Ryan Catalani

Rooted in community

Growing up in Hawaiʻi, in a family whose forebears immigrated from Japan, from Catalonia, from Indonesia to the Netherlands to Salem, Oregon, instilled in Ryan a certain consciousness about the world. He learned about the power of stories—and the importance of being heard. He learned about the stakes of migration—what it means to leave everything behind for the safety of your loved ones, and the sacrifice and love intrinsic to starting over in a new city or country. And he learned the simple but profound value of learning to live with people who look, act, and think differently than you—convivencia, as identified by the writer Mario Osorio.

Ryan joined Family Promise of Hawaiʻi as its Executive Director in 2022. He brings a deep passion for its mission, having previously worked at Family Promise of Northern New Castle County (Delaware) and served on the board of Family Promise of Hawaiʻi.

Ryan was named one of Hawaiʻi’s “40 Under 40” by Pacific Business News and an “Outstanding Young Professional” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Global. Prior to his current position at Family Promise of Hawaiʻi, he worked at Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network and co-founded Mobility Movilidad. He also serves on the boards of Pacific Gateway Center and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Aloha Chapter.

What people are saying

Pacific Business News 40 Under 40 2021
One of “40 young professionals making significant impacts to Hawaii businesses and communities.”

“Ryan shows immense dedication … as a fundraiser who dedicates himself to advocating for the children of Hawaiʻi, and a volunteer who works tirelessly to represent vulnerable populations who are underrepresented.”
— Young Professional Award
Association of Fundraising Professionals

Recognized for creating “communications and fundraising materials [that] embody excellence, quality, creativity, and impact.”
— Fundraising and Communications Excellence Awards
Association of Fundraising Professionals - Brandywine Chapter

“A quiet leader, a thoughtful presence, a creative and artistic force, and a risk taker … he has been a steady advocate for social change speaking truth to power through words, art, and action. Ryan is truly a gifted individual, someone advancing progress in diversity, social justice, and inclusion.”
— Emerson College Inclusive Excellence Award

“Catalani [works] to reframe history through the stories of people who are otherwise overlooked.”
— Emerson College Community Service Report

“Ryan is one of the most amazing and talented people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. There are many people in this world who are smart, talented, and creative, but Ryan separates himself from the pack because he is a ‘doer.’”
— Melanie Feldman, Co-Founder, Bookzingo