UPCOMING EVENTS
AUGUST
Thursday, August 22: Networking Event with NAWIC – Empowering Connections
SEPTEMBER
Thursday, September 19: Women Mentoring Panel, Round Table & Networking | The Grove Restaurant @ The Modern, A Hilton Vacation Club
OCTOBER
Wednesday, October 09 at 3:30 PM: HIWIL Heart and Hope Care Package Workshop! Tickets Available| Eventbrite
NOVEMBER
Tuesday, November 12: Virtual Seminar: Wave – Women Adding Value Everywhere – Virtual Event
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM - 30-minute virtual mixer with break-out rooms.
Thursday, November 14th: Virtual Educational Webinar
Thursday, August 22: Networking Event with NAWIC – Empowering Connections
SEPTEMBER
Thursday, September 19: Women Mentoring Panel, Round Table & Networking | The Grove Restaurant @ The Modern, A Hilton Vacation Club
OCTOBER
Wednesday, October 09 at 3:30 PM: HIWIL Heart and Hope Care Package Workshop! Tickets Available| Eventbrite
NOVEMBER
Tuesday, November 12: Virtual Seminar: Wave – Women Adding Value Everywhere – Virtual Event
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM - 30-minute virtual mixer with break-out rooms.
Thursday, November 14th: Virtual Educational Webinar
MISSION
Hawai‘i Women in Lodging & Tourism (HIWIL) 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.
Hawai‘i Women in Lodging & Tourism (HIWIL) 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.
|
BE A MEMBER
Membership is open to persons employed in the hospitality industry in Hawai‘i. Individuals must register through Hawai‘i Women in Lodging & Tourism. Membership is free and open to all persons employed in the hospitality industry. For more information: [email protected] CLICK HERE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM |
VOLUNTEER
Hawai‘i 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). |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
|
|
Naomi Cooper
Director - Maui Representative Maui Hotel & Lodging Association |
Mary Loy
Director - O‘ahu Representative Outrigger Hospitality Group |
Marguerite Heap
Director - Island of Hawai‘i Representative Westin Hapuna Beach |
Samira Siale
Director - Kaua‘i Representative HLTA Kaua‘i Chapter |
DIRECTORS
Susie Fujikawa
Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk |
Sandy Narvaez
Marriott International |
Joy Tomita Anderson
Prince Waikiki |
TWO IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRPERSONS (ADVISORY ONLY)
Kyoko Kimura
Aqua Aston Hospitality COMMITTEES
|
Angela Nolan
Marriott Vacations Worldwide |
MEMBERSHIP
Chair: Karen Fowler Asami “Sam” Arita Riley Conover Lynette Eastman Kathy Gunderson Kyoko Kimura Hannah Taito |
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Chair: Rachel Lii Kahealani Colon Ann Kutaka Patty Maher Joy Tomita-Anderson Pikake Vetere Keiko Warner-Egami Katherine Allen |
COMMUNICATIONS
Chair: Sandy Narvaez Kalena Kimura Holly Morikami Nicole Nakano |
DEVELOPMENT
Chair: Julie Arigo Kiana Beimes Mary Loy Naomi Gauthier |
LEGISLATIVE CHAIR:
Kyoko Kimura |
2025 WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Nominations are now open for the 2025 WOTY award! Deadline for applications is November 15th so nominate now!
2024 WOMAN OF THE YEAR
|
The Hawai‘i Women in Lodging & Tourism is pleased to announce our 2024 Woman of the Year, Kathy Gunderson, Regional General Manager, Ohia Waikiki Suites Hotel and Oasis Hotel Waikiki.
Kathy's team reports that her management style is unlike any other. "She leads by example, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty. Kathy can be found assisting the front desk in checking in guests, helping with luggage, and even alleviating parking congestion by moving vehicles when necessary. She is equally comfortable rolling up her sleeves to support housekeeping during high occupancy periods, managing short-staffed shifts, or accommodating overbooked reservations. Her technical proficiency is equally commendable, serving as our in-house IT expert for the hotel, handling tasks such as installing video cameras and overseeing our RFID key system." Kathy Gunderson's impact extends beyond her role as a general manager. She has worked tirelessly with organizations such as Catholic Charities, OHA, the State of Hawai‘i Housing, US Vets, and the Ronald McDonald House to provide temporary housing solutions to distressed families. Her commitment to both hotels and the broader community exemplifies her extraordinary character. Mahalo to Silofa "Tasi" Singh, Hotel Manager, and the entire team for nominating Kathy for this award. |
