Administrative Secretary for Pharmacy Services at Queen's Medical Center

I am originally from Ohio, but I have lived in Hawaii for 40 years now. I came here for a vacation with my dad, and I never left! During our 2-week vacation I was able to find a job and a place to live, and I have loved being here ever since! My dad was always encouraging me to live life to the fullest, explore, and try new things and because of his great advice I have been fortunate enough to enjoy an amazing life. I have a daughter, who is my true miracle baby, and she is my heart. She was born and raised here in Hawaii, and is now 29 years old, living in Texas, enjoying her life and I couldn't be prouder! We still talk or facetime every day!

I stay very active, I always have. I am most at home in the ocean. I surf, stand-up paddleboard and race, paddle OC1, and I was blessed to paddle in the Na Wahine O Ke Kai two times with awesome crews of women. I have done volunteer work with Bay of Dreams, Surf for Hugs, and also with Na Kama Kai at their clinics to teach water safety and stewardship to children across the islands. I've studied Goju Kan Karate for 30 years, I love dancing with my hula sisters from halau Kealakapawa when I get the chance, I just completed my 2nd Spartan Obstacle Course Race in August, I love music and play bass and ukulele in a garage band, and I love to go bowling! Spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, and making memories is what life is all about for me. Giving back to my community is important with my job and my volunteer work, and I make sure I always stay in motion.

What are your thoughts on aging?

Aging is a privilege not everyone gets to experience. Every day is another chance to start over, try something new, learn something new, and love on the people in your life. My daughter tells her friends "My mom is not a normal 60-year-old!", but honestly, I don't know what a normal 60-year-old is! Everyone is different with different priorities. Mine happens to be that I would rather be the oldest in the gym than the youngest in the nursing home, so I stay in motion, set new goals, and never worry if someone my age should do that. My dad always told me if you think you can't or you think you can, you are right!

What wonderful things can younger women look forward to at your age? Younger women and girls, might think that it's scary getting older. Let's inspire them!

Younger women should know that even as an older woman you are still you! That doesn't change, the getting called Auntie instead of Miss does, but what's on the inside is still there. Love yourself for who you are!

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self care.

I think the best way to celebrate yourself is to enjoy your tribe and find quiet time to reset. I work out with a group of women in Kaneohe that are all over 55. We push each other, support each other, celebrate our accomplishments, and laugh a lot! We call ourselves Team Makule! My favorite place to reset is out on the west side at Pokai Bay and my home surf break nearby. Being on the water is my quiet time, and I feel rejuvenated. Catching waves and talking story with friends out on the water is icing on the cake!

Share one experience/story. We all have life struggles. But the big share is how did you over come and lift yourself up? Advice to other women to empower them.

They say it takes a village; they are correct! Surround yourself with people who you admire, trust, and you would like to be like. Then don't be afraid to ask for help. I was a single mom of a special needs baby and basically didn't know what I didn't know. But I learned that I didn't need to know everything and if I just would ask for help, the people who did know what we needed would be there with resources, advice, a helping hand or a safe shoulder to cry on. Eventually, I also learned that I should trust my instincts and as I created the village, my baby daughter thrived. We became a success story, and we were able to go back and help other families going through similar situations.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self?

I would tell my 14-year-old self not to listen to what others say you can and cannot do. You are a good person, and you are enough!

Oh! And also, being that tall will be a blessing later, just wait! Lol

What is your definition of success?

Success isn't a destination, it's a journey. Be happy, enjoy the journey and you will be successful at whatever it is that you want to do.

What is the best advice you have been given?

"People don't care what you know until they know you care" A quote from Theodore Roosevelt. Learn to listen, live your life with integrity, don't quit, and do everything out of love. All the best advice given to me from my dad.