ABOUT ALOHA
JIGSAW
FOUNDATION
Welcome to Aloha Jigsaw Foundation: Putting it Back Together One Piece at a Time.
About Us
In the Wake of the August 2023 Maui fires, the founder paid to set this up with her team and brought in Clyde Aikau as a board member.
The Aloha Jigsaw Foundation is a community-rooted nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education, skill-building, and resilience training. We launched the Mindset Training & Construction Skills Camp, a bold initiative designed to equip teens with practical trade skills and the inner strength to rebuild their lives and communities.
Taking place in the next few years with donations, self-funding and grants, we hope to bring this week-long camp and provide hands-on instruction in key construction trades like carpentry, personal development, electrical, plumbing, and welding—paired with mindset development workshops that focus on teamwork, leadership, and emotional resilience. Our goal is to support and fully sponsor teens (ages 15-18), offering them not just tools to work with, but a renewed sense of purpose and what the public and private schools do not teach.
We believe that true recovery goes beyond rebuilding homes—it requires investing in people. Through mentorship, community involvement, and accessible programming, we’re helping shape the next generation of local leaders, tradespeople, and changemakers.
At Aloha Jigsaw Foundation, we don’t just train for jobs—we cultivate futures filled with possibility, pride, and aloha.
OUR MISSION
The Aloha Jigsaw Foundation Inc.’s purpose is to address, educate, advance build projects with the following goals:
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Youth Empowerment & Personal Growth
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Mindset Development
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Construction Skills Training
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Community Engagement & Collaboration
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Youth Accessibility & Inclusion
Team
CEO | FOUNDER
KIMBERLY CANO
Experience:
Kimberly "Kim" Cano is a Fractional Contractor Profitability Officer, international keynote speaker, and bestselling author with 28 years of professional experience across environmental construction, hazmat operations, real estate development, executive administration, and entrepreneurship.
Her consulting brand, Cano Consulting, serves founder-led companies doing $3M to $50M through The Cradle-to-Cash Operating System™ — a five-pillar methodology that recovers 10 to 20 percent in lost margin within 90 days. She has taken companies from zero to six million dollars in under two years, recovered three hundred thousand dollars in collections in under 90 days, and grown client firms by 48 percent in less than one year. She does not consult from a textbook. She ran these companies.
On the stage, Kim delivers AIPFA — pronounced Eye-IPE-Fah — Anything Is Possible For All. Her keynote is built around three life principles she learned at one of Hawaii's most respected recovery programs — No Free Lunch, Act As If, and You Can't Keep It Unless You Give It Away. These are not motivational slogans. They are survival tools she has used every day for nearly three decades. Woven between them are the bridge moments — the pivots, the pivots, the losses, the comebacks — each chapter of her extraordinary life delivered as a story that transitions audiences into the next lesson.
She tailors every talk to the audience, the industry, and the event. Every genre. Every room. Every stage.
She is an LA Tribune Critically Acclaimed Bestselling author, ICON Global Keynote Speaker 2026, and IMDB listed personality featured in Times of Paris, USA Today, MSN, and over a dozen international publications.
Felon to founder. Trauma to triumph. One operator. Two lanes. Zero excuses.
SECRETARY
KIZZY RIFFLE
Experience:
Vice President and Co-Founder of The Anchor Holds, a nonprofit organization.
HONORABLE AQUISITIONS DIRECTOR
CLYDE AIKAU
Legacy & Experience:
Clyde Aikau was a legendary figure in the world of surfing - the eldest big wave
rider globally and a revered cultural icon in Hawaii. He served as the Senior
Operations Manager for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational and was a Master of Ceremonies for countless events honoring Hawaiian heritage. Clyde was also known for his work in ocean services, including Interment at Sea, as a sea captain, canoe paddler and guide, and Kahu (spiritual leader). He offered private surf lessons that touched the lives of many, always rooted in aloha.
Clyde's unwavering dedication to his culture, the ocean, and his community leaves an enduring impact. It is with great honor that we remember and recognize him as our Honorary Acquisitions Director.
Acquisitions Director & Treasurer
CYNTHIA POLITANO
Experience:
Cynthia brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit administration and corporate procurement. She has led cross-functional teams in sourcing, negotiating, and managing key partnerships, and has developed acquisition strategies that streamline operations while maximizing community impact. Her background includes work with foundations, educational institutions, and international social ventures, where she has consistently delivered scalable solutions rooted in transparency and ethics.
Clerical Expertise:
She works closely with other board officers and program teams to align funding with strategic priorities, and supports financial decision-making with clear documentation.
CONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTOR
JAMES SALAS
Experience:
James Salas is the founder of Valor Construction LLC, a top-tier construction company
in Houston. Known for his commitment to quality and strong client relationships, James
leads a skilled team that delivers outstanding residential and commercial projects with
a focus on craftsmanship and safety.
Clerical Expertise:
James specializes in renovations, commercial builds, concrete and
asphalt paving, landscaping, custom decks and patios, painting, metal
fabrication, and detailed carpentry. His broad construction knowledge
and customer-first approach make him a vital part of the team.
Joining Hands for a Brighter Future
At Aloha Jigsaw Foundation, we stand at the forefront of resilience and innovation. Our mission is to showcase and implement the smartest rebuilding solutions, turning tragedy into an opportunity for sustainable growth and community empowerment.
Smart Rebuilding Solutions: Discover how Aloha Jigsaw Foundation is spearheading the use of cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly practices to reconstruct and revitalize. From innovative fire-resistant materials to sustainable urban planning, we're committed to creating a community that is not only resilient but also environmentally conscious.
Community Rejuvenation: Our focus goes beyond physical structures – we believe in rebuilding lives and communities. Through partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies, we aim to create a thriving and interconnected community that can withstand any challenge.
Surf | Arts Theater | Construction | Real Estate Development
Scholarships for Aspiring Pros: Recognizing the potential and passion in youth, Aloha Jigsaw Foundation is proud to offer surf and other trade fully sponsored scholarships to talented individuals striving to go pro and take their goals to the next level. Our program aims to break the barriers of poverty that hinder dreams, providing not only financial support but also mentorship and training to help these aspiring surfers reach their full potential.
Community Support Initiatives: Aloha Jigsaw Foundation is not just an organization; we are individuals dedicated to supporting those in need. From skill development programs to mental health resources, we are committed to addressing the diverse needs of our community members.
Join the Movement: Be a part of the solution. Whether you are a volunteer, donor, or someone seeking support, Aloha Jigsaw Foundation welcomes you with open arms. Together, we can transform tragedy into triumph and build a brighter, more resilient future.
You can also learn more about the new site in Colorado: https://www.instagram.com/alohajig/
