About Us

Our Story……

We are a non profit organization registered in Hawaii as “COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION” with a sole focus on alleviating poverty, enhancing economic opportunities, and promoting community well-being by empowering underserved communities and vulnerable populations , especially Native, Tribal and indigenous communities in Hawaii and the broader Pacific region.

Our Mission

Our mission is to  empower underserved communities in Hawaii and the South Pacific by addressing systemic barriers—from gender-based violence to economic inequality. Through funding, training, and sustainable initiatives, we create pathways to safety, opportunity, and resilience.

Our Vision

We envision a Hawai’i and Pacific where justice flows like water—a future where:

  • No woman trades safety for survival, as our survivor-led economic programs break cycles of violence (40% reduction in economic coercion by 2030)
  • Indigenous communities write their own economic rules through access to finance and are economically empowered.
  • Climate resilience builds wealth, as 100% of funded businesses adapt to warming oceans while preserving cultural traditional lifestyles
  • Finance becomes a tool of liberation, with 0% interest loans for single mothers and 90% repayment rates through community guarantees

Our Community Strengthening Projects

Wahine Safe

  • Culturally tailored safety app for survivors of gender based violence in Oahu.
  • Trauma informed advocacy services for survivors of gender based violence.

Hawaii Resource Center

  • A local community help resource directory for finding social services and community events in Oahu.

UnBankedFI

  • Financial Education for small businesses
  • Micro-loans ($500-–5K) for low-income entrepreneurs at 0% interests.
  • Credit-building Education tools (e.g., reporting microloan repayments to credit bureaus).

Small Business Mentorship

  • We provide small business mentorship for women-, Indigenous-, and immigrant-owned businesses.

The People behind the scene

Join Our Team

A collective of innovative minds and spirited individuals, committed to bringing their best in a dynamic and supportive workspace.

Lisi Ferguson : Founder

A Message from The Founder

Aloha and welcome!At Pacifica Community and Economic Development Foundation, we believe strongly in empowering individuals and communities by creating meaningful pathways to financial independence and personal growth. Our Projects provide support for native , tribal and indigenous communities. Our work is centered around providing community wellness, mentorship and guidance for new entrepreneurs ensuring they have the resources and support to successfully launch or restart their lives in new communities and sustain their businesses. We also offer comprehensive financial education programs designed to build financial literacy, confidence, and long-term stability.

We remain deeply committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence by offering tailored services aimed at rebuilding financial independence, resilience, and hope. Our Hawaii Resource Center serves as a vital hub, connecting community members to essential resources, services, and opportunities designed to strengthen families and enrich lives.

We approach each project with compassion and dedication, recognizing the potential within each individual we serve. Your support is instrumental in continuing this meaningful work, and together we are making a lasting impact, building resilient communities filled with opportunity and hope.

Thankyou for standing with us in creating a brighter future for everyone we reach.