In this episode of Above the Sides, Cherilyn Inouye, who serves as Compassionate Koolau’s District Education Specialist, shares her winding journey through education, community work, and aloha centered leadership in Hawaii. Grounded in place, story, and ike kupuna, Cherilyn reflects on how listening deeply and honoring aina have shaped her path from classroom teacher to community connector. She speaks candidly about trauma informed education, the power of Foundations of Aloha, and the mentors and communities that continue to inspire her hana. Through stories from schools and fishponds to loi kalo and chance meetings, Cherilyn illustrates what aloha looks like in daily practice. Mahalo for listening!

Learn more about Compassionate Koolau.

Episode Highlights

01:09 Cherilyn’s background and roots

02:45 Her path into education

03:47 Teaching and early career

06:09 Advanced studies and pivotal experiences

18:50 Foundations of Aloha

23:55 Reflecting on the gift of lessons

24:59 Grounding in Aloha values

26:02 Integrating Aloha in education

28:45 Challenges and personal growth

32:18 Aloha in the community

40:32 Compassionate Koolau

45:20 Final thoughts

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.