ABOUT
NON-PROFIT UMBRELLA FOR 8 YOUTH-RUN ORGANIZATIONS
KIDS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
Structured in 2019, The Catalyst's Club initially served as an umbrella nonprofit organization for the original three entities but over the years more organizations were formed to increase the impact.
CLICK ONE TO EXPLORE AN ORGANIZATION
is an umbrella 501c3 for these 8 youth-run organizations:
INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW OUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE WORKS?
HOW WE GOT HERE
2016
2016
2018
Rylee Brooke's inaugural program, established to foster opportunities for children in community service after she was turned away as a volunteer.
Later that same year, The Secret Santa Project Hawaii was piloted to help provide a Christmas experience to kids & families in need.
Established through legislative initiatives at Hawaii's State Capitol & City Hall addressing root causes of systematic issues through laws & advocacy to drive meaningful change.
YOUTH BENEFIT'S OF JOINING THE CATALYST CLUB
The Catalyst's Club has founded many different organizations & programs so kids can serve in areas that they feel called to! While volunteering once is an option, individuals with leadership qualities have the opportunity to be mentored in taking on a program that their passionate about in a leadership role!
PRICELESS EXPERIENCES
Kids get to experience the fulfillment & empowerment of their efforts making a real difference! They may also gain new perspectives, more gratitude & passions through their service.
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS
Whether community service hours are a requirement for a pageant, college applications, or simply because they have a heart to serve TCC helps them gain this.
TRAINING & MENTORSHIP
Kids who join have the chance to be trained & mentored for a variety of different skills from leadership, grant writing, media, or even getting certified in things like CPR!
RECOGNITION & RECOMMENDATIONS
We love to honor the kids who are making a difference with us by opening recognition opportunities or writing letters of recommendations when they earn it!
GET INVOLVED
DONATE
Give a monetary donation & we will use it to help more kids & the world! Direct your donation to a specific program or allow us to use it wherever we see fit.
JOIN & VOLUNTEER
Make a difference by serving others or serving the planet as a volunteer! Tell us what you're passionate about in the application & we'll help to match you with a program!
MEET OUR FOUNDER,
CEO & PRESIDENT
Rylee Brooke Kamahele, 18 years old
Rylee Brooke Kamahele, at just 16 years old, graduated high school two years early and is the visionary founder of The Catalyst's Club, an organization she established at the age of 8. Inspired by her family's dedication to volunteer work, Rylee created eight distinct organizations under The Catalyst's Club, each addressing a unique community need. Her early career as a model and actress provided the initial funding for her nonprofit initiatives, and she further expanded her impact by launching small businesses to support these efforts.
Rylee has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including first place in the 2023 MyImpact Challenge, the 2021 Billy Michal Student Leadership American Spirit Award, and the 2020 EcoHero Award. In addition to her nonprofit work, Rylee played a pivotal role as a plaintiff in the landmark Navahine v. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation lawsuit. This case resulted in a historic victory for climate advocacy, as she and other youth plaintiffs successfully compelled the state to commit to decarbonizing its transportation system and achieving zero emissions by 2045.
CLICK TO EXPAND & LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FOUNDER!
MEET OUR COO & VICE PRESIDENT
SYSTEMS DRIVEN BY IMPACT CO-FOUNDER
Nyssa Correia, 16 years old
Nyssa Correia is the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of The Catalyst’s Club and co-founder of SySTEMs Driven by Impact, The Catalyst’s Club’s STEM program, which she is leading to create opportunities for youth to explore science and technology as tools for leadership and change. A high-achieving student at Le Jardin Academy, Nyssa aspires to become an aerospace engineer and is recognized for her academic excellence, creativity, and leadership.
She serves as Captain of Koʻolaupoko Robotics, the Secretary General of Model UN, and an officer in both Student Government and the Tri-M Music Honors Society. Beyond school leadership, Nyssa excels in music, art, and community service—using her talents and achievements to inspire youth to pursue their passions and create meaningful change in their communities.
Her accomplishments include a 5.0 GPA, membership in the National Honors Society and TRI-M Music Honors Society, and multiple awards such as the Scholastic Silver Key Award (Art), Beth Allen Art Award, Le Jardin Academy Merit Scholarship Award, and College Board National Recognition. She is also a recipient of the Associated Chinese University Art Scholarship, the Design & Innovation Academic Subject Award, and has earned both Presidential Gold and Silver Service Awards for her extensive community service. In addition, Nyssa founded Technovation’s Hawai‘i Regional Division, has had her artwork exhibited at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum and other galleries, and continues to gain recognition for her excellence in both academics and service.
Driven, intelligent, and visionary, Nyssa combines her leadership, innovation, and service to inspire those around her and to shape a future where youth voices lead lasting change.
MEET OUR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Taezyah Ayau, 18, serves as the Executive Assistant of The Catalyst’s Club, where she plays a key role at the executive level supporting all programs and handling the critical behind-the-scenes administrative work that drives the organization forward. She has been part of The Catalyst’s Club since its founding, growing alongside the organization and becoming a trusted leader within its core team.
A recent graduate of Mililani High School, Taezyah also demonstrated her leadership through two years as Secretary and now President of The Catalyst’s Club Leo Club, Oahu's first community Leo Club sponsored by the Koko Head Lions. Her deep commitment to service is reflected in her work coordinating events, supporting youth initiatives, and strengthening operations across the organization. Now attending the University of Hawai‘i and pursuing a career in business, Taezyah combines her academic path with her passion for leadership and service—continuing to build on years of dedication to The Catalyst's Club and its mission to create positive change.
Taezyah Ayau, 18 years old
MEET OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT LEADER
Raiden Barrientos has been part of The Catalyst’s Club since the age of six and now serves as Community Impact Leader. A student at Roosevelt High School, Raiden is recognized for his generosity, reliability, and heart for service—qualities that make him an essential part of The Catalyst's Club’s leadership team. Within the organization, Raiden supports programs across all areas and plays a vital role in The Secret Santa Project Hawai‘i, where he is known as “Raiden the Toy Raider.” His nickname reflects his dedication to bargain shopping for toys, supplies, and essential items that he donates to The Secret Santa Project and other programs and toy drives that support families in need and homeless shelters.
Beyond his work with The Catalyst's Club, Raiden also volunteers with Special Olympics and leads his own independent efforts to honor and recognize first responders. What sets Raiden apart is his consistency—he is always present, always willing to step up, and always ready to serve wherever he is needed.
Raiden Barrientos, 14 years old
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Izaiah Nakamura serves as The Catalyst’s Club’s Leadership Support Coordinator, working directly with the Executive Team to support and guide our Program Directors. In this role, he helps strengthen systems, organize responsibilities, and ensure leaders have the resources they need to succeed.
Since joining The Catalyst's Club in December 2025, Izaiah has become a trusted part of the executive team, known for his initiative, reliability, and ability to inspire others. Outside of The Catalyst's Club, Izaiah is captain of Roosevelt High School’s Varsity Football Team, a role he has proudly held for the past four years. His athletic achievements include earning an OC16 Impact Player Award and an RHS Bruce Tomita Award, along with recognition as a 2023 and 2024 DII OIA Champion, 2024 OIA First Team Defense, 2024 Hawai‘i All-State First Team Defense, 2025 Recruit Nation Top Performer, and 2025 Linebacker MVP. His leadership on and off the field reflects his character: humble, hardworking, and committed to serving his community.
Izaiah Nakamura, 17 years old
MEET OUR THERAPY DOG IN TRAINING
Theodore, affectionately known as “Theo the Leo,” is a golden retriever born in December 2023 and The Catalyst’s Club’s beloved therapy dog in training for the Leo Program. He also lends his big heart to the Love is a Verb Foundation, supporting community partnerships, and works alongside youth-led initiatives like the Hashtag Speak Up Movement and Alohi Strong.
Though still learning to manage his excitement, Theo has already shown patience and warmth during preschool visits as part of his training. His trainer notes that he is not food-motivated like most dogs, but thrives on attention, making him especially eager to connect with people.
Clumsy at times but always full of love, he truly is a very good boy.
Theodore, 2 years old
MEET OUR PROGRAM DIRECTORS
THE SECRET SANTA PROJECT HAWAII
Emmalia Tuagalu, 13 years old
Emmalia "Emma" Tuagalu serves as the Program Director of The Secret Santa Project Hawai‘i, where she leads efforts to bring hope and support to families in need during the holiday season. A driven and compassionate 13-year-old student leader, Emma also serves as the 8th Grade Vice President at Highlands Intermediate School.
She began her journey with The Catalyst’s Club at just three years old and has since grown into a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and civic engagement. She has spoken at statewide youth summits, represented Hawai‘i in national leadership programs, and serves as a student ambassador dedicated to promoting positive school culture.
Emma leads her own initiative, Kupuna Kits, which provides hygiene products and essentials to seniors, and also partners with the Children’s Miracle Network to aid youth in hospitals. In addition to her volunteer work, she is a pageant queen and basketball player, embodying a spirit of excellence in all her endeavors.
Her dedication to service and leadership has earned her recognition and multiple accolades for her impact. Whether she is organizing donation drives, mentoring peers, or sharing her voice on youth panels, Emma brings energy, empathy, and excellence to every initiative she takes on.
LOVE IS A VERB FOUNDATION
Nikky Antolin, 14 years old
Nikky Antolin is the Program Director of Love is a Verb Foundation, where she oversees 12 youth-run programs and helps guide young leaders in transforming their passions into action that creates positive change. She has been part of The Catalyst’s Club since 2023 and continues to grow as a leader under its mission of youth empowerment.
Outside of The Catalyst’s Club, Nikky is a Level 4 All-Star Cheerleader and junior coach at Aloha Cheer Academy, where she mentors younger athletes and helps them grow in confidence and skill. Her dedication to cheer has earned her multiple national titles and recognition as Coach’s Pick by her gym owner.
Nikky is also an entrepreneur, running her own jewelry company where she designs gold-filled bangles and other pieces, and has even helped teach classes on soldering and jewelry-making to share her skills with others. In addition, she serves as a junior high group leader at Inspire Church, where she enjoys building connections and supporting others in their faith journeys.
For Nikky, leadership and service aren’t just activities—they are part of who she is.
PROMISE TO OUR KEIKI
Taimane Broad-Gisa, 17 years old
Taimane Broad-Gisa is the Program Director of Promise to Our Keiki, where she leads youth-driven efforts to uplift Hawai‘i’s keiki through education, advocacy, and community initiatives that address critical issues affecting future generations. A senior at Kamehameha Schools, she serves as the student body president of the Associated Students of Kamehameha Schools (ASKS), and is also a member of Concert Glee and the Speech and Debate team. Taimane is recognized for her leadership, passion for impact, and commitment to making a difference.
SYSTEMS DRIVEN BY IMPACT
Jaxson Slotnick-Paige, 17 years old
Jaxson Slotnick-Paige is the Program Director for SySTEMs Driven by Impact where he takes on the responsibilities of STEM education for youth and the development of innovative, impactful, and independent software.
Jaxson is an International Baccalaureate (IB) student at Le Jardin Academy with formally recognized academic prowess. His roles also include programming team captain for Ko’olaupoko Robotics, developer for the Drones In School national drone racing league, avid participant in Model United Nations, student journalist and AI specialized researcher with multiple op-eds and academic papers publicized, member of his schools student government, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and National Honor Society. He hopes to continue his work when he pursues higher education by studying computer science and political economy. Throughout his already well accomplished life it has been his consistent mission to inspire, educate, and enable through software the next generation of change makers.
Cultivate Hope in Hawaii, The Catalyst Cubs Community Leo Club, Catalysts Leadership Academy, and Mogul in the Making Initiative are currently overseen by The Catalyst's Club's Executive Team.
CULTIVATE HOPE IN HAWAII
THE CATALYST CUBS LEO CLUB
CATALYSTS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
MOGUL IN THE MAKING
Executive Team
