

NexGen News!
UCS NexGen Community and Cultural Engagement Series
Presented by UCS NexGen as part of the 2025 UCS Community and Cultural Engagement Series, we hosted "An Afternoon of Poetry with Wing Tek Lum" on March 22. Wing Tek began by reading selections from his acclaimed book, Oldtimers, setting the stage for a thoughtful and engaging discussion. A Q&A session followed, moderated by UCS Trustees Jill Fukumoto and Kendrick Chang, where attendees shared reflections and personal stories. The event was well attended, and the positive feedback we received speaks to its impact:
"My mom and I attended An Afternoon of Poetry: Excerpts and Insights with Wing Tek Lum and thoroughly enjoyed his reading from his novel. We also enjoyed the Q&A session afterwards. It was a wonderful event as part of your Culture & Heritage Series. We look forward to your next offering." – Yvonne Leong Awai
With meaningful dialogue and a strong turnout, the event was a testament to the power of poetry in preserving history and culture. Mahalo to Wing Tek and all who joined us for this memorable gathering!




UCS NexGen Inaugural Speaker Series Event
The recent UCS NexGen event, "Heritage & Vision: A Spotlight on Leaders Shaping Hawai‘i," featuring the inspiring Elisia Flores, CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, was held on October 4, 2024. Attendees were deeply engaged as Elisia shared her remarkable journey in building a thriving multi-generational franchise, emphasizing how heritage shapes leadership values and community service. Her relatability and insights made for an enriching experience for all. A special thank you to our moderators, Jill Fukumoto and Kendrick Chang, who did a fantastic job facilitating the discussion and ensuring a smooth flow throughout the evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable event!




2024 NexGen Social Dumpling Making




Inaugural UCS NexGen Program Hangout and Brainstorm Session
The future is bright with the UCS NexGen Program! This unique initiative aims to foster young leadership, celebrate our cultural heritage, and build a supportive community that resonates with your aspirations. This wonderful group shared their valuable insights to shape the future of the UCS NexGen Program.
