Arlington, VA – The Nakupuna Companies is honored to be recognized by the Washington Business Journal in their 2026 Corporate Philanthropy Awards, marking the second consecutive year Nakupuna has received the distinction.
The annual awards recognize organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to philanthropy and community impact throughout the Greater Washington region. This year’s recognition reflects Nakupuna’s continued investment in nonprofit partnerships, employee-led volunteerism, and community initiatives that create lasting opportunities for individuals and families.
As a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO), Nakupuna’s business success is directly connected to its ability to reinvest in communities. Through its nonprofit owner, the Nakupuna Foundation, Nakupuna supports educational programs, workforce development initiatives, community partnerships, and services that strengthen communities in Hawaiʻi and across the country.
On June 4, Nakupuna Chief Executive Officer Jason Greenawalt and Managing Director Kaitlin Ekechuku accepted the award during the Washington Business Journal’s Corporate Philanthropy Awards luncheon.
“This recognition is meaningful because it reflects the collective efforts of our employees, nonprofit partners, and community organizations who are working every day to create opportunities for others,” said Jason Greenawalt, Chief Executive Officer of the Nakupuna Companies. “Giving back is not something separate from our mission. It is part of who we are. We are grateful to the Washington Business Journal for this honor and to the many partners who help to create lasting impact.”
In conjunction with the event, Nakupuna donated $10,000 to Ayuda, the Washington Business Journal’s featured nonprofit organization. Ayuda provides legal, social, and language services that help immigrants and their families thrive throughout the Greater Washington region.
The recognition comes as the Nakupuna Foundation continues to expand its impact through strategic investments in education, workforce development, cultural programs, and community partnerships. In 2025 alone, the Foundation invested more than $6 million across initiatives supporting efforts to uplift Native Hawaiians as well as other communities where Nakupuna employees live and work.
Nakupuna extends its congratulations to the other organizations recognized by the Washington Business Journal and remains committed to supporting meaningful opportunities that strengthen communities and improve lives.
To learn more about the Nakupuna Foundation’s community investments, view the Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report and visit www.nakupunafoundation.org.
