Stacy Sproat

Executive Director, Waipa Foundation - Hanalei, HI

Stacy M. Sproat grew up in Kalihiwai, a small community in Kauai’s Halelea district (along the north shore), in a family that practiced subsistence and commercial fishing and farming. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools, and with a BS from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, Stacy moved home to work with her ohana and community in 1992. Over the next 33 years Stacy would lead the growth of the Waipa Foundation from a small volunteer run organization to a thriving non-profit with 27 staff, and over 25 weekly volunteers. The Foundation stewards the resources and ecosystems of the 1,600 acre Waipa ahupuaa, mai uka a i kai, under an agricultural lease from landowner Kamehameha Schools. Waipa’s mission is to restore the valleyʻs vibrant natural systems and resources; inspire healthy, thriving communities connected to their resources; and lead by example. Waipa has restored health to itʻs stream; transitioned 30+ acres from invasive species to native and cultural plantings and food production; provides 40,000 lbs of poi to itʻs communities as a food justice project; and provides transformational aina based programming to over 1,000 lifelong learners annually. An avid gardener for her entire adult life, Stacy manages a 2 acre production garden at Waipa which provides her the opportunity to live the reciprocal relationship of nourishing her family and community from the aina that they malama. She finds that her work as executive director is balanced and informed by the role of producer/aina practitioner. Also a serial entrepreneur, Stacy is passionate about exploring and building Waipaʻs economic sustainability through the development of revenue streams that are regenerative to aina and community; and sharing knowledge and lessons learned with others.