Betty Noelani Iokepa-Guerrero

Affiliation

Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani Hawaiian Language College

Biography

Dr. Noelani Iokepa-Guerrero is a Native Hawaiian with familial ties to Kauaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. Dedicated to her people and the perpetuation of the legacy of her kupuna, Noelani lives and integrates the traditions of her heritage in her professional capacity and family role as a granddaughter, daughter, wife, and mother of two. Noelani is currently an associate professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language in its Kula Mauli Ola division, Kahuawaiola Indigenous Education Program, and faculty for both undergraduate and graduate courses teaching courses in Hawaiian and Indigenous education, language revitalization, early childhood education, teacher preparation, and Indigenous research. She established the Hawaiian and Indigenous Language Early Education Academic Certificate currently offered at the University. She is currently the principal investigator of the Ke Ala Leo project on early Hawaiian literacy development under the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant Early Literacy Project. Noelani has over 30 years of experience working with young children and Hawaiian families. Once the Punana Leo Hawaiian Medium Preschools Director, she was responsible for program oversight, support, management, and evaluation of all Punana Leo sites throughout the State of Hawaiʻi. Dr. Iokepa-Guerrero’s experience in Native Hawaiian Early Childhood Education, indigenous education, and language revitalization, has led her to sit on many committees and organizations and present at numerous conferences locally, nationally, and internationally. The essence and knowledge of her kupuna guide and ground her in todayʻs world.