Ulupono Initiative Welcomes New Communications and Community Specialist

Sep 02, 2024

Ulupono Initiative is pleased to announce the addition of Summer Begnaud as its
new communications and community specialist. In the role, Begnaud will spearhead digital
communications, including social media strategy development and implementation as well as
website management and optimization. Additionally, she will oversee sponsorship coordination
and play a key role in supporting Ulupono’s overall communications strategy.

Begnaud brings a strong background in digital communications to Ulupono, having most recently served as a digital media specialist for the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization (OER). At OER, she played a pivotal role in managing social media campaigns, maintaining the office’s website, and publishing the Small Business Newsletter. Begnaud also contributed significantly to establishing and creating a brand identity for the O‘ahu Business Connector program.

Prior to OER, Begnaud co-founded a boutique creative agency in Austin, Texas, where she worked with nonprofits, small businesses, and women- and queer-owned businesses to launch and grow their brands. Her extensive experience in branding, marketing, social media management, and website design has equipped her with the skills needed to help organizations effectively communicate their messages and engage with their audiences.

“Summer’s expertise in creative branding and her commitment to impactful community
engagement make her a perfect fit for our team,” said Murray Clay, president of Ulupono Initiative. “Her ability to craft compelling stories and build strong community connections will be
instrumental in amplifying Ulupono’s mission." Begnaud earned a Bachelor of Arts in Geography with a minor in Communications from the University of Texas at Austin. She was raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas, and enjoys creating ceramics in her free time.

About Ulupono Initiative

Ulupono Initiative was founded in 2009 and strives to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawai‘i by working toward sustainable solutions that support and promote locally produced food, renewable energy, clean transportation choices, and better management of freshwater resources. For more information about Ulupono Initiative, visit ulupono.com or connect with Ulupono on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.