Women In Lodging & Tourism

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

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.

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

Meet the Hawaii Chapter of Women in Lodging & Tourism

OFFICERS

Chairperson
Angela Nolan
Market General Manager
Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club

Kelly Kitashima
Lodging Vice Chairperson
Director of Sales
Residence Inn by Marriott Oahu Kapolei

Breana Grosz
Allied Vice Chairperson
General Manager
International Market Place

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Julie Arigo
Past Chairperson
General Manager
Halepuna Waikiki
by Halekulani

Pam Yagi
Past Chairperson
General Manager
Hilton Grand Vacations

Denise Wardlow
General Manager
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

Kyoko Kimura
Director of Owner Relations
Aqua-Aston Hospitality

Michelle Harrison
Executive Housekeeper
Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Chelsea Tsuchida
Key Accounts & Marketing Manager
NMG Network

Ingrid Lin
Associate Professor
University of Hawaii at Manoa
School of Travel Industry Management

Karen Wataru-Nakaoka
Director of Membership
Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau

Dricka Thobois
Account Executive
Ameresco Hawaii

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