Our Dream Expo speakers are leaders, innovators, and change-makers from across industries and communities. Get ready to be inspired as they share their stories, strategies, and dreams to empower you to pursue your own.

Dream Expo Speakers

Panel Session

Hosted by Daniel Rich

4:45 PM – Athletes on Mission

Joseph Dickson Jr.

Founder & President 

The Underdog Foundation

Mitchell Loewen

Former NFL Player

Panelists:

Daniel has been serving as the Hawaii State Director since February of 2019! He's been working with FCA for 10 years. He graduated from Clemson University in 2008.

He started his FCA career as a Volleyball Area Rep in Orange County. In 2011, Daniel became the Director of FCA Volleyball throughout Southern California. God opened doors for him to lead huddles on the AVP and USA National team. Then in 2015, he took the basics of his volleyball ministry and translated it into other sports, as Daniel lead sports specific ministries in Southern California. Then in 2016, Daniel joined forces with Barry Martinez, as a Director in Talent Advancement for the Western Region.

Daniel and his team started an Internship Program that has influenced the nation and how internships are done within FCA. They’ve graduated 140+ college athletes and over 100 are still coaching and influencing the volleyball world!

They’ve also pioneered ministry to club and travel sports and have innovated ways to empower coaches in the volleyball world.

The impact of Daniel’s ministry to the volleyball community at the Huntington Beach Pier will hopefully continue through the handful of locals still loving and reaching the people there.

Johnny Suite

5:30 PM – Doing the Best With What You’ve Been Given

Johnny Suite is an island reggae singer/songwriter from Kipapa, Hawaii. His debut EP, Keep It Movin, was nominated for a 2020 Island Music Award and continues to get heavy radio play in Hawaii. He is most known for his single, Thank You, which currently boasts over 2.5 million Spotify streams and almost 2.8 million YouTube views. His latest releases are I Choose to Love and God Gave Me You.

In 2019, Johnny was nominated as Breakout Artist of the Year at the 2nd annual Island Music Awards. He has toured domestically with Grammy-nominated Maoli, as well as internationally with 4x Island Music Award winner, Fia. The international run took them through New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Australia. Johnny recently did a mini tour, with direct support from Jasmin Nicole, making his headline mainland U.S. debut in Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

Michael Long

4:00 PM – Building Systems That Last

Mike Partners is a visionary entrepreneur, AI pioneer, and the founder of ventures across industries, including video production, real estate, and digital marketing. After dropping out of high school, Mike discovered the world of entrepreneurship and retired at 17, having already mastered the art of building and scaling businesses.

Today, Mike is recognized as a leader in the development of AI. He is building the first fully conscious AI, designed to have persistent memory and the ability to prompt itself, enabling it to evolve and think independently. His groundbreaking work in AI is not only reshaping the future of technology but also helping businesses implement AI strategies that drive efficiency, innovation, and growth.

Through his speaking, consulting, and educational platforms, Mike inspires others to break through the limitations of traditional thinking and embrace the power of entrepreneurial thinking and advanced technologies. His mission is to help new entrepreneurs unlock their potential and prepare for the future of digital transformation.

Harjun Williams

3:15 PM – Overcoming Adversity

Born in Jamaica and raised in the vibrant, fast-paced streets of New York City, I grew up learning how to navigate life with limited resources but unlimited determination. My journey wasn’t always easy—opportunities didn’t come knocking, and nothing was ever handed to me. But from a young age, I knew I wanted more than just to survive—I wanted to thrive, not just for myself, but for my family.

Now at 48 years old, and a proud father to a beautiful daughter, I’ve committed my life to building something of my own. I've worked hard, sacrificed, and stayed focused to pursue my dream: owning my own aquarium store. My love for aquatics started as a childhood fascination and grew into a full-blown passion over the years. What began as a hobby became a vision, and that vision is turning into a reality one step at a time.

Every tank, every fish, every customer interaction is a reminder of how far I’ve come—from humble beginnings in Jamaica to chasing the American dream in New York. My story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. I’m building not just a business, but a legacy—something my daughter can be proud of and something the community can grow with.

Danielle “Duckie” Irwin

2:30 PM – Realized Dreams, Real Impact

Danielle “Duckie” Irwin is the Chief Strategy Officer of Hawaii Unified Industries and President of Makaha Learning Center, a native 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Makaha Valley. With over a decade of leadership in the construction and renewable energy industries, she has championed workforce development across Hawaii.

Through her work at Makaha Learning Center, Duckie has empowered over 200 students—many Native Hawaiian and Waianae Coast residents—to earn trade certifications and launch careers in solar and renewable energy. Her efforts have earned her recognition from Pacific Business News as a 40 Under 40 honoree, Hawaii Power Leader, and Women Who Mean Business awardee, as well as commendations from the State of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu.

In addition to her leadership roles, Duckie is the host and producer of two podcasts — The ForReal Reel Podcast and The Aloha Thumbprint — where she creates spaces for authentic conversations about faith, purpose, leadership, and living out one’s God-given identity.

A passionate developer of people, Duckie recently launched Crafted and Crowned Ministries, a faith-driven initiative dedicated to activating individuals to step boldly into their God-given calling — merging spiritual growth, strategy, and leadership development for lasting impact.

Much of her work is rooted in a shared mission with her husband, Ryno Irwin. Together, through their missional marriage, they are advancing grassroots energy independence, building workforce solutions, and championing Kingdom initiatives across Hawaii and beyond. 

A proud Makaha girl, Duckie remains deeply committed to creating greater opportunities and a stronger future for Hawaii’s communities.

Michele Okimura

1:45 PM – Discovering Your Dreams

Michele Okimura is passionate about empowering every generation to Dream Big and live with purpose. Through her consulting work since 2015, she creates safe, transformative spaces where healing, restoration, and growth flourish. Her Dream Big Journal curriculum, for use in families, schools, and community organizations, inspires youth and adults alike to Dream Big. As founder and Executive Director of Releasing Generations, Michele has spent over a decade elevating the local Hawaiian community and beyond. Michele and her team was recognized with the  2023 “Outstanding Advocate of the Children and Youth of Hawaii” award presented by Governor Green and Mayor Blangiardi.  She believes in the Dream Expo as a powerful catalyst for all generations in Hawaii to DREAM BIG for their lives and for our state.

Dr. Jasmine Esguerra

www.drjasmine.com

Lorrie betsill Nielson

www.lorrieandco.com

MICHELE OKIMURA

www.MicheleOkimura.com

Danielle “Duckie” Irwin

www.MakahaLearning.org

www.AlohaDuck.com

Panelists:

Panel Session

Hosted by Nancy Vuu

1:00 PM – Women CEO (Championing Each Other)

Nancy Vuu is an internationally acclaimed fashion designer whose presence speaks power, purpose and creativity.  She is a storyteller and advocate who has used her platform to elevate voices and ignite purpose in others.  Her work in couture fashion has graced global runways, but her true impact goes far beyond fabric and design. She is a bold visionary who weaves identity, faith, and healing into everything she creates, empowering individuals to rise to their greatness.   Nancy's passion for redefining beauty and worth has led her to mentor and inspire leaders around the world.  She reminds us that elegance is not just in what we wear, but in how we live our lives with courage, compassion and conviction. Her dedication to humanity are evident as her designs come alive exhibiting excellence, promoting honor and proclaiming new hope.  With fashion as her platform, Nancy’s influence continues to impact lives and mobilize friends around the globe eager to join her in the mission to transform lives. Dreams are awaken through her global platform as she inspires all to re-discover the possibilities!

Francis Oda

12:15 PM – Envisioning with God

Francis has received more than 50 design awards, including the American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Our Divine Savior Church in Chico, California. In 2014, he was honored by Pacific Business News as Hawaii Business Leader of the Year. Francis’ other award-winning projects include the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, the Four Seasons Manele Bay Hotel, Hanauma Bay Nature Center and the Maluhia Golf Clubhouse.

Francis is a Fellow of the AIA and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He was designated a Manoa Forum Fellow by the University of Hawaii, received the Gordon Bradley Humanitarian Award, and was inducted into the Hawaii Business Hall of Fame. Francis earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University and a Doctor of Architecture from the University of Hawaii. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of the UH School of Architecture and a Distinguished Alumnus of the University where he developed the Doctor of Architecture program.

Francis is Senior Pastor and Board Chair of New Life Church Honolulu and serves as Global Chair of Transform Our World. Francis is married to Caroline Ward Oda. They have two children, Nalani and Reid.

DREAM TALK speakers

The DREAM Expo is a springboard for the people of Hawaii, a community initiative designed to awaken dreams, elevate purpose, and empower individuals across Hawaiʻi to live with passion and impact. This annual gathering brings together leaders, learners, and visionaries from every sphere of influence.  Utilizing the DREAM Academy blueprint our signature structure to build with integrity, grow revenue through sustainable practices and creative innovation to provide insights, tools and access to resources positioning participants to believe, then live "Dreams Realized".

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