Guiding Nonprofits Toward Success

Jason’s deep commitment to community service and structural transformation has already made a lasting impact on organizations like Hungry Heroes Hawaii (HHH), where his guidance helped navigate the challenges of a growing nonprofit, leadership restructuring, and a renewed focus on resilience. His experience in operational strategy, public policy, and governance provided HHH with invaluable insights and direction as we worked to evolve from an emergency response organization into one that fosters long-term sustainability and impact.

A Legacy of Public Service

Before stepping into this role, Jason’s firm, Economou Law & Consulting, LLLC, played a pivotal role in disaster recovery efforts across the state. He has worked with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, FEMA, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and more to ensure that fire survivors and affected communities receive the support they need. His background in law, mediation, housing policy, and governance makes him uniquely suited to tackle the most pressing issues facing Maui County today.

A Passion for Community Building

Beyond his professional work, Jason has demonstrated his heart for service by holding leadership roles with Maui Food Bank, Maui Mediation Services, the YMCA, and multiple advisory boards focused on housing, climate action, and community resilience. His ability to bring people together, build strategic partnerships, and advocate for systemic solutions is exactly what Maui United Way—and our entire island community—needs.

Looking Ahead

With Jason at the helm, we are hopeful for a stronger, more connected Maui. Congratulations to Maui United Way on gaining such a passionate and capable leader, and mahalo to Jason for his continued dedication to serving our community. We look forward to the impact that this next chapter will bring!

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Co-Founder: Naim Ferguson

In 2023, Naim Ferguson arrived at the Anuhea Chapel Kitchen with his daughter Mya, seeking deeper involvement in humanitarian work after a near death experience. As Mya prepared to apply to UC Berkeley to study the intersection of environment and humanity, Naim was also drawn to explore how he could contribute to meaningful, community-driven efforts.

After connecting with Steven Calkins and spending time in the field—working in the kitchen, delivering meals, and witnessing firsthand the impact of grassroots community efforts—Naim felt a profound calling to Aloha ʻĀina. Recognizing the immense need for organization and sustainability in maui, he stepped up to lead the next iteration of Hungry Heroes Hawaii (HHH).

At the time, the organization was called Hungry Homeless Heroes. With a vision for long-term impact and sustainability, Naim rebranded the movement to HHH, with a goal to move away from “hero’ and toward ‘healing’ while drawing inspiration from 888, a manifestation number symbolizing abundance, balance, and renewal. He saw the potential to build something beyond crisis relief—something rooted in self-organization, leadership, and community resilience.

Naim’s personal slogan, “Inspiring hearted, skillful action,” was born from his desire to balance skill and aloha in response to Maui’s greatest needs. Rooted in both leadership and service, he saw the urgency for compassionate action that was also strategic, efficient, and impactful. When the wildfires struck on August 8, 2023, Naim’s ability to mobilize people, organize resources, and implement technology-driven coordination systems helped accelerate relief efforts. His work with HHH became a testament to what is possible when heart, skill, and community come together to uplift and rebuild.

Naim’s passion project, Navigator, a Maui leadership program designed to support men and women in navigating life with a solid compass, map, and crew, became an essential foundation for his approach to community response. On August 8, 2023, when the wildfires devastated Maui, Naim activated his leadership network—men from his men’s groups, women from leadership programs like Conscious Leadership, and individuals from book clubs he had facilitated. Together, they answered the call and mobilized to support Maui in its greatest time of need.

With his expertise in technology, leadership, movement-making, and self-organization, Naim brought to life systems that rapidly connected people, resources, and information. He implemented digital coordination tools and decentralized decision-making methods to accelerate relief efforts, ensuring meals, supplies, and support reached those who needed them most. This approach led to a radical, community-driven response that empowered everyday people to take action and help their neighbors in real time.

Leaving behind his career in ocean sports sales and distribution, Naim committed fully to restructuring and scaling HHH. His leadership played a crucial role in securing partnerships, funding, and infrastructure to sustain Maui’s recovery efforts. His work emphasized not only immediate aid but also the long-term vision of resilience, collaboration, and food security for the island.

Through his leadership, HHH has evolved from a crisis-response effort into a structured, mission-driven movement, proving that when people come together with purpose and care, real change is possible. Naim resigned from the board in 2023 and took a role as Director of Impact in late 2024 and supported the transition to Living Pono Project. He now is back to work with a revitalized mission at the Navigator Project where he is providing Maui Canoe Tours and Expeditions, as well as building an all natural organic fabric clothing line for yoga, surf and lifestyle at True Nature, attire.