POIPU — Four women were honored by the YWCA of Kauai, and nearly 300 people enjoyed a fine evening at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa on Saturday during the 15th Na Wahine Alaka‘i O Kauai Women’s Leadership Awards.
In addition to honoring Legacy Honoree Renae Hamilton-Cambeilh, Puali‘i “Pua” Rossi-Fukino, Tina Albao and Cyndi Ayonon, the gala served as a fundraiser for the YWCA of Kauai’s many programs. It included an online auction as well as an event at the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
“We proudly honor our Legacy Honoree, Renae Hamilton-Cambeilh — a woman whose life and leadership have uplifted countless others across our island, and beyond,” said MJ Akuna of the YWCA of Kauai. “Through decades of service in both the nonprofit and public sectors, Renae has embodied the spirit of collaboration, compassion and justice — uplifting the voices of women and inspiring communities to thrive.”
“We proudly honor Cyndi Ayonon, a lifelong servant leader, small business owner, and passionate community advocate whose dedication to Kauai spans decades of service, mentorship, and aloha,” said Jennifer Baxter of the YWCA of Kauai. “Guided by Ka Paipai A‘e, Cyndi nurtures the next generation of leaders by mentoring with kindness, purpose and encouragement. Whether helping a young entrepreneur launch a nonprofit, guiding a colleague into leadership, or organizing hundreds of food distributions during the pandemic, she leads with humility and a servant’s heart.”
“Her generosity, Ka Lokomaika‘i, has touched countless lives — from co-chairing The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund that raised more than $200,000 during COVID to ensure families in need received food, clothing, and hope,” Baxter said. “Cyndi’s compassion honors her parents’ legacy of hard work and faith, values she carries forward in every act of service.”
Baxter said Rossi-Fukino, a true mana wahine of Kauai, has been described by her nominators as a bridge between past and future generations, a beacon of aloha, and a wahine alakai whose actions create lasting impact across Kauai. Her dedication reminds all that leadership is rooted in service, humility and care for our community.
Pursuing a doctorate in Aloha ‘Aina Leadership, Rossi-Fukino’s work of teaching for 17 years at Kauai Community College has been celebrated and recognized for Kulia i Ka Nu‘u, or striving for excellence while uplifting others, empowering her haumana and community to achieve their best; Ka Paipai A‘e, or encouraging leadership in others, mentoring emerging wahine and fostering community involvement; Ka Lokomaika‘i, or sharing her deep knowledge of Hawaiian culture, Kauai history and education with generosity, humility and approachability; and Ho‘omaika‘i, or balancing her roles as mother, Kumu, doctoral student and community leader, all while lifting others along the way.
Albao serves as the director of development for the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii on Kauai where she leads with vision, compassion and a deep commitment to youth and community, the YWCA said.
Over the past seven years, Albao has guided Kauai’s premier after-school programs, serving 500 children and teens across four clubhouses. Through her mentorship of 20 staff members, Tina ensures that young people have safe, nurturing spaces to grow while enabling parents — especially mothers — to pursue their careers with confidence.
Source: The Garden Island