WOMEN UNITED®: We Ignite Change

Dedicated to creating a world full of opportunity for everyone, Women United® focuses on education, poverty prevention and safety net—the building blocks for a better life for women who have been leading the way for their communities since time immemorial. Tackling the issues that matter most and empowering one another to leverage our passions, ideas, expertise and resources, together we transform the very conditions in which people live. 

Chocolate, Champagne, & Couture For-A-Cause 2024

We look forward to gathering once again in the beautiful Four Seasons Ko Olina amidst the charm of Champagne, the elegance of Couture, and the indulgence of Chocolate to support women in our community.

Before our event begins, we’ll revel in the fresh sounds of incredibly talented Zaysha and Jenn from Simple Souls! We’ll experience a decadent Chocolate Fountain, create lasting memories at our Photobooth, get a new do and dry styled, and sit in a brand-new BMW hybrid. And then experience the fashion show of a lifetime!

In our 9th annual, sold-out event, we can’t thank our Cause partners enough, Alaska Airlines and Neiman Marcus. Our event sponsors BMW Honolulu, Hawaiian Host Group, HONOLULU Magazine and experiences by Drybar, Redefined Weddings, and Juniper Calligraphy.

Every sip of champagne and every bite of chocolate today is a step towards positive change. April 6th can’t come soon enough!

Highlights from the 2023 Event
 


2023 Grant Recipients

In 2023 Women United Grant awards were made to the three organizations below.

  • Purple Maiʻa Foundation – Digital Transitions ~ The Digital Transitions program is a partnership between Purple Maiʻa and WorkNet to provide incarcerated women (20) at the Women’s Community Correctional Center with basic computer and software knowledge to aid in their transition from prison back to their communities. 
  • Family Promise of Hawaiʻi – Mana Wahine Fund ~ The Mana Wahine Fund is a comprehensive assistance program designed to support female-led households in crisis, helping them achieve long-term stability through various essential services. 
  • Women In Need – Bridge to Success ~ The project will implement a housing first option to transitional housing. A minimum of 10 victims of domestic violence will be served each year of the project.

Women United has also made a three-year commitment to supporting the ALICE Initiative with a $10,000 gift each year starting in 2022.

Past Grant Recipients

 
~ The Holohuma Na Wahine Program (2022)
~ The Hale Wahine Fund (2022)
~ Waimanalo Health Center (2022)
~ The Aloha Medical Mission Welcome Smile Program (2021)
~ IHS Holomua Na Wahine Program (2021)
~ Aloha United Way COVID-19 Rent & Utility Assistance Program (2020)
~ YWCA 
~ Domestic Violence Action Center 
~ Waikiki Health 
~ Child & Family Service 
~ Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii 
~ Catholic Charities Hawai‛i 
 


Join Women United

Be part of a community of like-minded women who contribute their personal passions, best ideas, and unique strengths to the mission of building a stronger community:

~ Opportunities to share your expertise and talents on committees and through volunteering.
~ Invitations to events where you can network and build connections with like-minded women and community leaders.
~ You create powerful, lasting change through an internationally recognized group of dedicated female philanthropists.
~ Your investment directly impacts women and children of Hawaii for their entire lives, ensuring they're on a path to success.
 
 
$1,000 Level: Women United Member
$10,000 Level: Woman of Tocqueville, full membership in the Tocqueville Society
 
Join today and make a direct gift, or connect with a Women United member to learn more by sending us a few details about your interests below.

 



2022 Women United Board Members

Executive Board

Dee Lim
Chair
 
Lanae Santos
Vice Chair & Women United Fund Co-Chair
Bank of Hawaii
Loan Officer

Board of Directors

Michelle Stofle
Board Member
HONOLULU Magazine
Strategic Partnerships
 
Unyong Nakata
Board Member
Nakata Advisory, LLC
Principal Consultant
 
Haylee Faustin
Volunteer Chair & Fundraising Co Vice Chair
Mercer
Principal

Angie Nakasone
Secretary and Volunteer Co-Chair
ProService Hawaii
Director of Client Success
 
Laura Guinn-Hall
Treasurer and Women United Fund Chair
Zurich North America
AVP, Sr. Tech. Specialist
 
Kathleen Wagner
Membership Co-Chair
DTRIC Insurance
Senior Accountant
 
June Fernandez
Board Member
Alliance Personnel Inc.
Owner
 
Shawn Benton
Board Member
Cox, Wootton, Lerner, Griffin & Hansen LLP
Senior Counsel
 

Yvette Barradas
Board Member
First Insurance Company of Hawaii
Vice President, Claims
 

Alison Tomisato
Fundraising Co-Chair

Marriott International
Director of Marketing
 

Simone Perez
Membership Co-Chair
Abbott Communications
President

Advisory Council

 
Emmaly Calibraro
Aloha United Way
Vice President of Resource Development
 
Terri Fujii
CW Associates
Managing Partner
 

AUW Liaison

Charmaine Viegas
Aloha United Way
Director of Digital Fundraising