Jill Takasaki Canfield brings 25 years of experience in K-12 schools, universities and educational non-profits in Beijing, Honolulu and Denver to her role as Executive Director of Hawaii Literacy, an organization that helps children and adults learn to read and write by providing books, tutors, and the skills needed to break cycles of poverty and under-education.

Prior to joining Hawaii Literacy. Jill served as the Director of Dual Language and International Programs at Maryknoll School where she helped launch Hawaii's first Chinese Immersion Program. Her experience also includes serving as Executive Director of the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, Project Manager at the University of Denver’s Center for China-US Cooperation, and teaching ESL, World Values & Culture in International Business and Project Management. She is on the Board of the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, and has served on the Sister-State Committee, UH CIBER Advisory Board, and 'Olelo Community Media Board.