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The Maui News
Maui County's Committee on the Status of Women honored nearly a dozen women as "Maui's Mana Wahine" for their ongoing work in the community.
The semiannual 2022 Women of Excellence awards were presented on Tuesday at the University of Hawaii Maui College and included:
YOUNG WOMAN OF PROMISE
(14-21 years old):
• Makena Sunset Kawaialoha Guzman, student, Kamehameha Schools Maui.
(BF) Women of Excellence (22-59 years old): (BF end)
• Valerie Janikowski, registered nurse, founder and program director of Lana'i Kina'ole;
• Adrianne Heely, judge, 2nd Circuit District Court;
• Shandell Lehua Kaopio, program senior adviser, GEAR UP, University of Hawaii Maui College.
UNSUNG HERO
(60 years old and up):
• Gina Gillstrom, lead registered behavioral technician, Maui Learning Academy.
• P. Denise La Costa, real estate brokerage owner, La Costa Realty Hawaii LLC.
• Dr. Luz Medina, physician, obstetrics and gynecology, Luz Patricia Medina, MD Inc.
HONORARY HISTORICAL AWARD
(posthumous):
• Linda Higgins, Seabury Hall librarian emerita, University of Hawaii Library Advisory Committee member, Carden Academy board member and UH-Maui College master gardener.
• Phyllis McOmber, creator of Continuing Education and University Extension programs on Lanai and Maui Community College/UH-Maui College, Women Helping Women advocate, Lana'i Women's Center and Lanaians for Sensible Growth board member.
• Sarai Stricklin, philanthropic artist and teacher who instructed Hana, Keanae and Molokai youth in batik arts and donated her hand-painted scarves and apparel to events.
• Terry Jones, executive assistant to the chief of the Maui Police Department and supporter of numerous Maui nonprofits, including the Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics, Women Helping Women, Roselani Place, Relay for Life, Maui Police Relief Association and homeless shelters.
Other nominees included Stephanie Badillo, Chloe Shim, Madison Strand, Deborah Ho'ohuli, Bobbie-Jo Moniz-Tadeo, Cara Flores, Edith Nu'u Quintero, Kathryn Kiffman and Barbara Vaiaoga.