Noe Sagapolutele, an alumna of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, is making significant strides in promoting mental health in Hawaiʻi. Through the Waʻa Collective, a network of local therapists, she is working to offer culturally rooted, community-based care for the people of the islands.
Sagapolutele’s journey into mental health advocacy began during her internship at Kalihi-Palama Health Center, where she observed both the challenges and strengths of mental health support within local communities. This experience fueled her passion for making mental health resources more accessible and relatable for Hawai‘i residents.
“One of my guiding principles is the ʻōlelo noʻeau, ‘aʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia,’ which means no task is too big when we work together,” Sagapolutele shared. “The more we come together, the greater the impact we can have.”
As Mental Health Awareness Month concludes in May, Sagapolutele and the Waʻa Collective are focused on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in Hawaiʻi. For many, discussing personal struggles has long been considered taboo.
“We’ve been taught not to share our problems or burden others,” Sagapolutele said. “But mental health conversations need to happen year-round, not just in May.”
She also stressed the need for greater visibility and representation within the mental health field.
“How can you aspire to be a doctor if you’ve never seen one who looks like you?” Sagapolutele asked, highlighting the importance of seeing people from diverse backgrounds in mental health services.
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