Our Story
We Came Together the Puna Way
We did not draft a five-year plan and then march toward it.
We came together the Puna way.
One shift led to the next.
One conversation opened another.
One person introduced us to someone we didn’t know we needed.
A shared meal became a collaboration.
A garden workday became a vision.
A ceremony became a commitment.
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We Came Together the Puna Way
We did not draft a five-year plan and then march toward it.
We came together the Puna way.
One shift led to the next.
One conversation opened another.
One person introduced us to someone we didn’t know we needed.
A shared meal became a collaboration.
A garden workday became a vision.
A ceremony became a commitment.
There was no grand announcement.
Only small, timely moments — each one aligned.
A spring already flowing.
Land already waiting.
People already carrying seeds of something greater.
Each synchronicity felt less like coincidence and more like recognition.
You belong here.
This is the next step.
Trust it.
Artists met farmers.
Dancers met herbalists.
Builders met dreamers.
Researchers met ritualists.
The vision did not arrive all at once.
It revealed itself in layers — like new green pushing through black lava.
What began as shared intention became structure.
What began as prayer became programming.
What began as a gathering became Aina Arts Society.
Not forced.
Not rushed.
Not manufactured.
Inspired.
Aligned.
Timely.
In Puna, you learn to move with the land.
You do not dominate it.
You listen.
You respond.
You act when the path opens.
That is how we came together.
And that is how we continue —
one right step,
one new ally,
one unfolding at a time.
Board of Directors
Maria Kacprzak - Founder
Veronica Marconi - Arts Director
Aloha, Im Veronica Jasmine. I serve as Arts Director & Sacred Treasurer. I was born and bred in Italy, lived and loved on most continents and I'm now based on the Big Island of Hawaii. I work with wild harvested plant allies to create medicinal whole body remedies in salve form. I am a dancer, event producer, meditation and embodiment guide, teacher, intuitive healer, environmental styler and beautifier, cook, visionary. I am passionate about community building and off-grid living, and about bringing forth new ways of being human and embodying our unique blueprints. I hold a BA and an MA in socio-cultural anthropology and development sociology, and a PhD in applied anthropology (2020).
Shakina - Spiritual Director
Talha - Technology Director
Sarah Ceo - Executive Director
Hi I’m Sarah, I serve as Executive Director of Aina Arts Society, guiding its mission to unite art, ecology, and spirit in service of the ʻāina. With 25 years of professional experience spanning real estate, organizational development, and wellness facilitation, I bridge vision with structure — transforming inspired ideas into sustainable, place-based initiatives. My intention is to honor Indigenous wisdom while engaging contemporary innovation, and ensuring successful and sustainable investment opportunities. I love to foster collaborative partnerships that support ecological restoration, cultural vitality, and long-term community wellbeing.
We are ALWAYS looking for...
Construction Team
Landscaping & Gardening Team
Public Relations Team
Project Manager, Licensed Contractor, Skilled Carpenters and Apprentices. Experienced in sustainable building, fencing, water systems, and infrastructure development. Committed to safe construction, environmental stewardship, and creating resilient community spaces.
Public Relations Team
Landscaping & Gardening Team
Public Relations Team
Fundraising Expert, Marketing Director, Content Creator, Photographer, Videographer, Social Media Manager. Experienced in storytelling, digital campaigns, brand strategy, and audience engagement. Dedicated to sharing impact, events, and community growth online.
Landscaping & Gardening Team
Landscaping & Gardening Team
Landscaping & Gardening Team
Garden Manager, Permaculture Designer, Horticulturist, Farm Assistants. Experienced in soil regeneration, native planting, irrigation systems, and seasonal crop planning experts. Focused on regenerative practices and abundant food production.
Arts & Music Programs Team
Landscaping & Gardening Team
Landscaping & Gardening Team
Program Director, Teaching Artists, Musicians, Workshop Facilitators. Experienced in community arts education, event production, youth programming, and cultural expression. Creating inclusive spaces for creativity and connection.
Herbal Medicine Team
Agrigulctural Education Team
Herbal Medicine Team
Clinical Herbalist, Plant Educator, Apothecary Coordinator. Experienced in medicinal plant cultivation, remedy preparation, and wellness workshops. Integrating traditional knowledge with community-based natural health education.
Mental Health Team
Agrigulctural Education Team
Herbal Medicine Team
Licensed Therapist, Wellness Counselor, Peer Support Facilitator. Experienced in trauma-informed care, group facilitation, mindfulness practices, and community mental health support. Promoting resilience, safety, and emotional wellbeing.
Agrigulctural Education Team
Agrigulctural Education Team
Agrigulctural Education Team
Education Director, Farm Instructor, Youth Program Coordinator. Experienced in hands-on agricultural training, food security education, livestock care, and sustainable farming systems. Empowering community through practical learning.
Yoga & Wellness Team
Agrigulctural Education Team
Agrigulctural Education Team
Education Director, Farm Instructor, Youth Program Coordinator. Experienced in hands-on agricultural training, food security education, livestock care, and sustainable farming systems. Empowering community through practical learning.