Second Annual Celebrating Wāhine: 37 Remarkable Women Who Inspire Hawai‘i

Photo gallery: HONOLULU Magazine honors the vision, leadership and achievements of 37 inspiring women at its second annual Celebrating Wāhine Awards presented by Central Pacific Bank.

October 13, 2026

HONOLULU Branded Content Team,

Photo: HONOLULU Magazine

On Thursday, Oct. 8, leaders, innovators and community advocates gathered at the Honolulu Museum of Art for HONOLULU Magazine’s second annual Celebrating Wāhine Awards presented by Central Pacific Bank. The evening put the spotlight on 37 women whose work is leaving a meaningful mark on Hawai‘i, recognizing their accomplishments, influence and commitment to making a difference.

This year’s honorees span industries and disciplines, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas to the forefront. Whether advancing their fields, preserving Hawai‘i’s cultural heritage or championing the next generation, each has helped create a stronger, more connected community. Together, their stories offered a powerful reminder of the many ways women shape the Islands’ present and future.

The program also recognized Patricia Tam, Chief Executive Advisor of Halekūlani Corp., with the 2026 Doris Duke Visionary Voice Award. A respected leader in Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry, Tam was honored for her professional achievements and dedication to mentorship, collaboration and community service.

Throughout the evening, guests connected over pūpū and drinks, live music from Simple Souls, exchanged stories and celebrated the accomplishments of this year’s honorees. More than an awards ceremony, the gathering created space to recognize the work happening across Hawai‘i and the people whose dedication continues to move it forward.

Mahalo to everyone who joined us in celebrating this exceptional group of women, and to our event sponsors for helping bring the evening to life. Most importantly, congratulations to our honorees. Their achievements reflect the talent, determination and generosity that make Hawai‘i such a remarkable place to call home.

**Their Stories. Their Impact. Get to know this year’s 2026 Celebrating Wāhine Honorees here.**

Tina Andrade – President and CEO, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i
Meredith Artley – President and CEO, Hawaiʻi Public Radio
Laura Ayers – Principal and co-owner, WhiteSpace Architects
Amy Benson – Founder, Afro Aloha; creator, The Afro Aloha Podcast
Diana Birkett Rakow – CEO, Hawaiian Airlines (part of Alaska Air Group)
Alexis Brown – Program specialist, Mothers Against Drunk Driving-Hawai‘i
Stephanie Buck – Co-owner and chief financial officer, Hawai‘i Foodservice Alliance
Darlena Chadwick – Executive vice president and chief operating officer, The Queen’s Health Systems
Denise Espania – School director, Mālama Honua Public Charter School
Emma Freeman – Principal, Ferraro Choi and Associates
Roseann Freitas – CEO, BIA Hawai‘i
Lana Gronwald – Founder, Jules & Gem Hawai‘i
Siana Hunt – Executive director, Altres Foundation
Alice Inoue – Founder, Happiness U
Courtney Kajikawa – Senior vice president and division manager, First Hawaiian Bank
Michelle Kaʻuhane – Executive vice president and chief operating officer, Hawai‘i Community Foundation
Paddy Kauhane – President and CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i
Patricia Moad – Managing director, Continental Assets Management
Katey Mobley – Chief growth officer, Hawai‘iUSA Federal Credit Union
Stephanie Nadolny – President and CEO, Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific
Anna Neubauer – President and CEO, Hawaiian Humane Society
Kēhaulani Nielson – Owner and president, Kahulale‘a
Miyoko Pettit-Toledo – Associate professor of law, UH Mānoa, William S. Richardson School of Law
Emalia Pietsch – Senior vice president, Colliers
Dr. Angela M. Pratt – Chair, OB-GYN, Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children
Maya Rogers – President and CEO, The Tetris Co.; co-founder and partner, Blue Startups
Crystal Rose – Partner, Lung Rose Voss & Wagnild; chair, board of trustees, Kamehameha Schools
Gabby Saba – Program director, Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations
Su Shin – President, Hawaiian Telcom
Emily Porter – COO, MacNaughton
Georjia Skinner – Division chief, Creative Industries, Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
Jaimie Song – Fire captain, Honolulu Fire Department
Kelleigh Stewart – Co-CEO, Big Island Coffee Roasters
Tammy Teixeira – Chief operating officer, HEMIC
Miya Tsukazaki – Founder, Temple Children
Susan Utsugi – Executive vice president, Business Banking, Central Pacific Bank
Aileen B. Utterdyke – President and CEO, Pacific Historic Parks