular activities. However, I’m dedicated to giving back to my school community. I coordinate with students and teachers, write scripts, edit footage, and ensure each episode is ready to air on time. My goal is to generously give my time and talents to create something that brings joy and unity to others. I also make sure to include Hawaiian language and culture in each episode, generously sharing a part of my heritage with my peers, and helping keep those traditions alive in a modern way. Perseverance has been essential throughout this project. In the early stages, there were many challenges. Learning how to use editing software, organizing filming schedules, and balancing this project with my academic load wasn’t easy. There were times when I doubted whether I could keep up with it all. However, I was determined to push through these obstacles because I knew how important this project was, not just for me, but for my fellow students. Perseverance allowed me to learn new skills and grow as a leader. When I see students watching the broadcast and feeling more connected to their school, I know the hard work was worth it. My work with Ka Mole o Lehua not only reflects my passion for storytelling and community building but also embodies the values of kindness, generosity, and perseverance. I want to continue using these qualities in whatever I pursue in the future, knowing that they can make a difference in both my life and the lives of those around me. Just like Kirstie, who overcame her own challenges with perseverance and kindness, I aim to follow my dreams while uplifting others along the way. This scholarship will help me take the next steps toward achieving my goals and making a lasting impact, no matter where they lead.
Jadelyn Villena Student Profile | Bold.org