Congratulations to Cheryl Cross and Ananda Ferreira on their new roles!

Cheryl Cross, Executive Search Consultant

On July 22, 2024, Cheryl Cross joined Inkinen as an Executive Search Consultant. She brings 22 years of recruiting experience across industries including energy, finance, healthcare, and the Department of Defense, supporting organizations ranging from Fortune 50 companies to startups and nonprofits.

In January 2025, Cheryl took the leadership role for Inkinen’s established Career Transition Support Program. Now in its 27th year, the program supports Inkinen’s clients as they assist departing management and director level staff.

Congratulations Cheryl!

Ananda Ferreira, CEO, Oahu Cemetery Association

In January 2025, Ananda Ferreira stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at O'ahu Cemetery Association.

Established in 1844, O'ahu Cemetery is a historic landmark spanning 18 acres, offering both plots and niches for those seeking a beautiful and peaceful final resting place.

The Association also operates O'ahu Crematory and O'ahu Mortuary, providing comprehensive end-of-life services with care and dignity. Ananda is excited to build on the rich legacy of this esteemed organization, expanding its impact and serving the community through compassionate care and continued growth.

Congratulations Ananda!

Lisa Ma Receives Pacific Edge Magazine's Women in Business Award

Lisa Ma was featured in Pacific Edge Magazine’s Women in Business Edition - March 2024 and honored at their Awards Ceremony at the Kahala Resort. Pacific Edge magazine showcases the accomplishments of Hawai’i’s diverse business community, the brightest entrepreneurs and professionals that champion motivation, inspiration and innovation in Hawaii. Congratulations Lisa!

Kamala Nayeli Elected President of Hawaii Spa Association

Kamala Nayeli, OWL member and current Director of Spa & Wellness at Halekulani, Oahu, was elected President of the Hawaii Spa Association. As Director of Spa & Wellness at Halekulani, a five-star resort, Kamala oversees daily spa, salon, pool and fitness operations, develops new innovative wellness programming and contributes to Halekulani’s sustainable and environmental practices. Prior to joining Halekulani, she served as Spa Director for Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort’s Manea Spa and established additional locations in French Polynesia’s Tahiti and Huahine.

The Hawaii Spa Association (HI-Spa) is a non-profit that elevates awareness of Hawaii’s significant role in the World Leisure and Wellness Market. Congratulations Kamala!

Leianne Pedro named Publisher and Market President of Pacific Business News

OWL member Leianne “Lei” Pedro has been named Market President and Publisher of Pacific Business News. Pacific Business News is one of the longest-running publications in American City Business Journals, and for the past 61 years has been a relevant business resource in the State of Hawaii. Congratulations Lei!

OWL Past President Valerie Schmidt Honored at YWCA Oahu Empower Hour

OWL Past President and Founder of “The Bella Project”, Valerie Schmidt, was honored at the YWCA Oahu Empower Hour. The Bella Project breaks down financial barriers by providing prom dresses and formal attire to high school students so they can attend special events. Over the past 14 years, they have given out over 4,000 dresses. The Bella Project will now be managed by YWCA Oahu as part of its Dress for Success Honolulu program. Congratulations Val!

Tania Fukuda-Freuler Receives Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Award

Congratulations to OWL member Tania Fukuda-Freuler for receiving the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Award! The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is a global association that recognizes top-performing life insurance agents and financial advisors. MDRT membership is considered the gold standard in the industry and is recognized internationally as a mark of excellence.

Joy Kimura Appointed to Honolulu Planning Commission

Joy Kimura was nominated by Mayor Blangiardi and confirmed by the Honolulu City Council as a Commissioner for the Honolulu Planning Commission. The Honolulu Planning Commission is considered one of the five major boards for the City and County of Honolulu - Planning Commission, Police Commission, Liquor Commission, Fire Commission and the Board of Water Supply. Planning Commissioners advise the Mayor, County Council, and Planning Director in matters concerning planning programs, act as authorities for the City on State Special use permits, reviews amendments to the Oahu General Plan and transmit findings and recommendations to the County Council for consideration and action. Congratulations Joy!

Cheryl Cross featured on the Military to Civilian Career Transition Power Hour Podcast

Cheryl Cross was a featured guest on the Military to Civilian Career Transition Power Hour Podcast on November 11, 2023. This podcast informs listeners with valuable information from experts in the field of military-to-civilian career transition process, and provides job search tips, expert advice and personal stories. Congratulations Cheryl!

Joy Kimura recognized by Governor Josh Green, as Hawaii's Mother of the Year 2023

Joy Kimura was recognized by Governor Josh Green as the 2023 Mother of the Year for the State of Hawaii. Every year since 1935, American Mothers Inc. has named an inspirational mother from nominees across the 50 states, District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for this important honor. Joy Kimura was chosen by American Mothers Inc. as Hawaii’s Mother of the Year for 2023. Congratulations Joy!

Joy Kimura recognized by Honolulu City Council as "2023 Mother of the Year for the State of Hawaii"

Joy Kimura was recognized by the Honolulu City Council for receiving the title of “2023 Mother of the Year” for the State of Hawaii, by the national organization, American Mothers, Inc. For over 88 years, American Mothers Inc. has recognized moms across the United States and its five territories with the historic honor of “Mother of the Year”. Congratulations Joy!

Cheryl Cross selected as a Moderator for Wahine Forum 2023

Cheryl Cross was selected to moderate the “Negotiation Workshop” with panelists, (Retired) Honorable Judge Marie Milks, Lori Kahikina - Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) and Jalene Kanani (Bell) Hitzeman of NOHO Home for the 2023 Wahine Forum. The Wahine Forum is the largest professional development conference for women in the State of Hawaii. The conference is attended by Hawaii’s top female executives, entrepreneurs, up-and-coming leaders and others intent on advancing their careers. Congratulations Cheryl!

Cheryl Cross Featured in ShoutOut LA

Cheryl Cross was featured in Shoutout LA in their February 2024 issue. Shoutout LA is part of the Los Angeles based Voyage Group of Magazines, which helps entrepreneurs and creatives share their stories. Shoutout LA and Voyage Group publications are distributed in close to a dozen cities across the United States and has generated millions of page views. Shoutout LA focuses on topics that inspire important conversations within the community in ways that puts artists, creatives and local businesses at the center of these conversations. Congratulations Cheryl!

Joy Kimura, Julie Arigo, and Lisa Ma elected to Soroptimist International of Honolulu Board

Soroptimist International of Honolulu (SIH) elected several OWL members to their 2023-2024 Board.

  • Joy Kimura - President

  • Julie Arigo - Past President

  • Lisa Ma - Treasurer

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Soroptimist International of Honolulu is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, one of five federations that make up Soroptimist International, which now has over 75,000 members in 122 countries.

Congratulations Joy, Julie, and Lisa!

Achievements and Announcements

Pacific Edge Magazine Women in Business - Joy Kimura

Joy Kimura was featured in Pacific Edge Magazine’s Women in Business Edition - March 2023 and honored at their Awards Ceremony. Pacific Edge magazine showcases the accomplishments of Hawai’i’s diverse business community, the brightest entrepreneurs and professionals that champion motivation, inspiration and innovation in Hawaii.