Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association
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Women in Lodging & Tourism Committee

Mission
Women in Lodging & Tourism – Hawaii Chapter, the state partner of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Women in Lodging (WIL) program,  is committed to the professional development of women in the hospitality industry, promoting long-term careers in hospitality, and enhancing professionalism and success for women.  The organization accomplishes its mission through educational programming, structured mentoring and networking opportunities.

Membership – Join Us
Chapter membership is open to anyone employed by an HLTA member in good standing.

Individuals register through HLTA, the partner state association of AH&LA.

Membership is free and open to all women employed by HLTA members. Men who want to support the Hawaii Chapter of Women in Lodging & Tourism may also become members at no cost.

Download the Application Form: PDF Document

Volunteer
Hawaii Women in Lodging & Tourism strives to help members grow personally and professionally.

Volunteering your time and skills to our efforts is a fantastic way to boost your own development while broadening opportunities for others and working for the betterment of  our industry and our community.

​For more information, please review and complete our volunteer form (download in Word or Acrobat PDF format).

May Newsletter

Quote of the Month:
Dreams are lovely but they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty.  But dreams do not come true just because you dream them.  It's hard work that makes things happen.  It's hard work that creates change.   
- Shonda Rhimes ​
Advice from a WIL Member: 
Monica Salter
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Outrigger Hospitality Group
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Do the hard thing. This phrase is penned on a Post-it note at my desk and is a daily reminder to set lofty goals and boldly go after them. 

Growing up as an athlete, I quickly learned that champions put in the work.  This competitive mindset of discipline and grit rolled over into my professional life, so I'm constantly seeking new mountains to climb.  The hospitality industry is constantly evolving and there's so much to learn; to stay challenged and engaged, simply stay curious.  

Surround yourself with good people.  The most inspiring people in my career are leaders who have vision, integrity and instill confidence in those around them.  Jeff Wagoner - Outrigger Hospitality Group's CEO - embodies all of these traits and his enthusiasm is contagious.  When you work with a leader that starts every morning with "today's going to be great," it usually is.  

Find fun ways to optimize your life.  Brain Coach Jim Kwik has been my secret weapon to "uplevel" personally & professionally.  His Kwik brain podcast offers actionable tools and bite-size tips to sharpen your mind and enhance your focus in order to fast-track your fullest potential.  From reading faster to remembering more, boosting brainpower for optimal performance benefits anyone looking to sharpen their hospitality skillset. 
Try Something New: 
To Read:
shared by Karen Fowler, WIL Director
​

I have been setting goals and New Years resolutions for as long as I can remember. But a couple years ago I read Michael Hyatt's book "Your Best Year Ever" and it really changed things for me: helping me to define and achieve more of my goals than ever before.

In the book, he shares a powerful, research-driven system for setting and achieving your goals in all aspects of your life. Many people have more free time right now, so what better time to read and to improve ourselves. (It is also available on Audible, which is how I read most of my books).
To Watch!          
shared by Karen Wataru Nakaoka, WIL Director
​

When I first met Alice Inoue, I knew it was the Universe who brought us together. She understood me in ways that others didn't, and has since become one of my best friends.She is the owner of Happiness U and I encourage you to visit her site for some valuable resources.

This 
video is especially relevant to what we are experiencing today. Are you going through challenges? Are you still employed, healthy with minimal challenges and feeling a little guilty about it? Hear what Alice has to share about why this may be happening and how to maybe look at your situation with a new perspective.
To Cook!                     
shared by Julie Arigo, Past WIL Chairperson

The reason why I love this recipe is because ANYONE can make it, it's so simple. And, because my mother made it for me and my siblings when we were kids. It brings back the memories of waiting for mom to finish making one of our favorite dishes for us and eating this delicious, comfort meal as a family sitting at our BIG 8-seater dining room table.
 

 Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients needed:
 
1 tray chicken thighs 
1 jar artichokes (drain)
1 tray mushrooms (cut each mushroom in half)
1 onion (cut into slices)
Garlic (amount based on your taste, chopped)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
 
Seasonings (to taste):
Garlic salt
Pepper
 
Place chicken, seasoned with garlic salt & pepper) in baking pan 
Bake for 50 minutes in 350 degrees
Remove from oven and drain fat
 
Pour all ingredients on top of chicken in baking pan, cover with foil. 
Place back into oven for another 50 minutes, or til 160 degrees internal temperature. 

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Congratulations to our 2020 Woman of the Year 
Hao Dang-Tanacsos, President of HAOsekeeping Inc.!

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Meet the Hawaii Chapter of Women in Lodging & Tourism

OFFICERS 

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Chairperson
​
Angela Nolan
Market General Manager
Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club
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​Kelly Kitashima
Lodging Vice Chairperson
Director of Sales 
Residence Inn by Marriott Oahu Kapolei 
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Breana Grosz
Allied Vice Chairperson

General Manager
International Market Place

ADVISORY COUNCIL

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​Julie Arigo
Past Chairperson
General Manager
Halepuna Waikiki
by Halekulani


Pam Yagi
Past Chairperson
General Manager
​Hilton Grand Vacations
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Denise Wardlow
General Manager
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
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Kyoko Kimura
Director of Owner Relations
Aqua-Aston Hospitality 
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Michelle Harrison
Executive Housekeeper
Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
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Chelsea Tsuchida
Key Accounts & Marketing Manager
NMG Network
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Ingrid Lin
Associate Professor
University of Hawaii at Manoa
School of Travel Industry Management

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Karen Wataru-Nakaoka
Director of Membership
Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau
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Dricka Thobois
Account Executive
Ameresco Hawaii
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Ashley Yonamine 
Director of Membership & Special Projects 
​Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association
Contact
Hawai’i Lodging & Tourism Association
2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 1702
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-923-0407

​Staff Liaison: 
Ashley Yonamine
ayonamine@hawaiilodging.org
Attn: Women in Lodging & Tourism

Quick Links

Hawai'i Lodging & Tourism Association.  All Rights Reserved.
2270 Kalakaua Ave, Suite 1702  |  Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 923-0407 | info@hawaiilodging.org
MemberClicks
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Chapters >
      • Oahu
      • Maui
      • Hawai'i
      • Kauai
    • HLTA's Committees >
      • HLTA Engineers Council
      • HR Council
      • Government Affairs
      • HYPE
      • Membership & Marketing
      • Golf Tournament
      • Women In Lodging & Tourism
      • Hospitality Housekeeping Council
      • Hospitality IT Council
    • Board of Directors
  • Mākaukau
  • Advocacy
    • Bill 80 (2020)
    • Transient Vacation Rentals
    • Homelessness
    • TAT on Resort Fees
    • Airports Corporation
    • Public Safety and emergency Management
    • Human Trafficking
    • Legislative Tracker
  • Membership
    • Calendar >
      • Event Registration
      • Major Events >
        • aio Media Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Awards
        • Charity Walk
        • Citizen-Scholar Awards
        • Hawai'i Hotel & Restaurant Show
        • Na Po'e Pa'ahana Awards
    • Become a Member!
    • Testimonials
    • Members Only
    • Membership Roster
    • Benefits of Membership
  • Health & Safety Standards
  • COVID-19
  • Scholarships
  • HLTA Endorsements
  • Blog
  • HLTA Media
    • Tourism Tuesday
    • Tourism 101