Mia Nishiguchi is a senior and the Hawai’i State Board of Education Student Representative, representing over 165,000 public and charter school students across the State.

She is the Chairperson of the inaugural Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) Youth Council and has facilitated meetings with HDOT directors, managers, and partner organizations to influence decisions on sustainable transportation. While interning with Representative Jeanne Kapela, she drafted and passed House Resolution 81, establishing a Climate Week in Hawaiʻi Department of Education schools statewide.

Mia is also a Youth Policy Leader for the Climate Future Forum, where she has led events supported by 20+ organizations, lawmakers, and media outlets. Through the Hawaiʻi Youth Food Council, she has advanced policies centered on sustainable food systems and equity. As a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador, she has promoted ocean conservation and community stewardship initiatives.

Lastly, she is the recipient of the Brandeis University Book Award for commitment to civic leadership and academic excellence.