Rooted in Culture.
Rising to the World.
A Hawaiʻi-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit building global pathways for local creative talent.
Founder Francis Gora preparing for his headlining show in Los Angeles, CA
Founder La'akea Ching hosting SLO's first public appearance at New York Fashion Week
Sacred Light ʻOhana exists to bridge Hawaiʻi to relevant global sectors by building the relationships and systems our communities need to thrive. We are establishing a modern knowledge economy that reclaims our place as global innovators, creating global pathways that keep our talent home and generate real economic value for the islands.
We believe this work is essential to helping local talent break past existing barriers and unlock a new level of growth. With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside the United States1, limited access to those larger markets has contributed to the loss of young, educated residents, including population declines from 2017 to 2019 driven largely by talent leaving in search of sustainable opportunity2.
We have been operating since 2020 and formally obtained our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2025, expanding our work to develop programs that directly respond to these needs. Our core offerings support the advancement of creative talent, equipping them to thrive globally while remaining rooted in culture and place.
2026 Framework
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING
Skill-building, mentor empowerment, and applied learning
PIKO INNOVATION LAB
Service Arm
Our programming is centered on fostering responsible participation from global partners in ways that support Hawaiʻi's talent in growing, competing, and being recognized globally. These initiatives are grounded in Hawaiʻi's community and rich culture, creating authentic access to local people, perspectives, and lived experience.
Structured as workforce development programming, this work builds practical skills and empowers experienced mentors to be a guiding light, preparing local talent to step confidently into professional environments, either independently or through our service arm.
Stay tuned as we announce our upcoming programming and partnerships.
Our Work
After leaving Hawaiʻi in pursuit of opportunity as musicians and designers, our founders Francis Gora and La'akea Ching experienced firsthand the access, resources, and global networks often unavailable back home.
In response, we developed our service arm to provide a more structured and sustainable way for that level of opportunity to exist locally.
Our work is grounded in the belief that thoughtful design and strong media are essential to advancing Hawaiʻi's global identity. Through projects spanning culture, arts, and emerging creative fields, we collaborate locally and globally to create meaningful opportunities that reflect the values and purpose our organization was founded on. Below are selected examples of our work.
GLOBAL
No Label Academy
At Harvard University
2023
Supported the production of No Label Academy, a creative education program focused on expanding access for artists from underrepresented backgrounds.
DONDA
By Kanye West
2020–2022
Contributed to writing, musical composition, and creative strategy across multiple phases of the DONDA project and related YEEZY ecosystem initiatives.
DreamWorks Soundtrack
c/o Def Jam Recordings
2023
Produced, wrote, performed, and A&R'd the song Hello, which premiered as part of the global DreamWorks film Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken.
In Whose Name
Documentary
2025
Led production, graphic design, and global screening activations for the documentary ranked among the top 10 films of 2025 by the Los Angeles Times.
LOCAL
City & County Design Initiative
2025
Led a comprehensive redesign initiative for City and County of Honolulu golf courses, including logo development and a unified visual system.
Kalapana 50th Anniversary Campaign
2025
Developed and executed a commemorative campaign honoring Kalapana's 50th anniversary, including music reimagination, storytelling content, and a live concert at the Waikīkī Shell.
KCCN Birthday Bash
c/o TMR Events
2022–2023
Supported production and creative coordination for KCCN FM100's annual Birthday Bash.
The Mayjah Rayjah
c/o TMR Events
2022
Assisted in the production of The Mayjah Rayjah, one of Hawaiʻi's most recognized music festivals.
Our ʻOhana
Sacred Light ʻOhana is guided by a collective of advisors and operators with deep experience across culture, creativity, systems development, and community leadership.
Contribute
Sacred Light ʻOhana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Your support helps us build global pathways for Hawaiʻi talent.