"I cherish the opportunity to merge my passion for fundraising with my love for education, working to ensure the growth and sustainability of educational institutions."

Department

Educational Psychology

Related Degrees

• MEd, Educational Psychology

COEAA Spotlight on Wendy Chang (Credit: Lori Furoyama)

Growing Up

I was born and raised in Pearl City, Hawaiʻi and am a graduate of Pearl City High School. Education was very important to my father, and he believed in its transformative power. I was the first in my family to go to college. I knew I wanted to be involved in education and help make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

College Years

I studied psychology for my undergraduate degree at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa because I was so fascinated by how our brains influence our behaviors. I entered the Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Psychology program to learn more about research methodologies and data analysis. Because the faculty were so knowledgeable, interesting, and supportive, it inspired me to work on the UH Mānoa campus for the Center on the Family, Learning to Grow project.

Career Path

I began my journey at the Center on the Family, Learning to Grow project, creating publications and conducting outreach in the family, friend, and neighbor care community. My path led me to work in the advancement departments first at Maryknoll School before settling into my current role at Punahou School. I’m currently the Senior Director of Development, overseeing fundraising at Punahou. While I’m not directly in the classroom, I cherish the opportunity to merge my passion for fundraising with my love for education, working to ensure the growth and sustainability of educational institutions. Fundraising fuels the engine that drives educational initiatives, and I hope my work bridges the gap between vision and reality.

Best Part About the Job

Punahou’s commitment to preparing students not just academically, but as responsible global citizens is what inspires me most. We are not merely educating students; we are shaping future leaders who will play a pivotal role in bringing about positive change on a global scale. In my role, I’m able to help fund financial aid, making a Punahou education accessible to students who may have never imagined it possible. As a public school graduate, I’m most proud of the programs that reach both Punahou and Department of Education (DOE) students. Programs such as the Partnerships in Unlimited Educational Opportunities (PUEO) program, the Davis Democracy Initiative, and the Sustainability Fellowship Program exemplify how philanthropy can help us extend beyond our campus, creating programs that reach a broader community.

Future Plans

My lifelong purpose is to make a difference, so my hope is that my future plans involve me somehow making a difference in people’s lives! Then, I look forward to retiring and traveling to spend time with my two sons who currently live in Northern California and Seattle.

Fun Facts

I’ll be running in my fifth Hapalua half-marathon this April!
I’m married to my college sweetheart, whom I met at the University of Hawaii at Manoa!
I’m a Disney fan!