OUR STORY
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, founder and President of Nā Wahine Toa, is a Native-Hawaiian professional MMA fighter from Honolulu, Hawaii. Upon moving to San Diego to attend San Diego State University where she received both her B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology with a focus on Indigenous issues, she then pursued her dreams inside the cage where she quickly climbed the ranks and made history becoming Bellator MMA's inaugural Female Flyweight World Champion. During her reign as champion, she continued advocating for native communities and often found herself at the forefront of many Indigenous issues, centering them as part of her fight career and as a result often raising international awareness and support. One such issue was the MMIW movement, which ultimately inspired the origin of Nā Wahine Toa.
Driven by the realization of the epidemic of violence against native women and girls, Ilima-Lei took action. Using her platform and resources, she established the Ilimanator Scholarship in partnership with Native Like Water organization. Since its inception this scholarship program has already awarded over 25 scholarships to young girls from various indigenous communities, enabling them to access cultural enrichment programs and educational opportunities they might not have had otherwise. But Ilima-Lei's vision extends beyond scholarships. With the guidance of mentors and fueled by her passion for empowering her community, she founded Nā Wahine Toa. This foundation is committed to teaching Native women self-defense, self-love, self-preservation and the protection of all sacred spaces, including the sacred divine essence that all women carry within them.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to inspire and empower individuals to realize their full potential, both inside and outside of the cage. We strive to create a world where every person, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to pursue their passions with unwavering determination and to make a positive impact in their communities. Through cultural connection, advocacy, and harnessing our divine feminine power we aim to build a future where equality, justice, and compassion prevail, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Empower Indigenous Women Globally
Protection of 'Āina (land) and Sacred Spaces
Support For Native Owned Business
Social Change and Community Building
Intergenerational and Intercultural Learning
Advocacy and End of the MMIW Epidemic
Ilima Macfarlane
Founder & President
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane is the founder of Nā Wahine Toa Foundation. Her background is in cultural anthropology, indigenous advocacy and women’s issues. Born and raised in Nu'uanu on the island of 'Oahu, Ilima now resides in San Diego where she continues to train and fight professionally. Aside from her career as a fighter, she also works for NDN Collective focusing on climate justice and helping indigenous communities source federal funding. Ilima is active in dog rescue, working with elderly and helping survivors of domestic violence.
Jordana Ferreira
Vice-President
Jordana Ferreira is one of the inaugural board members of the Nā Wahine Toa Foundation. She brings extensive knowledge from the non-profit world, philanthropy, and more recently government relations working as an advocate in the field of early learning aiming to provide high quality opportunities for all young keiki and their ‘ohana across Hawai`i during their most formative years. Jordana’s `ohana originated from the Azores islands and Puerto Rico. She’s had the honor and privilege of being born and raised in Hawai`i growing up loving the west side beaches of Waianae on mokupuni o `Oahu
Julie LaBrake
Treasurer
Haawka!! May the fire burn bright within you. Wachipi wawokiyasa win (star woman who helps the people). My name is Julie Labrake and I come from the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. I am the daughter of lehunt Evelyn Mary Murphy LaBrake and the late Jack LaBrake. Although I am Kumeyaay, I am also a hunka relative to Dixie Holy Eagle-Cheyenne River, Rhonda Frazier-Eagle Butte, and Arnita Swanson-Lower Brûlée and the Bull Bear family of Kiyasa Tiospia (Kyle, South Dakota).
Richelle Kim
Secretary
Richelle Kim is the newest board member of Nā Wahine Toa Foundation. Her background is in operation management, policies and procedures, education, and real estate. She works for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs focusing on research, advocacy, and public policy for Native Hawaiians. Born and raised in Honolulu, Richelle now resides in Kaneohe and for the past 20 years and as an active member of the Windward Community. Richelle is on several non-profit boards, and is Chairperson for Community Affairs for the Bow Yee Tong Society which authorizes grants to non-profits and schools in Windward Oahu.
MEET NĀ WAHINE TOA'S BOARD
We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to support our organization’s daily operations. This is a remote position with a flexible schedule based on the needs of the organization. If you have a deep commitment to our cause and a desire to make a meaningful difference, we invite you to apply and join us in empowering the next generation of wāhine leaders.