James “Jimmy” Toledo Scholarship
The UPW Foundation’s James “Jimmy” Toledo Memorial Scholarship for Union Members and Dependents.
The Next Generation of Leaders
The United Public Workers Foundation launched the James “Jimmy” Toledo Scholarship in 2024 as a testament to the enduring legacy of a revered union leader and advocate for workers’ rights in Hawai’i. This scholarship aims to support the educational aspirations of United Public Workers member dependents, fostering the next generation of leaders and thinkers in the labor movement.
Congratulations to the
2025 Jimmy Toledo Scholarship Recipients
$1,000 Awards to High School Seniors
Ritz Jen Cereno
Kauai High School
Kauai Division
UPW Relation:
Rhoda Esperon
Kelii Horn
Honokaa High & Intermediate School
Hawaii Division
UPW Relation:
Elai Horn
Daphne Takahashi
Maui High School
Maui Division
UPW Relation:
Wade Takahashi
Anela Preza
James Campbell High School
Oahu Division
UPW Relation:
Aurelio Preza Jr.
Kaylynne Evangelista
Maui High School
Private Sector Division
UPW Relation:
Evelyn Evangelista
$1,000 Awards to College Students
Shayna Villon
George Fox University
Maui Division
UPW Relation:
Sherwin Villon
Jaylynn Pascua
University of Oregon
Kauai Division
UPW Relation:
Tara Pascua
Theressa Cabading
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Maui Division
UPW Relation:
Alden Cabading
Congratulations to the 2025 Jimmy Toledo Scholarship Recipients
$1,000 Awards to High School Seniors
Ritz Jen Cereno
Kauai High School
Kauai Division
UPW Relation:
Rhoda Esperson
Kelii Horn
Honokaa High & Intermediate School
Hawaii Division
UPW Relation:
Elai Horn
Daphne Takahashi
Maui High School
Maui Division
UPW Relation:
Wade Takahashi
Anela Preza
James Campbell High School
Oahu Division
UPW Relation:
Aurelio Preza Jr.
Kaylynne Evangelista
Maui High School
Private Sector Division
UPW Relation:
Evelyn Evangelista
$1,000 Awards to College Students
Shayna Villon
George Fox University
Maui Division
UPW Relation:
Sherwin Villon
Jaylynn Pascua
University of Oregon
Kauai Division
UPW Relation:
Tara Pascua
Theressa Cabading
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Maui Division
UPW Relation:
Alden Cabading
2024 Jimmy Toledo Scholarship Recipients
Isabella Clay, Kalaheo High School
Carma Tabilisima, Keeau High School
Maddox Tyau, Maui High School
Melina Espino, Kamehameha Schools Maui
Kiana Cueto, Damien Memorial School
About the Jimmy Toledo Scholarship
The UPW Foundation launched the Jimmy Toledo Scholarship in 2024 as a testament to the enduring legacy of a revered union leader and advocate for workers’ rights in Hawaii. The scholarship aims to support the educational aspirations of UPW member dependents, fostering the next generation of leaders and thinkers in the labor movement.
To support educational advancement across our diverse membership, in its augural year the UPW Foundation awarded five $1,000 scholarships to local high seniors who commited to furthering their education the following Fall semester. One winner from each UPW Division was selected to receive financial assistance designated for higher learning.
In 2025, the UPW Foundation expanded its scholarship opportunities and in addition to the five $1,000 awards to graduating high school seniors, three $1,000 awards were given to UPW member dependents currently attending college and continuing their enrollment in the Fall 2025 semester. A $2,000 award was also offered to a student majoring in Political Science, Labor Studies, or Labor Relations.
The UPW Foundation hopes to continue expanding its scholarship awards so stay tuned for the announcement of the 2026 Jimmy Toledo Scholarship in early 2026.
Shop & Donate
You can help support the Jimmy Toledo Scholarship and also show you are UPW Strong by shopping for UPW merchandise at our online store. Proceeds from all orders made at ShopUPW.com go towards the UPW Foundation Jimmy Toledo Scholarship Fund.
About James “Jimmy” Toledo
The scholarship honors James Toledo, affectionately known as Jimmy, a figure synonymous with leadership and dedication within UPW. Toledo’s contributions were manifold; as Chief Steward of the Board of Water Supply where he worked for over 30 years, a member of the State Executive Board, and the BU 01 Executive Negotiating Committee.
He was instrumental in securing protective provisions for working families in the union’s contract legislation. His unwavering commitment to the well-being of UPW members and their families left an indelible mark on our union and its legacy. Toledo sadly passed away in 2013 at the age of 72.
About the UPW Foundation
The United Public Workers Foundation is a private corporation designated as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service. It is a legally separate entity from United Public Workers, AFSCME, and AFL-CIO.
However, the UPW Foundation works closely with these organizations and others in the community exclusively to further the education of past and current United Public Workers members and members families by providing scholarships to help with educational programs, opportunities, and schooling as determined by the Board of Directors.