Kaina Barba | Director of cultural transformation
Pronouns: All
Pasifika Culture: Hawaiian
About Kaina Barba:
Kaina Barba is our Director of Programs and an astounding QTPI in our UTOPIA Portland family. Kaina moved to Portland for work after traveling the world once he left the beautiful island of Hawaiʻi. With years of experience as a Cultural Practitioner, Kaina dedicated tons of time and energy to community organizing and passing along the indigenous traditions of Hawaiian culture within the Pasifika community in the Pacific Northwest. As a founding member of UTOPIA Portland, Kaina continues to create space for QTPIs to truly be themselves and honor the beauty they bring to this world.
Even though Kaina has a long history of achievements within the 2sLGBtqia+ Community and Academia, Kainaʻs most proud of his family and friends alike, including his grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, and many more vital relationships. Every day is a fresh start for Kaina. He continues to work on himself daily, reminding himself to be kinder, gentler, and teachable.
Get to Know Kaina!
What is your favorite Islander Food?: Poke
What is your most meaningful memory with someone who is a member of the QT/PI community or with your culture?:
Preparing and sharing stories about our traditional foods with our QTPI community.
What are you most excited to do or achieve during your time at UTOPIA PDX?
Creating space for QTPIs to truly be themselves and honor the beauty they bring to this world.