A Personal Message from Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell

It took me 42 tries to write this message to you—my community, my people, my heartline.

Through the gentle encouragement of a few truly incredible souls—they helped me find the courage to share this fundraiser with you. I’ve never been one to seek the spotlight. I don’t do this work for accolades or recognition. I do it because my heart calls me to it—because I feel a deep kuleana to serve, to listen, and to show up for others in the ways I’ve been guided to.

I am the Daughter of Hawaiʻi and a Servant of Peace, carrying the spirit of A.L.O.H.A. across every space I enter—from the islands that raised me to the lands of Washington State that now hold me. As an Ambassador of Aloha, I walk with humility, with a commitment to healing, and with a deep love for both ʻāina (land) and kānaka (people).

Still, I’ll admit—there are moments when it’s hard to see the worth in myself or in what I offer. It’s in those moments that the love and belief of others become a mirror, reflecting back the purpose I sometimes forget. Their encouragement reminded me that this work matters. So here I am, humbly sharing this with you—because community has always been the source of my strength, and Aloha has always been my guide.

On June 11th, the day before my birthday, I received a message that brought me to tears:

“Warm greetings from the WIPCE 2025 Team in Aotearoa, New Zealand… Your abstract has been accepted for a presentation at the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE) 2025.”

My presentation, “The Transformative Power of A.L.O.H.A.: An Indigenous Framework for Complex Conversations and Systemic Change,” will be shared on a global platform that has hosted powerful Indigenous leaders like Dr. Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Hon. Linda Burney MP, Prof. Mark Rose, and many more whose work has shaped the future of Indigenous education.

Just two days later, I received a second message: my application to be a stallholder at the newly named Te Ao Pūtahi Festival (formerly WIPCE Village) was also accepted! I will not only present but also hold space to share my award-winning children’s book, Let’s Live A.L.O.H.A., with families, educators, and leaders from ALL over the world.

I had to read the email twice. Could this really be happening?

And then it hit me—this is my kuleana, my sacred responsibility.

To carry forward Aunty Pilahi Paki’s prophecy:

“When the world seeks peace, they will look to Hawaiʻi. Because Hawaiʻi has the key... and that key is ALOHA.”

We are living in fractured times. Wars rage on, families are being torn apart, and polarization is pulling communities further from one another. The need for healing, for reconnection, for A.L.O.H.A.—Ask, Listen, Observe, Heart-focus, Adapt—is more urgent than ever.

This isn’t just a professional opportunity for me. It is a spiritual calling.

And I cannot do it alone.

Unlike many presenters who are funded by major universities, I’m going to WIPCE not as a representative of an institution—but as a representative of the people.

Of you.

Of everyone who has ever experienced the healing, clarity, and transformation that A.L.O.H.A. can bring.

I am humbly asking for your support to help me answer this call.

My goal is to raise $10,000 by September 1st.

This will cover:

-Travel to and within Aotearoa

-Conference Registration

-Stall Fee

-Lodging

-Shipping costs to bring children's books and materials to the conference

To make this journey more engaging, I’ll be hosting a series of online giveaways featuring ribbon skirts made by amazing Indigenous fashion designers, Pendleton and Eighth Generation blankets, and more. Every dollar raised will go directly toward fulfilling this Kuleana.

If you believe in the Power of A.L.O.H.A. and the vision of peace and healing it carries, please consider contributing—whether it’s $5, $50, $500 or simply sharing this message.

I promise that your generosity will not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Please follow me on FB for more updates and fun giveaways:

FB: DrGerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell or IG @alohadrg

With deep aloha and a heart full of gratitude,

Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell

Founder of Co3 Consulting | Author of Let’s Live ALOHA |

Daughter of Hawaiʻi | Servant of Peace