THE BUDDING ENTREPRENEUR

How one Silversword's hobby turned into a passion project

MADISON MAKISHIMA ‘25 doesn’t let anything slow her down.

Along the slopes of the Kalaepōhaku campus, she jets to classes in her wheelchair. Campus Security members transport her to class using an accessible van or escort her from building to building. She says just like her own family, her Chaminade ‘ohana looks past her physical limitations “and encouraged me to participate” fully in campus life.

Makishima was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy when she was two, after her parents noticed she wasn’t hitting the typical motor skills milestones. The disorder means she can’t control her legs. “It’s like Wi-Fi service. At times it works, but then it can just suddenly shut down; that’s what happens with my legs,” said Makashima, who encourages peers and strangers alike to ask questions about her disability.

At Chaminade, the senior in Criminology and Criminal Justice says she’s thrived, flourishing intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. “Upon arriving here, I immediately felt welcomed and the people were so friendly,” she told Chaminade Magazine. In addition to tackling academically challenging courses, including organic chemistry, forensic anthropology and medicolegal death investigation, Makishima serves as president of the Drama Club and participated in the ‘Inana Sustainability Entrepreneurship Program, which aims to spark innovation in students.

Makishima’s ‘Inana project for Chaminade led to Surf Sesh, a project to construct adaptive surfboards out of recycled materials and ocean plastic. Makishima says with the project she hopes to help people with disabilities— like herself—gain access to surfing while also doing something good for the environment and the oceans.

“That’s the mission of the project,” she said.

Makishima is no stranger to surfing. She’s hit the waves with AccessSurf, a nonprofit dedicated to giving people with disabilities access to the waves. Makishima said she not only thoroughly enjoyed surfing, she got a chance to see what boards people use.

Connor Flynn ’24, a volunteer with AccessSurf and data scientist at Chaminade’s School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, has helped Makishima ride the waves. “Madison is getting more and more comfortable in the ocean and pushing herself to improve every session,” said Flynn, adding she’s a “true surfer.”

Now in her senior year, Makishima reflects fondly on her time at Chaminade and all those who inspired her to dream big. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in Forensic Sciences while also tackling the waves, in and out of the water.