Kela Pulawa
Senior Chef, Second Helpings Hawaii
Kela Pulawa is a Mother of 4 sons and first-time grandmother. She loves cooking, baking and decorating with her granddaughter Laie, and spends as much time as possible with her family and boyfriend.
She currently works as an inventory specialist at 50th State Poultry and an Operations Manager at Pacific Cold Storage.
She has managed and organized companies throughout her career creating policies and procedures while upholding industry standards and company moral.
During a rough patch in her life, Kela served 5 years of incarceration, where she found God and turned her life around. Working through the recreation program, she was able to reach many of her sisters boosting their self esteem and being a positive influence and role model.
Utilizing the programs available, she found her calling learning to play several instruments and serve playing praise and worship music with the Ho’ohuli band. She also earned certificates in culinary arts through KCC, audio and visual training through Olelo Community Media, and gained skills in graphic design, stage and concert organizing and the art of public speaking. She also became an author, publishing a children’s book with the help of the Lynn Waihee and the talented Aunty’s at Read to me.
A graduate of the Hawaiian Lecture Series through the Pu’a Foundation, and former resident and graduate of the Fernhurst work furlough program through the YWCA, Kela has experienced first-hand the difficulties that come with transitioning back into community, and reconnecting with family.
She is passionate about helping women through this same transition, giving advice, referring places of employment and services needed.
Leading by example, and letting the women know that through God, anything is possible, Kela continues to open doors and strives to be a positive example to her family, co- workers and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Kela currently serves as a Senior Chef for Second Helpings Hawaii.