Kahului, Hawaii – The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the recipients of the prestigious 2024 Gintong Pamana Leadership and Scholarship Awards. These awards recognize outstanding members of the Maui Filipino community who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and a steadfast commitment to serving the community, as well as students who are receiving $1000 scholarships.
Under this year’s theme, "Maparaan at Katatagan" (Resourceful & Resilient), the awards celebrate the resilience and resourcefulness of community leaders who have overcome challenges and continue to inspire hope.
2024 Gintong Pamana Leadership Awardees:
Caldwell's distinguished career in human resources spans over 25 years, primarily within the hotel industry. She began her journey at Sheraton Maui and now serves as the Area Director of Human Resources for Marriott Hawaii and French Polynesia. Eileen has spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance the well-being of hotel workers and their families, mentored diverse groups, and advocated for inclusivity. Her leadership was instrumental in Marriott’s response to the Lahaina wildfires in 2023. Eileen also serves on the board of the Hawaii Workforce Development Council, contributing her extensive knowledge to workforce programs in Hawaii.
With 27 years of experience at the Royal Lahaina Resort, Yvette Kitagawa has demonstrated exceptional leadership, especially during the Maui wildfires of 2023. Her efforts ensured the safety and well-being of her team and guests, providing a refuge for displaced individuals. Yvette's ongoing support for the community, including her volunteer work with the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Foundation's scholarship program, showcases her unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Her leadership embodies the spirit of compassion and resilience.
Pelayo is dedicated to ensuring Maui County's agriculture remains healthy and sustainable. His leadership during the August 2023 wildfires highlighted his commitment to community service, as he provided critical support and resources during the crisis. Kai's involvement with the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce and the Binhi At Ani Filipino Community Center underscores his dedication to uplifting the Filipino community. His efforts in promoting positive farming practices and environmental stewardship leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Yanuaria provides essential mental health counseling services to students at UHMC. His role extends beyond individual counseling sessions, participating in crisis intervention and educational programs. During the Maui wildfires of 2023, Christopher played a crucial role in providing immediate and long-term mental health support. His leadership and dedication to men's holistic well-being and efforts to combat human trafficking reflect his commitment to serving others. Christopher holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa.
The 2024 Scholarship awardees include 21 students:
Bernadette graduated from Maui High School and is the daughter of Danilo and Nila Acaso. She will be attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa to pursue a degree in Environmental Engineering.
Haylie graduated from HP Baldwin High School and is the daughter of Donnabeth Pascua. She will be attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa to pursue a degree in Dental Hygiene.
Carla graduated from Lahainaluna High School and is the daughter of Carlito Agrade. She will be attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Keith graduated from Lahainaluna High School and is the daughter of Monet Baniqued. He will be attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to pursue a degree in Comprehensive Medical Imaging.
Jhanessty graduated from Maui High School and is the daughter of Vanessa Bautista. She will be attending Gonzaga University to pursue a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences.
Cheira graduated from Lahainaluna High School and is the daughter of Emerson and Cheryl Cappal. She will be attending Portland State University to pursue a degree in Business Management.
Judy graduated from Lahainaluna High School and is the daughter of Marivic and Judy Dela Cruz. She will be attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa to pursue a degree in Digital Cinema.
Rob graduated from St. Anthony High School and is the son of Midea Gonzales. He will be attending the University of Notre Dame to pursue a degree in Pre-Health.
Jasmine graduated from Lahainaluna High School and is the daughter of Russell and Marifel Lagazo. She will be attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Roxelle graduated from Maui High School and is the daughter of Rolex and Grace Magliba. She will be attending Seattle Central Community College to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Criselle graduated from Maui High School and is the daughter of Mary Jane Pacubas. She will be attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Arjei graduated from HP Baldwin High School and is the son of Roger and Mary Jane Velasco Paet. He will be attending the University of Hawaii Maui College to pursue a degree in Dental Hygiene.
Sienna graduated from Maui High School and is the daughter of Jojo and Lorly Mar Racoma. She will be attending the University of Hawaii Maui College to pursue a degree in General Creative Media.
Edgar graduated from Maui High School and is the son of Edgar and Rodalyn Ramones. He will be attending St. Martin's University to pursue a degree in Engineering.
Noah graduated from Maui High School and is the son of Gilbert and Mary Grace Santiago. He will be attending Grand Canyon University to pursue a degree in Applied Business Information Systems.
Ethan graduated from Kihei Charter High School and is the son of John and Hayde Sim. He will be attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa to pursue a degree in Accounting.
Elizabeth graduated from Maui High School and is the daughter of Jeffrey and Marina Thomas. She will be attending the Chaminade University of Honolulu to pursue a degree in Psychology.
Jaimie graduated from HP Baldwin High School and is the daughter of Jorge and Marga Tirona. She will be attending Pace University New York to pursue a degree in Fine Arts/Design.
Jhenie graduated from HP Baldwin High School and is the daughter of Julius and Winnie Yuro. She will be attending the University of Hawaii Maui College to pursue a degree in Pre-Nursing.
Zoe graduated from Maui High School and is the daughter of Jeremy and Darryl Zane. She will be attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa to pursue a degree in Psychology.
Tierra is a current student at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College pursuing a degree in Nursing.
The Gintong Pamana Leadership & Scholarship Awards banquet will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the Maui Beach Hotel Ballroom, starting at 5:30 p.m. It will be an evening of celebration and recognition, honoring these outstanding leaders for their significant contributions to our community.
The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce invites individuals and organizations to participate in this meaningful event through admission tickets, sponsorship packages, and advertising opportunities available for purchase by visiting our website at mauifilipinochamber.com.
For more information about the event email mauifilipinocc@gmail.com.
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TICKETS TO GINTONG PAMANA
