Arlene Kato

Arlene Kato is an operational and project management leader with more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector.

Born and raised in Kona, Hawaiʻi, surrounded by the native dryland forest on Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Ranch, she earned her BA from the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles where she received national coverage for her creative achievements in design and product development. After two decades of accomplished work managing worldwide brands and design, she transitioned to reconnect with community and support cultural arts and traditions serving as Director of Operations and Festival Managing Director for World Arts West and the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. She has served on the board of directors for Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu hula hālau and has studied under the direction of Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakāne. She is passionate in tending to her expanding urban vegetable garden, surfing, and striving to follow in the steps of her elders.

Contact: arlene@nativeland.org