PlayBuilders Board of Directors
Mary Pat Ashby – Treasurer
Mary Pat Ashby brings decades of specialized experience in hospital finance and public health to her role as Treasurer of PlayBuilders. Throughout her career, she managed complex budgets and championed best practices in healthcare administration. Now retired, Mary Pat dedicates her time to supporting local nonprofits by volunteering her bookkeeping skills. Her deep financial knowledge ensures that PlayBuilders maintains fiscal responsibility and sustainability, helping to guide the organization’s financial decisions and strategy.
Deanna Espinas – Board Member
Deanna Espinas, a retired correctional librarian, has devoted her life to both education and cultural advocacy. Her career in the correctional system was shaped by her commitment to literacy and rehabilitation. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Deanna is an active participant in the Filipino and Hawaiian cultural communities, working to preserve traditions, language, and heritage. She believes strongly in the power of storytelling as a way to safeguard history and to pass down lived experiences to future generations, enriching PlayBuilders with her unique perspective.
Keʻala Ford – Youth Representative
As the Youth Representative, Keʻala Ford plays a vital role in connecting PlayBuilders with younger voices and perspectives. Keʻala is currently studying psychology at the University of Hawai‘i West Oʻahu, where she is a member of the honor society. Her passion for the arts is evident in her longstanding involvement with the company as an actor. She began her journey with PlayBuilders in the production of Dragonfly and now channels her energy and insights into the Mālama the Caregivers Project, which supports and gives voice to caregivers in the community.
Emily Jorgenson – Secretary
Emily Jorgenson serves as Secretary, bringing exceptional organizational skills, keen insight, and a quiet but steadfast dedication to the board. While she prefers to keep her biography private, her fellow board members deeply value her contributions. Emily’s ability to coordinate, document, and facilitate the administrative functions of PlayBuilders is vital to the organization’s day-to-day operations and overall effectiveness.
James LaBrie – Board Member
James LaBrie draws on his personal experiences as a former foster youth to fuel his advocacy and storytelling. His life story was the inspiration behind PlayBuilders’ production of Dragonfly, highlighting the resilience and struggles of youth in foster care. James is a passionate speaker, using his voice and platform to support and empower Hawai‘i’s foster youth. Through his involvement with PlayBuilders, he brings lived experience and authenticity to the company’s work in social justice and community theatre.
Terri Madden – Founder & Producing Executive Director
Terri Madden is the visionary founder and Producing Executive Director of PlayBuilders. With a background in theatre and community engagement, Terri has created over fourteen community-based plays, amplifying the voices of diverse populations across Hawai‘i. She leads impactful projects such as Chinatown O‘ahu Rising and is spearheading the development of a statewide facilitator training handbook. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to inclusive storytelling have shaped PlayBuilders into a respected force for positive social change and collaboration. All that and she is a grandmother of 6!
Pamela Sterling – Board Member
Pamela Sterling is an accomplished, retired theatre professor from Arizona State University and an influential leader in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA). Her extensive career includes directing, writing, and producing award-winning plays. Pamela’s advocacy work centers on empowering youth, promoting social change, and advancing new play development. She contributes a wealth of experience, mentorship, and a passion for theatre that inspires both young people and her colleagues on the board.
Dr. Elaine Valdov – Board Member
Dr. Elaine Valdov is recognized internationally as a peace activist, a United Nations representative, and a practicing psychotherapist. She directs PlayBuilders’ Bursting Bubbles video series, which addresses issues related to trauma recovery and youth empowerment. Dr. Valdov’s expertise in mental health and global peace initiatives greatly enriches the organization’s programming. Her guidance supports PlayBuilders’ efforts to address trauma, foster resilience, and build bridges within the community.
Elizabeth Wichmann‑Walczak – President
Elizabeth Wichmann‑Walczak, the current President, is Professor Emeritus of Theatre at the University of Hawai‘i. An internationally recognized expert in Asian theatre, she is a director, playwright, and educator whose work champions justice and elevates community voices. Her leadership in PlayBuilders reinforces the company’s commitment to using theatre as a means to confront social injustice and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Hawai‘i.
Robert Yokoyama – Public Relations Specialist
Robert Yokoyama is a veteran PlayBuilders actor and media outreach lead. As Public Relations Specialist, he has played a key role in shaping the company’s public image and expanding its audience. Robert has received awards for his volunteerism and has been instrumental in securing media coverage for PlayBuilders, including features on Hawai‘i News Now. His enduring dedication and communication skills help ensure that the company’s projects reach and inspire a broader community.
