Maya Soetoro-Ng

Matsunaga Institute for Peace

Maya Soetoro-Ng, faculty member at Matsunaga Institute for Peace at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, epitomizes what it means to be an international peacebuilder and academic in a culturally and communally connected way. Dr. Soetoro-Ng’s ability and dedication to cultivate partnerships by bringing multiple communities of academic, local, and international circles and bridging scholarship with tangible impact are evident in several successful endeavors she has initiated and sustained, from building the Hawaiʻi Girls Opportunity Alliance network to cofounding the non-profits Ceeds of Peace, The Peace Studio, and The Institute for Climate and Peace. A colleague proudly characterizes Dr. Soetoro-Ng as a “true Social Influencer” and “a leader who doesn’t just teach about peace and social justice—she lives these principles through her work, leading by example and motivating others to do the same.” Another colleague commends Dr. Soetoro-Ng for “through her leadership at the Matsunaga Institute for Peace, she has championed initiatives that integrate indigenous knowledge, cultural understanding, and collaborative problem-solving to address pressing social issues.” Clearly, Dr. Soetoro-Ng’s contributions have reached countless youth, individuals, and communities across Hawaiʻi and beyond, making her a remarkable member of the campus and the local community.