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Who We Are

Born from a commitment to shared prosperity, Pacific Forward Initiative helps connect human potential with the opportunities created by emerging technologies.

History

We believe Hawaiʻi’s future depends not only on access to technology, but on people’s ability to understand, use, and shape it.

We believe learning is Hawaiʻi’s oldest technology. AI is simply its newest. Alexander's journey to found Pacific Forward Initiative began in 2014.

Mission

All knowledge is not learned in one school.

We believe learning happens everywhere—in our homes, workplaces, communities, and experiences.

Today, that journey increasingly includes artificial intelligence.

Pacific Forward Initiative helps Hawaiʻi’s people build the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive in an AI-driven world, ensuring that technological progress creates prosperity, resilience, and opportunity for everyone.

Leadership

Alex Helms - headshot (B&W, circular) -
Rob Andrew, Chief Creative Director, Pacific Forward Initiative

Rob Andrew

Chief Creative Director

Cannes Lions. Effies. Webbys. Three decades shaping creative across five continents.

Alexander Helms

Founder

Defense tech. AI. Education. Opening doors to science, technology, and dignified work.

Our Office

Pacific Forward Initiative's headquarters is located in the beautiful city of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.

Pete Rigas

Chief Research Officer

Cornell mathematics. NASA research. Quantum algorithms. Building the evidence base for a thriving Pacific.

Staff Presence

Pacific Forward Initiative's staff currently operate on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.

Pete Rigas - headshot (B&W, circular) - transparent.png
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