"Creating cyclical community impact through female innovation."

 

Kylee Hamamoto, a community leader based in Honolulu, Hawaii, is dedicated to promoting greater female representation in leadership. As the founder and executive director of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, WeGo!, she leads a pro bono initiative aimed at fostering strong and independent female leaders through award-winning regimented leadership programs, curated and developed by Hamamoto herself. These programs and its innovative curricula have supported over 200 girls in creating, expanding, and accelerating more than 50 student projects and initiatives.

Hamamoto's vision for WeGo! extends beyond her local community as she has successfully expanded its reach on a national and global scale. WeGo! chapters have been established in Hawaii, California, and Japan, reaching over 20,000 students and providing nearly 500 members with over 2,000 hours of community service. Her dedication and accomplishments have earned her recognition on both national and global levels. Some of her notable accolades include the 2023 Prudential Emerging Visionaries Societal Solutions Award, the 2023 T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge Equity in Action Award, and the 2023 Soroptimist Violet Richardson Volunteer Action Award. She has also been featured by Wall Street Journal, Nasdaq, Yahoo Finance, FOX, Honolulu Star Advertiser, Hawaii News Now, and many more.

In addition to her impactful community work, Kylee is a decorated track and field athlete who has competed for Punahou throughout all four years of high school. She is also a 2x USA Track and Field Junior Olympics Qualifier. Moreover, she is a dedicated cadet serving as the Executive Officer in the Punahou JROTC Program who has received honors such as: 2023 Superior Cadet Medal, 2023 Legion of Valor Award, 2023 JROTC Excellence Award, and has been indicted as a "Outstanding Spokesperson for Freedom" by the Veterans for Foreign Affairs (VFW). Her aspiration is to serve in the US military after college to continue dedicating her life mission to service and promoting greater female military representation. During her free time, Kylee enjoys reading and staying active through running, surfing, and hiking.