 Wahine in Hawaii Business at Laniakea Network
WHB at Laniakea Network Presents a Breakfast Event
"Work-Life Balance The QFE Way™"
Carrot, egg, or coffee bean; which one would you choose when the going gets tough? Join us to learn three practical tips on how to stay "sane" on those days when everyone and everything seem to stretch you to the limit with life's challenges and all that we strive to be and do.  Where: Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 am
Place: Laniakea YWCA
Cost: $60.00 - Public Welcome Schedule7:30 Registration, Breakfast, Networking 8:00 Opening Remarks 8:05 Guest Speaker 8:30 Questions from Floor 8:50 Closing Remarks 9:00 Program Ends Invite your friends and associates. Register Today!
WHB at Laniakea Network Event
Check out Hawaii Business Magazine Our member community represented
 Our new board member and past LeaderLuncheon honoree, Marivic Dar, is on the cover of the July issue of Hawaii Business Magazine and is featured in the cover story. Linh Lopez, a Wahine in Hawaii Business at Laniakea network member is mentioned in connection with our network. Louise Ing, yet another member of our network, past LeaderLuncheon honoree and big supporter of the YWCA was also profiled in the cover story. A side bar titled "Get on Board" features LeaderLuncheon honorees Linda Coble, Dr. Tyrie Lee Jenkins, Gwen Pacarro and Marivic Dar. It also mentioned longtime YWCA supporter and Wahine in Hawaii Business at Laniakea network member Judy Bishop. Side bar also features our board member and PR counselor, Piia Aarma. Christine Camp, a former LeaderLuncheon honoree, is in full color on page 17. Read article
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Book Club
Members Book Club 
Members have started a Book Club which is held the 3rd Tuesday of each month. The Book Club will meet at Laniakea from noon to 1pm (brown bag). All members interested are invited to attend. Have a book in mind you'd like to read? Bring your suggestion to the next Book Club.
Next EventTuesday, August 18, 2009
 Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell. Julie & Julia, the bestselling memoir that's "irresistible....A kind of Bridget Jones meets The French Chef" (Philadelphia Inquirer). Julie Powell, nearing thirty and trapped in a dead-end secretarial job, resolves to reclaim her life by cooking in the span of a single year, every one of the 524 recipes in Julia Child's legendary Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Her unexpected reward: not just a newfound respect for calves' livers and aspic, but a new life-lived with gusto. more Where: Tuesday, August 18, 2009When: 12:00 - 1:00 pmPlace: Laniakea YWCACost: Free - Members OnlyFor more information about the Book Club email Judy Allen or call 695-2629. Book Club
July Event UpdateLast Book Club event, members discussed their first Book Club selection, Lost Generations: a Boy, a School, a Princess by J. Arthur Rath. Special appearance was made by the author, Mr. Rath, whose quick wit and clever storytelling had everyone enjoying tales from his childhood. Staying true to his Hawaiian heritage, he explained why Kamehameha Schools had such a profound impact on his life. Photos from July Event
     Book Club
We will continue to collect member's favorite reads -- books that you feel every woman should read. Share a book with your community. Email your favorite(s) and please include title, author, and a quick "why we'd like it". See what other members are readingWatch the video that started the conversation |
 Working Toward Gender Equity in Business
Having introduced the issue of gender pay equity in business in last month's newsletter article I Want My Million Dollars!, I wondered what is already being done in our business community to help close the pay gap. It didn't take long to find Hawaii Business Magazine showcasing Wahine in Hawaii Business, a program they started last year. According to David Tumilowicz, Publisher of www.hawaiibusiness.com, "...we knew that successful women prefer to be known for their accomplishments, not their gender. At the same time, gender's influence on career attainment is unmistakable. Of the 753 senior executives of Hawaii Business' Top 250 companies, only 132 are female - that's about one in six. Women lead only 16 of those 250 companies. Somewhere between those numbers and the perspective that "gender is irrelevant," there must be room for a conversation." Developing Our Potential - HawaiiBusiness.com - July 2009It appeared that one such conversation would be held at the upcoming Wahine Forum, "...designed to elevate the status of Hawaii businesswomen by providing practical skills for executives and entrepreneurs via workshops taught by businesswomen at the top of their game." , according to Tumilowicz. This is the second year that Hawaii Business has partnered with the Junior League to present the Forum. The Wahine ForumOn July 14th, I attended the Wahine Forum to see what the conversation was all about. In addition to the YWCA of O'ahu, The Women's Fund of Hawaii, Junior League of Honolulu, Tyrie Lee Jenkins, M.D., Eye Care, The Organization of Women Leaders, Zonta International, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Bishop & Company, Tahiti Pearl Market, The Small Business Resource Center and the Rotary Club of Ala Moana were event sponsors. Each organization provided information about their offerings and representatives to speak with Forum participants, and many held drawings for products and services. Participants selected two workshops to attend. I attended Building Your Personal Brand Equity, presented by Judy Bishop, Bishop & Company, and Roxanne Darling, Bare Feet Studios. Judy Bishop provided eight steps to personal branding, including:
- People judge you by who you affiliate yourself with. Volunteer with non-profits. Be mindful of what is posted on-line about you. Everything about you is part of your brand, including your laptop and cell phone cover.
- Communications is the #1 needed quality in business. When you meet people, be there with them in the moment. Listening makes you charismatic. Work on your public speaking, etiquette, be on-time and meet deadlines, have a great credit score.
Advertise. Use social networking, keep your brand current and ask for feedback. Always have a head shot and bio.
- Judy's presentation was full of detail and a real plan for developing your personal brand. It left me a little exhausted. She recommended, as further reading, Make a Name for Yourself, by Robin Fisher Roffer.
- Roxanne Darling gave us five points about on-line reputation management.
Read full article |
Lunch Club Continues
Panelists Leave Us With Pearls of Wisdom
 Following July's Lunch Club event, "What Color is Your Parachute Now? Revintenting Yourself in Today's World", panelists leave us with a few pearls of wisdom. Whether its a career change, creating a new image or a balanced life through intention, the advice below will help guide our way. Kathy Inkinen says
1. Adapt to change 2. Be a lifelong learner 3. Keep a positive attitude 4. Act like you own the company; improve processes, cut costs 5. Add value Harriet Kirihara saysWhen you reinvent yourself, it's important to project the image of who you want to be - how you want other people to regard you. To present that "right" image, you want to: 1. Look right - People form impressions in the first few seconds, so be sure those impressions are what you intend. 2. Say right - Speak professionally. That means use positive words, avoid harsh tones (no swearing) and adjust your volume for the situation. 3. Do right - Demonstrate a positive attitude. The message you want people to pick up should be "How can I help you?" not "What can you do for me?" Cari Uesugi says1. Review Your Unique Life 2. Be True to Yourself and Trust Your Intuition 3. Break Out of the Mold 4. Practice Limitless Thinking and Brainstorm Without Bounds 5. Begin Your Journey By Asking for Help Watch July's event videoWatch all Lunch Club videos and download white papers |
 Small Gestures Make Big Impact
When our community pitches in, no effort is too small
by Dave Washburn, Member
Care for the family - check
Care for myself - hmmm.... made it to the gym twice last week
Make my community a better place - are you kidding me?!?
So many of us want to make a difference, but face a common fear: What I can contribute just isn't enough. Often, that fear keeps us from taking that leap of faith and becoming an agent for social change. Believe it or not, there are opportunities to impact your world, on your time. Believe it or not, you can make a profound positive impact. Imagine that there are a thousand people just like you (there are more). Now imagine those same people, doing what they can, together. Through YWCA of O'ahu, you have the unique opportunity to make a difference. The following stories are offered as proof:
When Tina Rogers came to YWCA, she was overcoming years of substance abuse and was exiting prison. This was a moment of terrifying challenge - she needed to find permanent, affordable housing in Honolulu. It was also a moment of tremendous opportunity - with housing, she could be reunited with her beautiful, 3 year-old daughter, Kalia. Tina found that opportunity at Makiki's Fernhurst YWCA, a unique approach to women's community-style living that attracts travelers, students, and women working to re-establish themselves in the world. Despite a wealth of diversity in their backgrounds, women at Fernhurst share a common desire to be supportive and uplifting to their house-mates. A special YWCA program helped Tina to afford rent. September 2009 marks the one-year anniversary of Tina's move to Fernhurst. Supported by her community, she succeeded to gain permanent custody of Kalia, who's a popular resident in her own right. Tina's challenges are not over - as a single mom, success at work and finding childcare will be daunting tests - but her community will be there for her.
In Dec. 2004, Jessina Fernandez faced the toughest challenges of her life. She had to have her best friend and love of her life arrested for domestic violence and raise her daughter on her own as a single mother. She fought anxiety and depression while working to help her mother raise her siblings, care for her daughter, and manage both school and work. Through these tests to her inner strength, Jessina looked to family, church, and YWCA for support. With help from YWCA's Ways to Work program, Jessina was able to obtain a loan from American Savings Bank to purchase a used car for transportation to school and work. Fast forward to today and this strong Native Hawaiian woman has much to be proud of. She will graduate with her Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Leeward Community College and will continue on for her Bacherlor's at University of Hawaii. She works as a cultural educator in her Waianae community. She has paid off her debt, built her credit by successfully paying off two loans from Ways to Work, and is making payments on a third loan. And she continues her journey reunited with her husband, now with their two children a family made whole again. 
How you can help
Katherine Pajimola found YWCA's Dress for Success (DFS) program just in time. To secure her exit from prison, she had to earn enough money to cover all her expenses. Facing the daunting prospect of multiple job interviews, Katherine didn't have appropriate clothes to make a good first impression.
DFS was there for her - she received a beautiful professional outfit and was overwhelmed with joy. Formerly embarrassed about her wardrobe, the gift of the clothes and her exchange with a kind volunteer "personal shopper" helped her to gain self-confidence and employment. After hard work making ends meet - sometimes working two jobs - Katherine has a good paying job working at Wal-Mart. Today, Katherine has her sights set on new goals. She wants to find a permanent home to live with her family, including a son currently serving as a soldier in Iraq.
Listen to Katherine's story
Want to help? You can!Become a member of YWCA of O'ahu. Your membership is a statement of support for women's empowerment. It's an opportunity to join networks of women who support each other through all stages of life. To join, or for more information click here.
Donate your vehicle to benefit Ways to Work. For more information click here.
Volunteer for Dress for Success. Help a job seeking woman choose an outfit, donate clothing, or help with program operations. For more information click here. Designate YWCA of O'ahu through your office's Aloha United Way or Combined Federal campaigns. Your donation is crucial to sustaining your YWCA. Please designate YWCA of O'ahu (#96600) on your AUW/CFC donation form. |
Member Moment
Who is our YWCA community?
We, the members, all share a similar goal to create positive change for ourselves, our families, our work and our community but it is through our stories that we reveal our authentic humanity and why we are such a unique community.
 Interview with a YWCA Intern/Mentor Jenna Nakamura - Member
Kaneohe, HI
Tell us about your family.
My parents raised me and my sister to be independent, while still being very supportive of our decisions. My mom is kind of awkward like me and my dad is very sociable like my sister. You may know my sister, Leanne Nakamura, who served on the Board of Directors. She's the reason I got involved in the YWCA.
Tell us about your most rewarding YWCA volunteer experience.
Hands down, my most rewarding experience was coordinating Young Leader Luncheon. I helped plan four of them and it was amazing to see the YWCA community members pull together to help out four young leaders every year. Past Leader Luncheon honorees, YWCA staff and members, and affiliated businesses all came together to award over $3000 in scholarships! It was also encouraging to read the applicants' stories. Other girls that were my age were overcoming great obstacles and making a great impact in the community. I'm convinced that my generation is full of history makers in training.
What is your favorite quote?
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." -- C.S. Lewis
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
Contentment. Too many people are comfortable with the way things are today. Believe in improvement, whether it's social, political, or environmental. No matter the cause, do something greater than yourself. If you really don't see a problem in the world, ask me and I'll assign you a mission statement.
What music are you listening to now?
My friend made me look up the band Addison Road the other day. I'm slightly obsessed.
What are you reading now?
The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne.
Tell us your 3 favorite things you do for yourself.
Jog, sleep, and get organized.
What projects are you currently working on with the YWCA?
I am currently interning with Marlene, the associate director at Laniakea. I've been mostly focused on the Life, Inc. program these past few weeks, which teaches high school students life skills. The class just graduated from the program last week and it was a great experience! I learned all of the backwork that goes into implementing a program, such as event coordination, curriculum planning, and corresponding between partners and parents. I also worked directly with the students throughout the course. The next step is evaluating the program and working to develop Life, Inc. into a year-long program. Working with the program through each stage has been a great learning process. It has also been rewarding to work for the students. I helped coordinate a career day for the students where they got to directly interact with 15 professionals in the community from various fields. The positive response from the students and speakers at the event was overwhelming. It's a great reminder that working for a purpose is well worth it.
If you could only use one word to describe your YWCA experience, what word would that be? Beneficial Read Jenna's Entire InterviewLife, Inc. is a career exploration program for high school students. This summer the YWCA partnered with the Punahou's PUEO Program to give students an opportunity to explore their potential in a safe environment while building relationships with business volunteers. Those volunteers (YWCA members) actually faciitate and deliver the program. Young members benefit from the wisdom, experience and access to role models outside the traditional classroom. Research shows that nearly half of all 12-14 year olds have considered thier future after school and feels it is scary. Life, Inc. helps students create a vision for their future and connects them to the business community providing a valuable network for their success. Life, Inc. is a living example of members coming together to support one another.
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Name Your Enews Challenge Extended!
Win a Julia Morgan Tile!
 The date to submit your entry has been extended! Members, this is our newsletter. We've begun to introduce new features to ensure it relates to our personal and professional interests and serves as a link to our YWCA community. The Challenge
Join us as we continue to 'evolve' our enews! Send us your suggestion to rename our monthly enewsletter. Multiple submissions are welcome. Submissions should include: · Your name · Your suggestion for a new enews name · Why should this be the new enews name? The Prize
A beautiful, hand-painted ceramic tile in a decorative pattern designed by Julia Morgan, architect of our historic Laniakea building, built in 1926. The tile awarded is similar to style above. The Deadline
Please send us your submission by August 30th. Submissions will be reviewed and a winner named by a panel of (super-distinguished) volunteer judges! Send your submission to enews@ywcaoahu.org. Learn more about Julia Morgan |
Member Updates
Did You Know?
 Did you know that we offer free Wi-Fi? Laniakea offers free Wi-Fi high speed wireless internet access to our members. Bring your laptop and relax in the serene loggia or open-air courtyard. Surround yourself with beauty while you work, shop or connect online. See Laniakea's hospitality desk for your free member privilege. Email Membership or call 538-7061 for more information. Did you know the Gate Date is August 25?
Easy, quick, convenient access is just two weeks away. No more writing your name and ID number when you enter. Starting August August 25th, our card reader at our downtown Laniakea location will now give you easy and quick entry. Your entry ritual - simply have your card swiped at the hospitality desk and in you go. Your membersip card is your passport to all the YWCA offers. For easy entry have your card handy. In addition to making Laniakea even more safe and secure (like a gate; an electronic one) we'll know how and when Laniakea gets used and this information will help us to serve our members better. Lost your card? Need a replacement? Get a replacement card FREE between now and August 25th, a $5 value. See Ben, Betty, Ken or Michelle at the hospitality desk to get your replacement card. They'll make it for you on the spot. |
| what's happening |
THIS WEEK
August 4Lunch Club Event"Is the Sky Really Falling? Personal Finance for Independent Women"
YWCA Members Only
Brown Bag Talk Series, Laniākea, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
August 3Fall Session Begins August 3 - October 11 August 12
August 12-15 Benefit Clothing SaleLaniākea Lobby, Wed-Thu, Members Only, 11-2 Fri, Open to Public, 11-2 Sat, Open to Public, 9-12 August 21
YWCA Book Club"Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously" by Julie Powell Laniakea, 12:00pm - 1:00pm |
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Support women's empowerment through your office's Aloha United Way/Combined Federal campaign!
Please designate YWCA of Oahu (#96600) on your AUW/CFC donation form. |
Have a passion or burning issue you'd like to share with us? Send your comments/reflections/ideas to us at enews@ywcaoahu.org and we may select your submission for an upcoming issue! Published submissions shall be consistent with the values and mission of YWCA of O'ahu. Selection is subject to space restrictions and editorial policy. Preference is given to women's interest submissions in the areas of work, community, family, and self-care. | |
Members-only Dining Room at
