This March, as the world celebrates women's contributions and potential, we want to shine a light on someone who embodies everything we believe in—a woman whose grace, strength, and aloha go far beyond the water's edge.
Carissa Moore is a mother, five-time World Surf League Champion, Olympic gold medalist, and the founder of the Moore Aloha Charitable Foundation. To Mele and Noël, she is a living example of what it looks like to lead with your whole heart.
So they were beyond honored when Carissa invited them both to join the Board of Directors of Moore Aloha. To be welcomed into her mission and be able to support the work she is doing for the next generation of young women in Hawaiʻi is a gift.
Empowering the Next Generation
Moore Aloha's mission is to educate and empower young women, nurturing their physical, mental, and emotional strength through sport, mentorship, and culture.
Throughout her surf career, Carissa has carried the spirit of aloha with her, finding that human connection and community have meant more to her than any competitive achievement. When she hit a personal low in 2018 and lost her drive for surfing, her father suggested she rediscover her purpose through giving back. Moore Aloha was born out of that turning point, a platform that allows her to spread more positivity.
Moore Aloha is built upon three pillars, and they also guide Carissa in her personal life: Live Authentically; Be Fearless; Lead with Love.
Having grown up surrounded by strong women who taught them the value of community, tradition, and lifting others as you rise, Mele and Noël are thrilled to partner with Moore Aloha to pass those lessons forward.
"We admire what Carissa and her team are doing, and we both want to celebrate the women who came before us while empowering the next generation," says Noël.
Sharing Waves & More
The HIE team jumped at the opportunity to participate in Moore Aloha's fundraiser held at Kelly Slater's legendary Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California. Mele, Noël, their families, and HIE's Director of Sales & Operations spent the day catching waves, laughing, and cheering each other on.
"Everyone truly believes in what Carissa is doing," says Mele. "We all understand that supporting young women's overall wellness through Hawaiian culture and the ocean creates a ripple effect beyond any single event."
Leadership and Legacy Worth Celebrating
Mele remembers, "I would see Carissa's little slippers on the rocks while she surfed with her dad, the tiniest one out there, always smiling and honing her talent. Watching who she's grown into as a surfer, as a woman, as a mom… I'm not surprised. But I am in awe."
Carissa exemplifies the kind of leadership Mele and Noël are so proud to support—and to embody.
"The work Moore Aloha is doing is about creating lasting impact," reflects Noël. "We hope to help young women discover their strength, live authentically, connect with their culture, and carry that forward."
To learn more, visit moorealoha.com.
