The meaning of
'Umeke is a wooden bowl or calabash, traditionally used to hold food, water, or offerings.
ʻUmeke symbolizes gathering, nourishment, abundance, and sharing. It is a vessel that brings people together and holds what sustains the community. The filled ʻUmeke represents nourishment, with a human-like form emerging to reflect the strength of community and collective care. Woven throughout is the ʻupena (fishing net) pattern, signifying connection, skill, and sustainability across generations.
ʻUmeke cultivates connection to Hawaiʻi by preserving and sharing Native Hawaiian cultural traditions through intergenerational learning, storytelling, and accessible community programs. Rooted in kuleana, we strengthen identity, foster healing, and build bridges across communities.
Our Mission
To Preserve and Perpetuate the Culture and Traditions of Hawai'i
Our Vision
We envision a future where Native Hawaiian culture is shared across the diaspora, sustaining a living connection to Hawaiʻi, strengthening intergenerational bonds, and empowering communities to carry forward ancestral knowledge with care, integrity, and inclusivity.
Our Values
Connection
We cultivate meaningful ties to Hawaiʻi by sharing cultural knowledge and creating spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can engage with tradition.
Kuleana
Rooted in responsibility, we honor our role as stewards of Native Native Hawaiian culture by sharing ancestral practices with care, integrity, and respect.
Belonging
We foster inclusive, intergenerational communities where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to carry culture forward in their own lives.
MEET THE TEAM
Ilima Kam Martinez
President and Founder
ʻIlima Kam Martinez is the Founder and Board President of UMĒKE, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to cultural education and community empowerment. A Kanaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) born and raised in the Oceanside–Carlsbad area, ʻIlima returned to higher education and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with an Indigenous focus from California State University San Marcos.
She is the Kumu Hula of Kūhai Hālau O ʻIlima Pa ʻOlapa Kahiko, where she continues to share and preserve Native Hawaiian traditions through hula and cultural practice. ʻIlima’s life work centers on the preservation of Hawaiian culture and identity. For her, hula is life- it is how she breathes, learns, and connects with generations before her.
Above all, she is deeply grateful for the love and support of her husband and four children, who inspire and sustain her work in community and culture.
Crista Young-Lim
Secretary
Christa joins the board after volunteering in various capacities with Umeke, including at the first inaugural API Festival in Oceanside. In her role with Umeke Christa focuses on assisting with development and community partnerships. As a proud member of the KHOI ‘ohana and Umeke hui, Christa is honored to help uplift AANHPI visibility, representation, and cultural preservation. Christa is passionate about supporting local communities, environmental justice and stewardship, and public service. She previously served in leadership roles with the San Diego chapters of Young Professionals in Energy and Surfrider Foundation, and the Magnolia Project, a UC Berkeley Public Service Center initiative committed to post-Hurricane Katrina rebuilding. An attorney by training, Christa enjoys practicing hula with her KHOI sisters, outrigger paddling, and cooking but especially eating. Christa lives in Oceanside with her wife Halei, keikikane Keanu, and two Chihuahua-mixes, Koa and Churro.
Christine Martinez
Treasurer
Christine, originally from California's Central Valley, is a UC San Diego graduate with a degree in Communications, specializing in diversity, inclusion, and justice. After 16 years in the investment industry, she shifted her focus in 2015 to support her family full-time and became a certified Health & Life Coach, helping individuals achieve their goals.
Christine is actively involved in her community, serving as the PTA Treasurer and a substitute teacher in the Poway Unified School District. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys podcasts, hiking, dancing hula, and reading personal development books. Above all, Christine values family, friends, food, and fun.
Ilianna Ramirez
Director of Development
As a multicultural professional of Chamorro, Diné, and Mexican heritage, Ilianna brings a deep understanding of cultural identity and advocacy to her work. A graduate of California State University San Marcos with a B.A. in Psychological Sciences, she has led equity-driven programs, revitalized student organizations, and served on advisory councils dedicated to inclusion and belonging. Her experience spans managing multimillion-dollar budgets, cultivating partnerships, and mentoring diverse teams to deliver impactful initiatives. Her understanding of relationship-building, fiscal planning, and strategic communication positions her to advance the mission of preserving cultural traditions. Guided by a passion for heritage and community empowerment, Ilianna strives to collaborate in growing sustainable programs that honor and perpetuate the rich legacies of Pacific Island peoples.
Kaua Martens
Director of Programs
Kelli Kauakanilehua Martens is a mixed Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) author and poet from Washington state. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Washington and her Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Passionate about perpetuating her culture and empowering nā Kānaka Maoli living in the diaspora to return to their roots, Kaua began her journey with 'Umeke as a volunteer and is honored to now serve her community as the Cultural Scholarship Chairperson and Programs Coordinator. Outside of her work as a writer, Kaua enjoys spending her time with her husband, dancing hula, learning 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, and bending to her dogs' every wish and whim.