Naomi Noelanioko‘olau Losch was born and raised in Kahuku, O‘ahu, and is a 1963 graduate of Kamehameha Schools. While in high school, she was enrolled in a vocational program called Bishop Museum Workshop, taught by Dr. Donald D. Kilolani Mitchell. The museum was their classroom, and it was there that she would form a close bond with Pat Nāmaka Bacon, which led to her meeting Nāmaka’s mother, Mary Kawena Pukui. Both women would be major influences in her life. As a kumu to many and a respected scholar, Kumu Noe has dedicated 40 years of her life to teaching Hawaiian language and culture in the University of Hawai‘i system and has generously volunteered and offered her expertise by serving on countless Hawaiian-focused boards, charities, and projects to promote the well-being of our lāhui.