Christopher “Poki” Pokipala

Christopher “Poki” Pokipala is an Assistant Professor and Counselor in the Student Services department at Leeward Community College, part of the University of Hawai'i system. Based in the Waiʻanae Moku building (room LCCWM 107), he provides academic counseling and student support services with a focus on community engagement in the Waiʻanae region.

His academic foundation includes:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) from University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
• Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Hawai'i at Mānoa

Professor Pokipala's professional expertise centers on culturally responsive counseling and educational pathways for underrepresented students. His work integrates social work principles with academic advising, emphasizing early college transition programs for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. He actively develops partnerships between Leeward CC and local high schools to create seamless educational pathways, with particular focus on Waiʻanae High School, Kamaile Academy, and Kapolei Charter School.

As Co-Vice Chair of the Pūkoʻa no nā ʻEwa Council, he contributes to regional educational policy initiatives addressing equity in the ʻEwa district. His student advising approach prioritizes holistic support through:

• Academic planning and degree pathway development
• Career exploration and college readiness programs
• Culturally grounded mentorship for Indigenous students
• Community resource navigation and support services