LETTER FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

Dear Members and Supporters, 

 

As we approach the mid-point of the year, I continue to be impressed and inspired by the impact that our programs have on both individual lives and our island community.

 

This April we held our Annual Meeting at Impact Hub in Kaka’ako where we heard from an exceptional group of scholarship and professional grant awardees who are using their expertise to create change here in Hawai’i. Here’s just a sampling of their achievements:

 

Jennifer Milholen shared her experience in completing a Compost Operator training, allowing her to further her goals of reimagining the way Hawai’i manages its waste.

 

Marine biologist Erika Cabell spoke about endemic coral and the important role scholarship funds have played in the academic journey toward a doctoral degree.

 

Ana Su’esu’e shared about her presentation at the American Public Health Association’s Annual Meeting, “Ke Ala I Ka Mauliola: Native Hawaiian Youth Experiences with Historical Trauma”, and her aspirations of supporting the well-being of Pacific Islanders. 

 

Our branch is proud to support women who are advancing their careers and uplifting the community along with them. To that end, this summer we look forward to celebrating the first Hawaiian Trades Academy Commercial Driver License (CDL) training course exclusively for wāhine (Wahine Cohort). Our branch partnered with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement to provide this opportunity for local women entering a male-dominated industry.

 

The women we support are securing their own economic futures, but they are also change-makers, playing vital roles here in our community. I hope you’ll join me in applauding their efforts and achievements, and that you’ll learn from their stories—we’ll be featuring them throughout the year through virtual talks and at our Annual Meeting.

 

Thank you for your commitment to the women of Hawaii and I look forward to serving a second term as President of this dynamic and impactful branch.   



Hope Bennett
President, AAUW Honolulu Board of Directors