ABOUT
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION BY KIDS FOR KIDS
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 CEO & FOUNDER
Rylee Brooke Kamahele, 17 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
SYSTEMS DRIVEN BY IMPACT CO-FOUNDER
LEO CLUB VICE PRESIDENT
Nyssa Correia, 15 years old
Nyssa Correia, 15, is a sophomore at Le Jardin Academy with a profound passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Although she has participated in pageants in the past, her true dedication lies in advancing these fields. Nyssa is an active member of her school's robotics team and co-founder of Systems Driven by Impact, an initiative focused on bringing STEM education to children. In addition to her STEM pursuits, Nyssa serves as the Vice President of the Catalyst Cubs Leo Club, where she continues her strong commitment to volunteering and community service.
MEET OUR LEO CLUB PRESIDENT
Taezyah Ayau, 17, is a senior at Mililani High School and has dedicated the past two years to serving as the secretary of The Catalyst Club's Leo Club,and now the President, Affiliated with the Kokohead Lions Club. Her deep commitment to community service is evident in her extensive involvement in event planning and volunteering across various organizations under The Catalyst Club, where she plays a vital role in advancing their mission to create positive change and empower youth. Taezyah plans to attend Oregon State University, where she will pursue a career as a travel NICU nurse, aiming to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young patients.
Taezyah Ayau, 17 years old
MEET THE SECRET SANTA PROJECT HAWAII PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Emmalia Tuagalu, 12 years old
Emmalia "Emma" Tuagalu, now 12 years old, began her journey with The Catalyst's Club at the tender age of 3 and has since developed into a passionate leader and dedicated volunteer. As the Program Director for the Secret Santa Project Hawaii, Emma's commitment to serving her community is evident in her ongoing efforts to support those in need. She actively contributes to initiatives like "Kupuna Kits," which provide hygiene products and essentials to seniors, and works with the Children's Miracle Network to aid youth in hospitals. In addition to her volunteer work, Emma is also a pageant queen and basketball player, embodying a spirit of service and excellence in all her endeavors.
