STUDENT MEMBER PROFILE
Mia Nishiguchi
35th Student Member, Hawaiʻi State Board of Education
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The Hawai‘i State Board of Education Selection Committee is proud to announce the appointment of Mia Nishiguchi, a senior at Kalani High School, as the next student member of the Board. A passionate and experienced youth advocate, Mia brings years of leadership in environmental justice, health education, and community engagement to the role.
Since the sixth grade, Mia has dedicated herself to raising awareness about environmental issues and social justice, inspired by a deep desire to make a difference in the world—long before she ever thought about building a résumé. Her early advocacy has grown into statewide and global efforts, including serving as a Youth Policy Leader for the Climate Future Forum, where she is currently organizing a youth-centered event at the Hawai‘i State Capitol in partnership with state officials.
Mia is also the founder of the Hawai‘i chapter of Youth Climate Save, an international youth movement promoting environmental awareness and action. Through this role, she has connected with students around the globe, created digital content to reach broad audiences, and taught youth in countries like India. She also serves as a Plant-Based Treaty Youth Ambassador, promoting sustainable food practices and advocating for meatless school lunches across the country.
Beyond environmental advocacy, Mia is deeply involved in health and community service. As a fellow with Breast Cancer Hawai‘i, she co-organized a public resource fair, earned her Breast Cancer Education Certification, and helped create inclusive spaces for education and outreach. She is also a Youth Leader with the Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i chapter, where she supports children with critical illnesses by helping to fulfill their greatest wishes.
Mia’s experiences reflect a powerful commitment to equity, empathy, and action. Through her appointment to the Board, she hopes to bring student voices to the forefront of education policy, ensuring that every student in Hawai‘i has the opportunity to thrive.
"I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the mentors who have guided me," she said. "As the student representative, I want to be a strong voice for youth across the state and advocate for a better, more inclusive future."
Nishiguchi succeeds outgoing student member Ethan Yang, who graduated from Kaiser High School last month. An official swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for August 2025.
Since the sixth grade, Mia has dedicated herself to raising awareness about environmental issues and social justice, inspired by a deep desire to make a difference in the world—long before she ever thought about building a résumé. Her early advocacy has grown into statewide and global efforts, including serving as a Youth Policy Leader for the Climate Future Forum, where she is currently organizing a youth-centered event at the Hawai‘i State Capitol in partnership with state officials.
Mia is also the founder of the Hawai‘i chapter of Youth Climate Save, an international youth movement promoting environmental awareness and action. Through this role, she has connected with students around the globe, created digital content to reach broad audiences, and taught youth in countries like India. She also serves as a Plant-Based Treaty Youth Ambassador, promoting sustainable food practices and advocating for meatless school lunches across the country.
Beyond environmental advocacy, Mia is deeply involved in health and community service. As a fellow with Breast Cancer Hawai‘i, she co-organized a public resource fair, earned her Breast Cancer Education Certification, and helped create inclusive spaces for education and outreach. She is also a Youth Leader with the Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i chapter, where she supports children with critical illnesses by helping to fulfill their greatest wishes.
Mia’s experiences reflect a powerful commitment to equity, empathy, and action. Through her appointment to the Board, she hopes to bring student voices to the forefront of education policy, ensuring that every student in Hawai‘i has the opportunity to thrive.
"I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the mentors who have guided me," she said. "As the student representative, I want to be a strong voice for youth across the state and advocate for a better, more inclusive future."
Nishiguchi succeeds outgoing student member Ethan Yang, who graduated from Kaiser High School last month. An official swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for August 2025.