Chamoru Roots Inspire 2015 Wo Global Learning Champion

Kapiolani Community College technology professor Mary Therese Hattori is one of seven outstanding University of Hawaii community college faculty to be named a 2015 Wo Global Learning Champion.

Hattori and six fellow champions from Windward, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai campuses visited New Zealand recently for a first-hand look at how cultural differences contribute to global education. They learned ways of better serving indigenous students, which is a cause close to Hattori’s heart.

It’s been a busy spring semester. A native of Guam, Hattori also co-organized a Micronesian College Student Summit March 29 at Honolulu Museum of Art School. “We have much to learn from our Maori counterparts,” she said, noting that “as a Chamoru, I am very interested in supporting students from the region of Micronesia who enroll in college in Hawaii. This program (Global Learning Cham-pions) provides resources that I can use to achieve this goal.”

Her doctoral dissertation also is linked to the Champion award: Culturally Responsive Educational Technology. Meanwhile, Hattori directs KCC’s campus technology services and lives in Kuliouou with her husband and young son.

“My brother and I have long believed that international education is critical to Hawaii’s success today and in the future,” stated Jim Wo, referring to his and Bob Wo’s initial Wo Learning Champions Program of 2001 for community colleges. This year, the James and Juanita C. Wo Foundation added the component of global learning and leadership.