Director of Advancement, Ho'ola Na Pua and Owner, Scene Setters Inc.

I am a proud mother of four, an entrepreneur, and a visionary dedicated to creating opportunities that empower women of all ages. Balancing motherhood and business ownership has taught me resilience, creativity, and the value of community. Through my ventures, I aim to inspire other women—especially mothers—to pursue their passions, build strong networks, and create meaningful impact in their families and beyond.

What are your thoughts on aging?

I am so thankful to be 46. I look at it as a season of strength, wisdom, and grace. Every year has shaped me into who I am—more confident in my purpose, more grounded in my faith, and more at peace with who I’m becoming. Aging, to me, isn’t something to fear—it’s something to celebrate. It’s proof of growth, lessons learned, and a deeper appreciation for life’s journey. I’ve come to embrace this stage not as getting older, but as leveling up in experience, love, and perspective. This is me!

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!

There’s so much beauty waiting for you as you grow older! At 46, I’ve learned that confidence blooms with time—you start to trust your instincts more, care less about others’ opinions, and love yourself for who you truly are. Life becomes less about perfection and more about purpose. You realize your power, your voice, and your worth in ways you couldn’t have imagined when you were younger. You become bolder, wiser, and more at peace with where you are and where you’re going. Aging isn’t something to fear...it’s something to embrace. Each year adds layers of strength, grace, and joy that make you unstoppable. Enjoy this journey to the fullest!

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

Take time each day to pause, breathe, and practice gratitude. Move your body in ways that feel good, rest without guilt (so important), and nourish yourself with positivity. Protect your peace by setting boundaries, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and saying no when needed. Celebrate your progress, ask for help when you need it, and make space for simple joys, whether it’s a quiet walk on the beach or a moment of laughter with a friend. One of my most simple joys is riding my motorcycle with my wind sisters! Remember, caring for yourself isn’t selfish...it’s how you stay strong, balanced, and ready to give your best to others.

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.

I grew up as a Navy brat, constantly moving and adapting, which was exciting but often made it hard to know who I truly was. Over time, life taught me the importance of coming home to myself...of rediscovering who I am beneath the roles, places, and expectations. My journey has been one of self-discovery, learning that true purpose begins when you truly know yourself. To young women, I say: embrace your journey, trust your growth, and never be afraid to find your own identity...it’s the most powerful thing you’ll ever own.

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

To my 14-year-old self: stop allowing others to define who you are or dictate your path. You more capable than you realize. Trust your voice, it matters. The opinions of others don’t shape your worth; your courage and resilience do. I’m so proud of you for pushing through the hard moments, for choosing to grow instead of give up. You’ve got a ways to go, but every step, every win, every challenge is shaping you into the woman you’re meant to be. Don’t rush the journey; trust it. You’ll stumble, you’ll rise, and you’ll grow stronger with each experience. Keep believing in yourself, keep shining, and never forget you are loved more than you know.

What is your definition of success?

Success, to me, is about pairing passion with purpose. It’s finding that sweet spot where what you love aligns with what you’re meant to do. When your heart and your purpose move in the same direction, you unlock a strength and confidence that make you truly unstoppable.

What is the best advice you have been given?

The best advice I’ve ever been given is that "no one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care". That truth changed the way I approach everything from business to motherhood, to everyday interactions. Knowledge and skill can open doors, but it’s genuine care that builds lasting trust and meaningful relationships. People don’t remember your credentials; they remember how you made them feel. Leading with love, kindness, and empathy not only strengthens connections but also creates a ripple effect of compassion. When you choose to care first, you create space for others to grow, feel seen, and believe in themselves and that’s where true impact begins.

How is your age group relevant? We are under represented but one of the most powerful and influential demographics:

My age group is incredibly relevant because we represent a generation of women who’ve learned through both challenge and change. At this stage in life, we carry the wisdom of experience and the drive to still grow, evolve, and make a difference. We’re bridging generations by mentoring younger women while still chasing our own dreams. We understand balance, perseverance, and the importance of bridging the gap. Our voices matter because they remind others that purpose doesn’t fade with age, instead it deepens.

We are a force...strong, resilient, and unapologetically authentic. We’ve weathered storms, learned from life’s lessons, and emerged with grace and wisdom. We’re raising families, building businesses, breaking barriers, and redefining what it means to be women in our 40s and beyond. Our age doesn’t limit us...it fuels us. We are a force of love, leadership, and legacy.

 Twenty years from now, when you look at these portraits we took together, what do you think you will say to yourself?

Twenty years from now, when I look at these portraits, I’ll smile and say to myself: Look at her. She was and still is amazing. She didn’t always see her own strength, but she carried it with grace. Every challenge she faced became part of her story, shaping her into the woman she was destined to be. She walked through storms and still found light. She believed in love, in purpose, and in herself, even when the path wasn’t clear. I’m so proud of her for her courage. She kept showing up when it was hard, she chose growth when it was uncomfortable, and never stopped loving deeply. She is living proof that beauty, strength, and wisdom only grow with time.

She didn’t just survive, she thrived, and she did it with grace, courage, and faith. She turned her pain into purpose and her challenges into lessons. Every setback became a setup for something greater. She learned to love herself fully, to embrace her journey, and to walk boldly in her truth. She grew softer in heart but stronger in spirit. She built a life rooted in love, community, and intention. She didn’t let life harden her, she let it refine her. Through it all, she became who she was meant to be.