#YWCAWomen120: Who Inspires You?
Beautiful. Determined. Compassionate. Brave. Intelligent. Strong.
In honor of YWCA Oahu’s 120th anniversary, the #YWCAWomen120 campaign aims to celebrate the timeless qualities of women who have inspired our community.
We are all connected in a greater story, shaped by the legacies of the women before us and honoring their influence by paying it forward to the next generation.
We’d like hear from everyone — women, men, young and old, from all walks of life — about the women who have helped them become who they are today.
Would you like to celebrate a woman who has inspired you?
Click here or on the button below to send us a photo of your inspiring woman and answer the following quick questions:
Your first name?
Why does this woman inspire you?
Can you tell us a little about her?
Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today?
Creativity is encouraged!
You can also submit more than one “inspiring woman” entry per person!
#YWCAWomen120 CONTRIBUTIONS
Grandma Teresita Perez
o Your first name? Tess
o Why does this woman inspire you? Grandma Teresita Perez was my first example of a strong woman. She instilled the values of freedom, equality, and education, but taught me above all to ENJOY LIFE!
o Can you tell us a little about her? She raised 6 children as a single mother in the Philippines, working as a seamstress. While fleeing Japanese soldiers during World War II, she watched one of her young daughters die in her arms from exploding shrapnel. Before President Marcos declared martial law, she brought her children to the United States and worked hard to earn U.S. Citizenship for her family. Thirty years after coming to America, her granddaughter became the first Asian-American to become Miss America in 2000.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Grandma, Maraming Salamat Po for your foresight, perseverance, and sacrifices to give us a better future.
Gladys May Harris Bray
o Your first name? Maryann
o Why does this woman inspire you? She was a kind, strong, loving woman who taught me what helping others is all about. She loved and cared for her family, but more than that she was always ready to help others in need. Whether it was giving an elderly person a ride to the doctor or the store, or taking in a child for a couple who suddenly became homeless. She was always there for me and supported me, even if she didn’t quite agree with me.
o Can you tell us a little about her? Gladys worked hard for family and community. She had a good sense of humor and irony and a great laugh. She was third oldest out of eight siblings and helped her mother raise the younger children.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Mom, thank you for instilling the values of caring and giving in me. Thank you for the strength you exhibited and the independence you urged me to gain. I miss you!
The Hon. Lauren Kahea Moriarty
o Your name? Diane Peters-Nguyen
o Why does this woman inspire you? As the first US Ambassador of Native Hawaiian ancestry, Ambassador Lauren Kahea Moriarty has committed herself to be much more than just an inspiring model for women wanting to make a difference in the world. She has spent an entire career as a public servant working to protect US interests in Asia and beyond.
Recently honored by the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) with a lifetime achievement award, she spoke to the high school students present, encouraging them to get engaged, consider international careers and aim high.
o Can you tell us a little about her?
Based here in Hawaii, she serves tirelessly on a number of boards including PAAC, the Asian University for Women and The Asia Foundation. Following almost three decades in the Foreign Service, she served as Dean of Academics at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu. She’s been described as “... a genuinely talented and caring leader, scholar and role model. She is accomplished in her field, highly experienced, widely sought for advice and counsel by senior officials all over the world.” Ambassador Moriarty, between meetings with world leaders, has always found time to mentor women in the US and oversees at various stages of their careers along the way. She also found time to raise a family.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? My dear sister, I am so proud of you!
Tina Turner
o Your first name? Tess
o Why does this woman inspire you? Tina Turner dared to dream beyond a tragic and abusive past to become a symbol of strength, survival, and global success. She was not afraid to seek support from her network when she knew she needed a change, and she used meditation to connect to a higher source for guidance. This woman knows no limitations!
o Can you tell us a little about her? After leaving her musical duo career with an abusive husband, she went solo and became a 4x Grammy Award winner. At age 50, she launched her 3rd career comeback with sold-out concerts across Europe, and with stage-ready legs that were insured for $1 million. At age 60, she won a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. At age 70, she embarked on her 50th Anniversary Tour and finally married the love of her life.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Tina! “You’re SIMPLY the BEST!” :)
J.K. Rowling
o Your first name? Dawn
o Why does this woman inspire you? J.K. Rowling is one of my favorite artists for complexity of character development and story line.
o Can you tell us a little about her? Her books appealed to both young and old alike. Her character development is brilliant and her ability to take you to an nearly believable world of witches is amazing.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? What she taught me: Be inspired and passionate. Don’t let limitations of ideas or realms stop your imagination as anything is possible in the imaginary world. Make it real and alive to create a vision and story line whether you are writing or painting.
o Your first name? Jackie
o Why do these women inspire you? My great grandma, grandma, and mom inspire me because they are strong and independent.
o Can you tell us a little about them? Each woman helped to shape the other - I owe who I am today to them.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Thank you for shaping me into the woman I am today.
“Mrs. French”
o Your first name? Peter
o Why does this woman inspire you? Throughout my career, anytime I had a student that was needing extra academic attention, I remembered her and reached out to help them.
o Can you tell us a little about her? She was my French teacher my junior year of college at the University of Rhode Island in 1962. I had previously failed French 3 two times! It’s a long story. I needed to pass this class so I could move on with my degree. My first test in her class I got a 63%. I was so discouraged and stopped going to class. She called me at home to ask why I had not been to class. I told Mrs. French its no use, I can’t pass it. Mrs. French said she could work with me and a 63% and urged me to come back to her class. I went back to class and passed and was able to get my teaching certificate.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? In my teaching career, I always have remembered how you helped me and made that extra effort. If you had not done that for me, I would never have been able to become a teacher.
Pualani Welch
o Your first name? Kepola
o Why does this woman inspire you? She taught me how to show kindness, no matter the color of our skin.
o Can you tell us a little about her? My Mother was beautiful, sweet, strong, loving, creative, artistic, funny as heck on the down-low, musically talented and very stern at times. She was tall, broad and loved her Hawaiian culture. She took good care of her children and my father. A very humble and great woman of God. She was the Sunday School Superintendent of our church and a fierce leader of a lot of women’s church organizations. She created projects that to this day are still active.
In her sickness, she had to have her left leg amputated. In spite of her disability, she cooked, cleaned, ironed, made sure all the grandchildren was taken care of before bed. She had a high melodious voice that could make your knees weak and heart melt when she sings. To this day, I can still hear it clear in my heart and mind. I admired how she loved my father and how she put everyone else first. She taught me how to play the ukulele and sew. There’s so many memories I have of my mother, one of them that makes me smile is watching her do her hair in a high beehive and I would have to race with my sisters to look for bobby pins that fell in the carpet, whoever got the most bobby pins will be the first to cut the cake.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Thank you. I wish I could be a leader that you were. I wish you were here so I could hold your hand and lay my head on your shoulder and hear you talk and sing again. I miss you. Aloha wau ia ‘oe makuahine.
Adriene Mishler
o Your first name? Kelli
o Why does this woman inspire you? Adriene Mishler is a kind, genuine and down-to-earth soul. I’m amazed by her dedication to sharing her passion for yoga with the world and encouraging people to practice self-care. As most women know, we can be incredibly hard on ourselves and our bodies. Adriene invites anyone and everyone to love and appreciate themselves and others.
o Can you tell us a little about her? Adriene is a yoga instructor, YouTube content creator and entrepreneur. She started her Yoga with Adriene channel in 2012 and now has over 7 million subscribers. Although her home is in Austin, Texas, she has traveled the world to teach live yoga classes and meet the members of the YWA community.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Thank you for helping me and so many others to build an at-home yoga practice. It has truly changed my life, having improved my overall health and well-being. You encourage and inspire me and so many others to take good care of ourselves, our communities and our planet. I hope to meet you in person one day.
FRIDA Kahlo
o Your first name? Cara
o Why does this woman inspire you? Frida Kahlo was a feminist, a trail blazer and ahead of her time.
o Can you tell us a little about her? Her talent and point of view was truly unique. Frida questioned the status quo, sexuality, cultural identity and the limits of one’s physical body.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Muchas gracias amiga
Gwen Ifill &
Judy Woodruff
o Your first name? Eric
o Why do these women inspire you? Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff are the two most intelligent people in journalism.
o Can you tell us a little about them? The passing of Gwen was a tremendous loss, but Judy and her team of women on PBS newshour are an encouraging group. I love when Judy fidgets with her pen!
o Anything you'd like to say to them if they were to read your post today? I appreciate your service to presenting intelligent journalism.
Shirley Chisholm
o Your first name? Gina
o Why does this woman inspire you? Shirley Chisholm was a fighter who paved the way for a generation of female political leaders in the 1970s. As a Democratic congresswoman from New York, she fought for children and the poor, expanding access to food programs.
o Can you tell us a little about her? In 1971 she ran for president — becoming the first black woman ever to do so. Her campaign motto was “unbought and unbossed.”
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? You inspired me then and you inspire me today. You always believed in yourself and paved the way for so many others who followed in your footsteps.
St. Marianne Cope
o Your first name? Tess
o Why does this woman inspire you? Marianne Cope, or St. Marianne of Moloka‘i, courageously and compassionately cared for the highly contagious and abandoned lepers of Kalaupapa without contracting the disease.
o Can you tell us a little about her? She traveled thousands of miles from her safe convent in New York to heed the call from King Kalakaua to care for the sick and dying in Hawaii. She instituted best nursing practices for cleanliness, became the Head of the Kaka‘ako Hospital, and then opened the first hospital in Maui before establishing a new home for women and girls in Kalaupapa and caring for the dying Father Damien.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Mother Marianne, please share your ideas on how to protect health care workers who are treating coronavirus patients without adequate supply of PPE.
Kim Hum
o Your first name? Melinda
o Why does this woman inspire you? Because she is unapologetically herself!
o Can you tell us a little about her? Kim inspires me because of her commitment to everything she does and everyone she loves. She is committed to making the planet healthier, to making our non-profit better and to making everyone around her work smarter. But for as hard as Kim pushes herself and others she has this incredibly compassionate side that is equally committed. She rescues dogs, cats, chickens - even legless ones - and has been a devoted mom to an amazing young man, committed to his growth as a person who is connected to his family and culture. I am in awe of Kim and the difference she has made for our community and planet by unapologetically forging a path and leading us on it in a way that inspires us to work as hard as she does.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? You have impacted my life in ways big and small and I appreciate you deeply!
Virginia Stephenson
o Your first name? Kehaulani
o Why does this woman inspire you? Virginia is a teacher and wayshower of how to live consciously. Lucky are we who call ourselves her students.
o Can you tell us a little about her? This photo was taken on Virginia’s 100th birthday. She is still lighting the way.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Eternally grateful. Much love and aloha.
Roberta Wong Yu
o Your first name? Asher
o Why does this woman inspire you? 40 years after her death, I still have not met a woman more kind than my grandmother Roberta Wong Yu.
o Can you tell us a little about her? Roberta didn’t know how to be unkind, selfish, judgmental, or ungenerous. We made dumplings together. She took me to the park and watched me play for hours and smiled in delight the whole time. She bought me lemonade. She would play school with me and she was the student. Her name was Anne Happy. I would play a terrible teacher. And she let me. She came from China to escape communist rule and the cultural revolution. She came from a well off family and ended up in a very typical suburban life. Her husband was not kind with his words. And yet she never complained about a single thing. She was just so happy to be with her family and to try to enjoy what life had to offer.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Grandma, you taught me to be a kind person in this world. You showed me what it looked like, sounded like and felt like. You gave me a secret power that allows me to navigate the terrible things in life. And now it has become part of my life’s work and gives my life meaning. I honor you with all the gratitude I can give. And I think, every time I think I’ve helped to heal someone with this kindness, that I am doing it with Anne Happy right by my side.
Mildred
o Your first name? Frederica (“Rickie”)
o Why does this woman inspire you? My dear Mom inspired and continues to inspire me by teaching me that there is personal power in fortitude, in not giving up on my dreams, in always seeking to understand, and that forging bridges is stronger than building barriers.
o Can you tell us a little about her? Mildred was born on a Maryland farm, married her sweetheart, and adopted me at birth when her sister died of cancer after birthing me. She and my dear dad raised me with amazing life values, and it is to their credit and honor that I salute her. Mom passed away at age 94 eighteen years ago. I miss her every day.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Thank you for teaching me unconditional love, the most powerful force on earth. We are stronger together.
o Your first name? Zoë
o Why does this woman inspire you? My mom always helped me push forward in life and helped me grow in countless ways (and still does). Even when it was tough for me she was always there with a lot of wisdom and love.
o Can you tell us a little about her? My mom is one of the most amazing people I get the honor of having in my life. I am also fortunate because I have always been surrounded by strong women: my grandma, my mom, countless teachers throughout my schooling, my current YWCA mentors. She is from Hawai'i and grew up in the Kalihi area, she attended Farrington High School and UH Manoa. After she graduated undergrad she moved to Nebraska for graduate school. She is a clinical psychologist specializing in pain management and health-related issues.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? My mom was the first woman in my life, and I want to honor her.
Sabrina McKenna
o Your first name? Colette
o Why does this woman inspire you? Her grace and grit. She has worked hard and persevered through many challenges before becoming an Associate Justice for the Hawaii State Supreme Court. She has a wonderful family and always finds the time to listen and help others. To me, Aunty Sabrina is the epitome of a strong female leader who supports and lifts up other women.
o Can you tell us a little about her? She grew up in Japan, is bilingual, and played on the first Rainbow Wahine basketball team (GO BOWS!)
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Mahalo for always believing in me!
Maria
(“Sound of Music”)
o Your first name? Noriko
o Why does this woman inspire you? I was 5 years old when I first saw the movie The Sound of Music. I was mesmerized by how Maria brightened up the world with her cheerful personality and beautiful voice. I wanted to sing like her. I rushed to buy an LP record with all my savings and sang along with the record again and again. I used to sing to my dog Kathy every time I learned each song (not sure if she appreciated it). That became my introduction to the English language. Maria inspired me to study because I wanted to be like her.
o Can you tell us a little about her? It was not Julie Andrews who I admired (although I am sure she is a lovely woman!) but the character Maria she played in the movie. I liked her sense of duty/community as she pursued her efforts to become a nun yet her mischievous behavior made her a lovely person. I also liked her courage to conquer whatever comes her way.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Thank you Maria for coming into my life. You gave me the joy of music and an introduction to English, which opened up a window to the world. I would not be living the way I do today if you did not share a slice of your life!
Noriko dressed up as Maria.
Selena
o Your first name? Darlene
o Why does this woman inspire you? Selena has been my favorite singer since I was 11 years old. I still collect Selena stuff to this day (see the photo below of my “Selena stash;" can't wait till my new Selena makeup collection arrives this month 😊)! She was beautiful inside and out -- a timeless role model of talent and humility. She inspired me to learn Spanish, which I started learning in 7th grade, eventually earning a minor degree in Spanish in college. And, of course, she inspires me to sing with soul and heart. Selena also broke through gender barriers in the male-dominated Tejano music scene.
o Can you tell us a little about her? Selena Quintanilla Perez began singing when she was 8 years old, as part of a family band to make a living in the working-class city of Corpus Christi, Texas. Her family didn’t have much money, but through lots of hard work, Selena eventually became an icon in Tejano music. She was just about to record her first major English-language album when she was shot and killed by her fan club president in 1995 at the age of 23.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? I always wanted to be just like you when I grew up. I never got a chance to meet you, but I hope I carry on your legacy in even the smallest way. “Anything for Selenas”! 😃
Jo Anne Trask
o Your first name? Sherri
o Why does this woman inspire you? Jo Anne is my role model of a leader who leverages the feminine powers of empathy, intuition and optimism to deliver service excellence.
o Can you tell us a little about her? Jo Anne is a Guest Services Agent at Hawaiian Airlines with almost 30 years of service. She deals with complex situations, is a problem solver and delivers with a smile.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Thank you for lifting others up and living the spirit of Aloha!
Judge Judy
o Your first name only? Cara
o Why does this woman inspire you? Judge Judy Sheindlin is a BOSS!
o Can you tell us a little about her? She is a successful, self-made, attorney, judge, has earned 3 Emmys and is the highest paid TV star. She is fair but doesn’t suffer fools.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Judge Judy when can I come on your yacht for lunch with Barbara Walters?
Christina Grimmie
o Your first name? Chanelle
o Why does this woman inspire you? Christina has been one of my favorite singers since I saw one of her Youtube videos in 2010. From just recording and uploading videos of her singing in her room to competing in The Voice and having her own original songs on Spotify and iTunes.
o Can you tell us a little about her? After Christina passed away in 2016, the world felt a lost. Even though her career was short-lived, you could tell that she made a huge impact with the tribute videos that were made from her colleagues and fans.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Hi Christina, I still have no idea how you were able to convey so much emotions through your singing. When times are tough or when I just need to loosen up, I know which song of yours to hit play on.
Christiane Amanpour
o Your first name? Darlene
o Why does this woman inspire you? When I was 9 years old, I remember watching Christiane Amanpour covering the Gulf War on CNN. I thought she was so intelligent and articulate, and I admired her fearlessness to be reporting in the midst of danger. As a kid, I didn't consider myself growing up to become a journalist -- I grew up thinking I'd become a registered nurse -- but looking back now, I realize that watching Christiane on TV was the first time at a young age that I could sense journalism was my calling.
o Can you tell us a little about her? Christiane was born in London to a Persian Muslim father and Catholic mother. She studied journalism at the University of Rhode Island and started working for CNN in 1983. She has also had stints with ABC News, the show "60 Minutes" and PBS.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? I miss old-school journalism! Thank you for inspiring me to be a professional in my work.
Gwen (right) and LeaderLuncheon honoree Betty White
Gwen Yamamoto Lau
o Your first name? Valerie
o Why does this woman inspire you? In 2008, Gwen gave me the opportunity to take a big step toward furthering my career in banking. She hired me as the Vice President of Administration at Hawaii Central Credit Union. To get me additional training for this position, Gwen signed me up for the YWCA's Leadership Program. It was there that I was paired with a well established woman in the business community. She provided me one-on-one coaching sessions. It was also through this program that I met many women business leaders. Many who have supported and inspired me till today.
During this time, Gwen was on the Board of Directors of the YWCA where she nominated several Leader Luncheon honorees. She recommended me to be a volunteer for the luncheon as a Liaison for an honoree, helping them to navigate through the events of the day. It became something I looked forward to every year and a honor to be asked 7 years in a row!
o Can you tell us a little about her? For the last decade, Gwen has been my boss, my mentor and most importantly, my friend. I've learned so much from her. She is the hardest working person I know, never asking you to do something she wouldn't do herself. She is also very humble, never taking credit, rather highlighting the efforts of her team or outside partners. She always looks for ways to get things done. If she doesn't know how to do something, she will learn how! She is so darn smart! When I say she is the hardest working person I know, that doesn't mean it's all she does. She always makes time for family and friends and thinks of special, fun and thoughtful things to do for us. She is generous with her time and money, a committed volunteer. She gives 100% to everything she does.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? Gwen, I'm grateful you introduced me to the YWCA over a decade ago. I'm also grateful that you've always empowered me to be my best, challenged me without micro-managing all the while providing support and honest feedback. You've always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. I look forward to seeing all the exciting contributions you will make in the future!
o Your first name? Emi
o Why does this woman inspire you? My mom inspires me because she left a world that was a familiar to her to venture beyond and make a place for herself outside of her home country, Japan. It was not always easy, and at a very young age, I saw her being discriminated against because she was not born in the United States. She took the insults gracefully, and continued to keep her head held high while not letting any of the negative comments affect her. Whereas, I, on the other hand, took a different approach, and gave the individuals a piece of my mind.
o Can you tell us a little about her? My mom was born in Chiba, Japan, and was the youngest of 4 children. After she graduated high school, she decided to move to California, against her parent’s wishes. She was able to navigate being an involved parent while juggling a job as a preschool teacher. What I remember the most was her Japanese cooking. I never appreciated it as a child growing up in America, and just wanted cheeseburger with fries, but now long for her tonkatsu, sukiyaki, and nabeyaki udon.
o Anything you'd like to say to her if she were to read your post today? There are no words to show you how grateful I am for the sacrifices you made, but I live every day to make you proud. I love you.