S03E02: Indigenous Wellbeing and Data Sovereignty: Pālama Lee, Brandon Ledward & Nina Murrow

Indigenous Insights: An Evaluation Podcast

In this episode, Gladys sits down with Dr. Pālama Lee, Dr. Brandon Ledward, and Nina Murrow to discuss Native Hawaiian wellbeing and Indigenous evaluation frameworks. Together, they share their journeys into the field of evaluation, exploring how ancestral knowledge, community-driven approaches, and data sovereignty are transforming health and social outcomes for Native Hawaiians. The group reflects on the significance of the Kūkulu Kumuhana Wellbeing Framework and the ʻImi Pono Hawai‘i Wellbeing Survey, offering insights into the collective power of Indigenous self-determination, culture, and spirituality in shaping brighter futures.

Brandon C. Ledward, Ph.D. Born and raised in Kailua, O’ahu (Hawai‘i), Brandon now resides with his wife and three young children in Kapolei. A graduate of the public school system, he went on to earn a MA and PhD in Anthropology at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. As a Principal Strategist in Kamehameha Schools’ Strategy and Experience group, Brandon blends ‘ōiwi (Native Hawaiian) intelligence, systems thinking and foresight to strengthen and advance our lāhui (Native Hawaiian community). He is passionate about culture- and ‘āina-based (land-based) education as well as indigenous approaches to research and evaluation. Brandon relies on his ‘ohana (family), surfing, and music for joy and inspiration.

Dr. Palama Lee Pālama is the Director of Research and Evaluation at Lili‘uokalani Trust, a private operating foundation established by Hawai‘i’s last queen, Lili‘uokalani. His research focuses on wellbeing, illuminating the strengths and assets of Native Hawaiian families and communities. His PhD is in Social Welfare and he is a licensed clinical social worker. Pālama is a lover of Italian Dry Salami, a staunch defender of the conjunction “and”, and most evenings find him nerding out either reading, Netflixing, or gaming.

Nina Murrow. Nina's journey began in Philadelphia, PA, but she now proudly calls Honouliuli, Oʻahu, (Hawaiʻi), her home, where she resides with her husband and two children. With a profound passion for public health, Nina is currently pursuing her Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology and Health Informatics at The George Washington University. In her role as a Clinical Data Analyst at The Queen's Health System, Nina works within the departments of Native Hawaiian Health and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice, & Caregiver Wellness. Her primary focus lies in leveraging clinical and social determinant of health (SDoH) data to address health disparities. Nina's research concentrates on the intersection of Native Hawaiian health, clinical outcomes, SDoH, and epigenetics. Beyond her professional pursuits, Nina finds immense joy in spending quality time with her ʻohana (family), indulging in reading, and exploring her culinary skills through cooking.

Show Notes

Lili‘uokalani Trust: https://onipaa.org/

Kamehameha Schools: https://www.ksbe.edu/

The Queen’s Health Systems: https://www.queens.org/

Kūkulu Kumuhana Wellbeing Framework: https://kawaiola.news/mauliola/kukulu-kumuhana-wellbeing-framework/

Results of 2023 Imi Pono Survey: https://www.ksbe.edu/research/imi-pono-hawaii-wellbeing-survey

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