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.