Kaona jamaica osorio biography

Poet and Hawai'ian activist

Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio is a Kanaka Maoli poet, educator, and activist who lives and works in Hawai'i. She is known for her poetry and activism centered on Hawaiian culture and identity.

Early life

Osorio was born and raised in Pālolo Valley, Oahu to parents Jonathan Osorio and Mary Osorio.^[1] From a young age, Osorio was also inspired by the work her father did as a professor, and knew she wanted to teach at a university.^[1] By virtue of her father's job, Osorio grew up around renowned scholars, creatives and activists, such as Haunani-Kay Trask and Lilikalā Kame'eleihiwa, and was further inspired by the vision of wāhine they evoked.^[1]

Education and academic work

Osorio graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 2008,^[2][3] and from Stanford University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity.

The following year, she completed a Master o