Our Team
MAKANI MAEVA
President & Managing Director
Makani is a Native Hawaiian woman and a leader in the affordable housing industry since 1995. Not one to shy away from innovation, she has been a trailblazer in the low income housing finance field and embraced alternative energy and green development before it was cool. All of her Hawai‘i projects now include photovoltaic and/or solar water heating systems and were the first in Hawai‘i to be LEED Certified Platinum. Developing an unparalleled expertise for pragmatic problem solving, she has created homes for seniors and families in urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and rural communities. Makani spends her free time with her husband and three children and her dog Moki and squeezes in some reading, hiking and travel as often as possible. Makani holds a B.A. from Pepperdine University.
JOELLE CHIU
Senior Development Director
Born and raised on the windward side of Oahu, Joelle began working with Makani in the affordable housing industry fourteen years ago after successful careers as an accountant and lawyer. She brings valuable legal and financial analysis skills to Ahe Group. Joelle’s first affordable housing project was the Lokahi Ka‘u Apartments, a 306-unit new construction community on Hawai‘I Island. In her free time Joelle enjoys watching her children play sports, traveling, and hitting a small white ball into a four-inch hole. Joelle graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Accounting and a Juris Doctorate degree.
SARAH DEVRIES
Senior Development Director
Sarah DeVries is an affordable housing professional with over a decade in affordable housing financing. At Āhē Group, Sarah has capitalized on her extensive transaction experience to assess acquisition opportunities, craft RFP responses, prepare applications for LIHTCs and funding, and more. Sarah believes in empowering young women and girls, and has served two terms on the board of Portland State University’s Center for Women’s Leadership. Sarah resides in Portland, Oregon and is fortunate enough to make frequent trips to the Hawaiian Islands in support of much needed affordable housing in the state.
KAIMANA WRIGHT-JOY
Design Director
Kaimana was born and raised in Kailua, Hawai‘i and joined Āhē Group in 2022. Her background in interior design and professional experience in architecture brings a fresh perspective to the affordable housing market. As a Native Hawaiian and a young mother of two boys, Kaimana understands the dire need of affordable housing in Hawai‘i. After graduating from Oregon State University with a B.S. in Interior Design, B.S. in Sustain - ability, and a minor in Business, Kaimana moved back home eager to serve her community. Kaimana spends her free time with her sons going swimming, playing sports, and traveling.
ASHLEY CHANCE
Asset Management Director
Ashley joined Āhē Group in 2019 as an Asset Manager. She oversees our stabilized property portfolio on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i, working closely with our management team onsite and behind the scenes. Previously, Ashley worked for PNC Bank as an Assistant Analyst, helping to close Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects. Ashley graduated with a B.S. from Portland State University, with a double minor in Communication and Social Studies. Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, going on nature hikes or to the beach, and spending time with friends and family