Elliana Abcede, a junior in Fashion Design and Merchandising at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Dean’s Award for Ka Hana Poʻokela, Undergraduate Student. Born and raised on Oʻahu, Elliana chose to attend UH Mānoa to stay close to home while pursuing her creative interests. Although she once aspired to become a professional pastry chef, her path shifted to fashion design, where she discovered a new way to express creativity and bring joy to others.

Entering the program with no prior sewing experience, Elliana quickly found her footing through foundational coursework, where supportive mentorship and hands-on projects helped build both her technical skills and confidence. She went on to complete advanced courses in patternmaking, draping, and garment construction, progressing from beginner-level projects to producing multiple full looks in a single semester. Her academic journey reflects both her rapid growth and her commitment to mastering the craft.

In addition to her coursework, Elliana has played an active role in the program’s production course, taking on increasing leadership responsibilities, from model coordinator to production lead, and now overseeing venue logistics, music, and social media. These experiences have strengthened her leadership and collaboration skills while contributing to the success of program events. Her recognition with the Dean’s Award highlights her dedication, resilience, and meaningful contributions to the Fashion Design and Merchandising community.

By Dr Olaitan Adeleke

Research Excellence: Inclusive Design: FDM student Luphia Landry presented her study at the CTAHR Showcase & Research Symposium on April 25th, 2026. Luphia completed an independent study (FDM 499) with Dr. Minako McCarthy, focusing on inclusive design for creating garments for visually impaired people. She earned 2nd place in the Undergraduate Oral presentation category.

Congratulations, Luphia, for your excellent designs and research! We are proud of you!!

By Dr Minako McCarthy

Dr. Young Jin Bahng organized and hosted the 2026 UH Retail Business Plan Competition at RISE on April 24, in collaboration with the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE). Five finalists presented professional business plans that they had developed in the Fall 2024 FDM 437 Entrepreneurship in Retail course (Instructor: Mark Oandasan). The final judges were Dave Erdman (Director, Retail Merchants of Hawaii), Haruka Yamaguchi (Director, ExecHawaiʻi), Kristin Lencz (Owner, Aroma by K), and Dr. Andy Reilly (Professor, FDM).

This year, CTAHR (Dean Parwinder Grewal) provided $3,000, the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (Chair Rajesh Jha) contributed $2,000 in cash prizes and two iPads, PACE (Director Sandra Fujiyama) provided $1,000 for venue and refreshments, and Exec Hawaiʻi (CEO Kathy Fujiwara) contributed $300 for the Exec Hawaiʻi Award. Congratulations to the 2026 Winners!

• 1st Place – Skylar Conley: DARACK (Mobile Vintage + Local Pop-up) — $3,000

• 2nd Place – Deanella Ramos: VUELA CAPSULE (Travel Outfit Planning App) — $1,500

• 3rd Place – Camryn Ketchum: AUGUST (Organic Café + Local Marketplace) — $500

• 4th Place (tie) – Victoria Mincho: MADE FOR YOU (Inclusive Ethical Basics Brand) — iPad

• 4th Place (tie) + Exec Hawaiʻi Award – Violet Bishop-Young: MOMENTUM (Gym- to-Life Wellness Kit) — iPad + $300

We sincerely appreciate all of the support from the judges, sponsors, and FDM staff, students, and faculty. Congrats to all the achievers!

By Dr Young Jin Bahng