Meli James is co-founder of Mana Up. She is also president of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association. Previously, Meli brought her Silicon Valley startup experience to Hawaii venture accelerators Blue Startups and the University of Hawaii’s XLR8UH. James founded her first company, Nirvino, a #1 ranked wine app, an Apple Platform Top 100 App, and Top Ten Lifestyles App in 2007. In 2016, she was recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of five Women to Watch. In 2017, she was recognized again by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of eight Women Leaders Who Are Disrupting Entrepreneurship. Meli is a graduate of The School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University.

Brittany Heyd is co-founder of Mana Up. She is also General Counsel at Union, a software company based in Washington, D.C. Before Mana Up, Brittany was cofounder and Managing Director at 1776 and worked on economic policy at the Obama White House. Heyd holds a Juris Doctor / Masters of Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Bachelor's of Arts from the University of San Diego.

Susan Havens, Director of Client and Corporate Gifting is the powerhouse behind corporate gifting at Mana Up, turning each box into a story—one that celebrates Hawai‘i’s local makers and connects brands with a sense of place. With over two decades in the hospitality industry, Susan brings concierge-level care to every client relationship and a deep network across the islands. Whether she’s curating bespoke gifting experiences or organizing the perfect Hawai'i gift set, Susan leads with aloha, precision, and a genuine belief in the power of connection.

Marc Graser is Director of Marketing of Mana Up, bringing two decades of global storytelling experience to elevate Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurs on the world stage. A former content marketing lead for Marriott International, Hilton, and NMG Network, Marc previously served as a senior editor and writer at Variety and Advertising Age, blending brand storytelling and journalism to inspire and engage audiences across all platforms. At Mana Up, he leads brand strategy and content across retail, digital, and partner channels—with a focus on authenticity and emotional resonance. 

Craig Perkins-Shiraishi is the Program Manager at Mana Up, where he’s the behind-the-scenes engine driving our cohort experience, partnerships, and our annual live Showcase. With a background in operations at companies like GoPro and Amazon, Craig blends Silicon Valley polish, building smooth systems and unforgettable events, he brings a grounded, get-it-done energy to everything he touches.

Cathy Briese is the Senior Director of Operations at Mana Up, where she oversees fulfillment, retail, and other key departments that drive the company’s growth. With more than 15 years of leadership experience, including roles as Operations Manager and Inventory Supervisor at Best Buy, she specializes in building efficient systems, developing strong teams, and optimizing operations across multiple functions. Cathy is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and creating seamless customer experiences, and outside of work she enjoys family time and pursuing new personal goals.

Leia Gladstone, Partnerships and Events Manager is the Partnerships and Events Manager at Mana Up, where she’s the mastermind behind our most memorable experiences—from high-impact partnerships to seamless event execution. With a background in marketing strategy from Anthology and a BBA in Marketing from UH Mānoa, Leia brings a thoughtful, detail-first mindset to everything she touches. She thrives at the intersection of community and creativity, building connections that leave a lasting impression.

Shelbie Woods is an Account Manager at Mana Up, responsible for managing Corporate Gifting operations and overseeing Mana Up Market retail locations. She works closely with businesses to align goals and ensure strong, productive partnerships. With experience in project management, Shelbie brings a structured, practical approach to account management, focusing on clear communication and efficient operations to support business growth.

As Digital Marketing Coordinator, Lindsay Henriksen leads the charge in building creative campaigns that connect local Hawai‘i brands with global audiences. With a background in strategic communication and a passion for storytelling, she blends sharp content strategy with social savvy to grow engagement across digital channels. Lindsay also brings an entrepreneurial spirit from her experience as a freelance social media marketer for small businesses.

Austin Anderson is the Finance Manager at Mana Up, where he works across the company’s venture capital, accelerator, and retail operations. With a background in wealth management, project management, and experience building businesses, Austin brings a blend of financial acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset to the team. He holds a Bachelor’s in Business and a Master of Business Administration from Hawai‘i Pacific University, as well as a Master’s in Wealth Management from Columbia University.

Paige Relph, E-Commerce and Merchandise Assistant, is a key player in keeping House of Mana Up’s online and in-store product systems running seamlessly. From managing inventory and updating product listings to coordinating stock between our website and retail locations, Paige ensures everything stays accurate and organized. Her attention to detail keeps our operations efficient, making it easier for customers to discover and shop local products.