First Insurance Scholarship in Climate Change
The First Insurance Scholarship in Climate Change is awarded annually to full-time undergraduate students with an interest in studying and taking action regarding climate change, both its causes and consequences.
2026-2027 Recipients
Luiama Talei Filemoni Tofaeono
Luiama was born and raised in American Samoa and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Earth Science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Growing up on a small island inspired her passion for sustainability and protecting the environment, particularly water resources. She is interested in hydrology, climate resilience, and finding practical solutions to environmental challenges affecting Pacific Island communities. Through her education, Luiama hopes to build the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact. Her long-term goal is to contribute to sustainable resource management and help strengthen the resilience of island communities, including her home in American Samoa.
McKenzie Connell
McKenzie is majoring in Sustainability through Interdisciplinary Studies. She was born in Washington State and raised in a military family. She previously studied hydroponic crop systems at BYU–Provo and spent a year in New Zealand learning from community-based sustainability practices. Passionate about environmental justice, McKenzie integrates her cultural heritage as a member of the Samish Indian Nation with academic research to explore the impacts of climate change on marginalized communities. Beyond her studies, she leads a sustainable running initiative, combining her love of running with environmental advocacy.
Jordan Hester-Moore
Jordan Hester-Moore is an Honors student and junior majoring in Tropical Agriculture and the Environment at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Originally from Michigan, her research interests include Hawaiian agroecosystems, soil science, and community-engaged environmental research. She is passionate about advancing sustainability through agriculture, environmental stewardship, and ethical research practices. After completing her bachelor's degree, Jordan plans to attend law school and pursue a career in environmental law, where she hopes to bridge science and policy to advance sustainable and resilient communities.
2025-2026: Jesse Cameron, Urban and Regional Planning
2025-2026: McKenzie Connell, Interdisciplinary Studies-Sustainability
2025-2026: Liahna Sedillo, Interdisciplinary Studies-Sustainability and Economics
2024-2025: Lorianna Herrman, Interdisciplinary Studies-Sustainability
2024-2025: Mehana Kapo, Interdisciplinary Studies-Sustainability
2024-2025: Julie Tam, Natural Resources and Environmental Management & Economics
2023–2024: Ashlyn Godbehere, Natural Resources and Environmental Management
2023–2024: Raquel Aviles, Interdisciplinary Studies-Sustainability
2022–2023: Talia Schmidt, Botany
2021–2022: Alejandro Silva, Interdisciplinary Studies-Sustainability
2021–2022: Serene Danielle Smalley, Interdisciplinary Studies (Watershed Resources Management)