History of RPJ
The Rising Phoenix Junior Chamber of Commerce, also known as the Rising Phoenix Jaycees or RPJ, has been a part of the local community for nearly 38 years. Founded as the Honolulu Chinese Jayceettes in 1979, the chapter changed its name in 1984 to Rising Phoenix when a landmark United States Supreme Court decision officially allowed women to join the United States Junior Chamber.
RPJ is affiliated with Junior Chamber International (JCI), an international organization with over 200,000 members worldwide in over 100 different countries, JCI USA, and JCI HAWAII.
“Being a ‘jaycee’ means to be a living example for the existing generation, both old and new, that will build, solve, and connect their respective community from the disparities caused by the world’s current issues. I also believe that it is a privilege in which we take a role to lead for a better sustainable future.”
— Ryan John Mercado, 2023 Executive Vice President / Tennis League Competitor
