Lead.
Advocate.
Build impact.
A flexible, project-based fellowship for emerging and established changemakers committed to immigrant justice in Hawaiʻi. Lead a personalized project. Receive mentorship. Make real-world impact.
A self-directed fellowship for emerging changemakers
The HCIR Fellowship Program is a flexible, project-based leadership and advocacy fellowship designed for emerging and established changemakers committed to immigrant justice and community impact.
Modeled as an advanced, self-directed derivative of HCIR's Young Leaders Advocacy Program (YLAP), the fellowship supports individuals who want to deepen their leadership while pursuing meaningful work connected to HCIR's mission. Rather than assigning fellows to fixed tracks, each fellow develops and leads a personalized project, initiative, campaign, or area of study rooted in issues they deeply care about.
- Leadership development
- Independent and collaborative work
- Community-centered advocacy
- Innovation and creativity
- Mentorship and professional growth
- Real-world impact
The shape of your fellowship
Selected fellows
Three fellows per cohort — a small, focused group built for deep mentorship and collaboration.
Months minimum
Extensions may be considered depending on project scope, organizational capacity, and fellow engagement.
Flexible & remote
Much of the work can happen remotely, with regular communication and engagement with HCIR staff and mentors.
Flexible scheduling — but be present for:
Real movement work happens in real rooms — at the Capitol, in community spaces, shoulder-to-shoulder with coalition partners.
- In-person community events
- Advocacy actions
- Legislative hearings
- Coalition meetings
- Community education events
- Trainings and workshops
- Major HCIR convenings
Fellows may pursue projects related to
Any area where your passion, expertise, and the community's needs converge.
From proposal to approved project
Each fellow submits a proposed work plan within the first two weeks — once approved, it guides the whole fellowship.
Submit work plan
Proposed within the first two weeks of the fellowship.
Program review
Reviewed by the HCIR Program Officer for alignment and feasibility.
Feedback & revisions
Refinements may be requested prior to approval.
Approved framework
The approved plan guides the fellow's engagement throughout.
The thematic anchor of the project.
The specific challenge or need it tackles.
What success looks like at the close.
The concrete actions the fellow will lead.
Phased steps and checkpoints throughout.
The tangible outputs of the work.
The change the fellow seeks to create.
What the fellow brings — and needs from HCIR.
Self-directed work, structured support
Program expectations
- Participate in onboarding and orientation
- Maintain communication with HCIR staff and mentors
- Attend regular check-ins
- Contribute to organizational initiatives when appropriate
- Join cohort discussions and leadership development
- Demonstrate professionalism and accountability
- Complete deliverables and final presentations
You will receive
- Direct mentorship from HCIR leadership and partners
- Leadership development opportunities
- Exposure to advocacy and policy work
- Access to public hearings and coalition spaces
- Networking and professional relationships
- Guidance on project implementation and strategy
Each fellow will complete
Abigail Olipani
As a Fellow for the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, I have gained firsthand insight into how bills are introduced, developed, and passed, while actively engaging in advocacy through education. My main project has focused on "Big Picture" research surrounding policies and executive-level changes. Through this work, I examine the local impact of these policies and translate complex information so that it is understandable and accessible for everyone.
Build your leadership. Advocate for justice.
We welcome students, organizers, creatives, researchers, working professionals, and emerging community leaders — especially from impacted and historically underserved communities.