Iọkwe! This simple yet sincere term means many positive things, and in this context, it means "hello" in the native language of the Marshallese people, Kajin Aelōñ Kein.​

 

My name is Benetick Kabua Maddison, and I have the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of the Marshallese Educational Initiative. It is with great excitement and warm wishes that I welcome you to our website on behalf of the entire MEI team. Our organization is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by our community, and we look forward to sharing our mission and accomplishments with you.​

 

This year, we are especially proud to celebrate a significant milestone—our 13th anniversary as a nonprofit organization on July 13. It’s hard to believe that in just over a decade, we have grown both in purpose and influence. I first became involved with MEI in 2014, participating in efforts to collect oral histories that preserve the stories and experiences of our community. A notable moment in my journey was speaking at the Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day event at the Clinton Presidential Library. During this event, we reflected on the 60th anniversary of the detonation of Bravo, a pivotal moment in our history. We took the time to honor the victims and survivors of nuclear testing while aiming to educate the public about the long-lasting effects of our nuclear legacy and the pressing issue of climate change.​

 

As Executive Director, my goal is to increase awareness and understanding of these issues, not only among the public, but also among lawmakers, diplomats, and especially our Marshallese youth. It’s essential to recognize that the challenges linked to our nuclear legacy—ranging from health disparities to displacement and environmental hazards—are ever present. Educating others about these threats is a vital part of my work with MEI.​

 

Currently, our dedicated team is actively engaged in various programs to educate and empower, promote traditional culture, improve health outcomes, and help our community navigate life in diaspora. We understand the unique hurdles our community faces, because we are the community. ​

 

We invite you to connect with us on social media to stay updated on our activities, announcements, and opportunities to get involved. Your support is invaluable as we continue our mission of service, education, and advocacy. Together, we can work toward a brighter future for our community and honor the legacy of those who came before us.

 

Thank you for joining us on this journey.