Nicole Lapin

Founder

Money News Network

America’s go-to money expert Nicole Lapin is the only finance expert you don’t need a dictionary to understand. She got her start in the business world at age eighteen, reporting from the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for First Business Network. Nicole went on to become the youngest anchor ever at CNN and then to claim the same title at CNBC, where she anchored the only global finance show on the network, Worldwide Exchange, while contributing financial reports to MSNBC and Today. She has served as a business anchor for Bloomberg TV and a special money correspondent for Entertainment Tonight. Nicole has been the host of the nationally-syndicated business reality competition show Hatched and contributes regular financial reports to Good Morning America. In 2023, she launched a business- and finance-focused podcast network, Money News Network.

Among the slate of shows on MNN is “Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin,” a daily show that consistently ranks in the top 5 on Apple’s business charts. The Webby award winning show, which has more than 1000 episodes and a 5-star rating, helps listeners navigate financial news while offering tactical tips and tricks. She also co-hosts a podcast with the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, Jason Feifer, called “Help Wanted” which tackles taboo money topics. Other shows on the network include “Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff,” “Mo News,” “Trade Like Einstein with Peter Tuchman,” “Leave Your Mark,” and “Social Currency.”

Nicole’s first two books Rich Bitch, an instant NYT Bestseller, and Boss Bitch became hits with female audiences looking to take charge of their money and careers. She has disrupted the traditionally male-dominated, boring finance space by offering actionable advice with her signature sassy and accessible style. Her third book Becoming Super Woman, which teaches women to go from burnout to balance in a simple 12-step plan, is now out along with its companion The Super Woman Journal. Nicole’s fourth book Miss Independent, a Simple 12-Step Plan to Start Investing and Grow Your Own Wealth, has been a multi-week Wall Street Journal bestseller. Her latest book The Money School, based on her popular online masterclass, is out now.

Nicole has been a finance professor at The Jack Welch School of Business at Strayer University. She was named GOBankingRates’ “Money Expert of The Year” for the second year in a row and is the first female winner. Nicole was also the first-ever monthly finance columnist at Hearst Magazines. Nicole has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) and Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) certifications. She graduated summa cum laude and as valedictorian of her class at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, also earning honors in political science.

7:30am

Registration, Networking Expo & Light Bites

8:30am

Opening General Session 

Welcome Remarks

La Pietra Performance

Remarks by Jennifer Ablan

Presenting Sponsor Remarks

Keynote Speech

9:45am

Break

10:00am

Breakout Session I 

Leading Through Disruption – The Nonprofit Landscape

Burnout, Boundaries, and Balance: Thriving in a Demanding World

11:00am

Break

11:15am

Breakout Session II 

Negotiating Strategies for Wāhine Who Want More

Asking for what you’re worth isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. This session offers practical strategies for wāhine who want to level up their negotiation skills and confidently advocate for themselves, whether it’s salary, promotions, resources, or opportunities. With real-world examples and actionable tips, participants will learn how to prepare, frame their value, and approach the conversation with clarity and confidence. This session will highlight salary negotiation, while also offering strategies that support every step of your career journey.

• Unyong Nakata – Founder & Principal, Nakata Advisory LLC

Navigating Career Pivots and Transitions with Confidence

Career journeys are rarely a straight line. Change – whether chosen or unexpected can be both energizing and daunting. This session offers practical strategies and real-world insights to help you approach career pivots with clarity, courage, and confidence. Together, we’ll explore how to align your next steps with your core values, cultivate resilience in times of uncertainty, and move forward with purpose. You’ll leave with actionable tools and inspiration to embrace change and step into new opportunities with confidence.

• Molly Schmidt, CEO Pacific Island Region – American Red Cross
• Michele Saito, Former Insurance CEO and Community Leader

Stand Out with Presence: From Elevator Pitch to Public Speaking

How you show up in the world matters. From the first impression of an elevator pitch to the confidence of public speaking and the authenticity of networking, your public persona shapes opportunities and relationships. This session will help you strengthen your presence with practical strategies for refining your message, connecting with others, and speaking with clarity and confidence. Participants will leave with tools to present themselves in any setting with purpose, poise, and impact.

• Donalyn Dela Cruz – Owner, DDC Consulting
• Lauren Teruya – Content Specialist, Hawaii News Now

Coaching and Mentoring: Become a Leader Others Want to Follow

Great leadership is not about authority, it is about influence and impact. Whether or not you hold a formal title or lead a team, the skills of coaching and mentoring can help you bring out the best in others and strengthen your own presence. This session will explore how to inspire trust, foster growth, and build meaningful connections in any setting. Through real examples and practical techniques, you will learn how to guide with clarity and empathy, creating an environment where people feel supported and motivated to succeed. Participants will leave with strategies to grow as leaders in their own right, no matter their role or title.

• Ku’ulani Keohokalole – CEO, People Strategies Hawai’i
• Elisia Flores – CEO, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
• Sharilyn Tanaka – SVP of Personal Lines/Independent Agents, Atlas Insurance Agency
• Katie Chang- Executive Director, Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders

12:30am

Lunch & Networking

1:30pm

Breakout Session III

Claiming Your Seat at the Table, or Building a New One

This session invites wāhine to reflect on how they claim their place in leadership spaces, whether by stepping confidently into an existing table or envisioning and creating a new one rooted in their values and vision. Together, we will explore the courage it takes to lead, the importance of lifting our voices, and the strength of community in shaping pathways forward. Participants will leave with practical tools and inspiration to step into decision-making spaces with confidence and to imagine new tables that reflect inclusivity, aloha, and intention.

• Dr. Kanoe Naone – President & CEO, Girl Scouts of Hawai’i
• Sanoe Marfil – CEO, INPEACE
• Jessica Munoz – Founder, Ho’ola Na Pua

Data 101: Using Insights to Drive Smarter Business Decisions

Data doesn’t have to be intimidating. This session will demystify the basics and show how turning information into insights can help you make better, smarter decisions in your business. From understanding what data to pay attention to, to using simple tools that reveal patterns and opportunities, you’ll learn how to put data to work in practical and accessible ways. Participants will leave with a clear framework and starter tools to make data a trusted guide in strategy, growth, and everyday decision making.

• Dr. Jennifer Creech – VP for Enrollment Management & Associate Provost for Student Success, Chaminade University

How to Be a Leader Without Being Labeled Aggressive

For many women, stepping into leadership comes with the double standard of being seen as “too aggressive” when showing confidence or authority. This session will explore how to lead with strength while maintaining authenticity, balance, and influence. Through candid discussion and practical strategies, you will learn how to communicate with clarity, assert yourself effectively, and build respect without compromising who you are. Participants will leave with tools to lead powerfully and confidently while reshaping the narrative around what leadership looks like.

• Sarah Guay – President & CEO, Hawaii Employers Council
• Alex Wroe – SVP & COO QMC Manamana, The Queen’s Medical Center
• Anna Neubauer – President & CEO, Hawaiian Humane Society

2:30pm

Break

2:45pm

Closing General Session 

4:00pm

Pau

Anna Neubauer

President and CEO

Hawaiian Humane Society

Anna Neubauer is President and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society, leading 150 staff and 1,000 volunteers to care for Oʻahu’s animals. Since arriving in 2019, she has introduced the People and Animals in Community Together framework and implemented policy and operational reforms that reduced euthanasia rates by 70 percent. Previously vice president of operations at Denver’s Dumb Friends League, she co-founded Fort Collins Cat Rescue, teaches Shelter Leadership at Colorado State University, and holds an MPA in Nonprofit Management. 

Donalyn Dela Cruz

Owner

DDC Consulting

Donalyn Dela Cruz is the owner of DDC Consulting, specializing in strategic communications, public affairs, and community engagement. A former TV reporter, Donalyn was a communications lead and spokesperson for Governor Abercrombie and a U.S. Senator Akaka. She blends newsroom instincts with government know-how to prepare leaders for podiums, crises, and community dialogue. She advises public- and private-sector clients on narrative development, media relations and engagement strategies that build trust, alignment, and clarity. 

Jennifer Creech

Higher Education Leader

Jennifer is a higher education leader who leverages data to drive measurable impact for students and the community. She has led enterprise cloud migrations, predictive analytics initiatives, and student success strategies that expand access, strengthen retention and increase graduation. Jennifer is committed to making data approachable and actionable, empowering teams to turn information into insights that guide smarter decisions, sustainable growth and equitable opportunities for the institution and the partners they serve. 

Dr. Kanoe Nāone

CEO

Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i

Dr. Kanoe Nāone is a respected nonprofit leader with over two decades of CEO experience. Since January 2024, she has served as CEO of Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i, focusing on empowering girls, fostering leadership, and expanding reach across the Islands. She previously led the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley and INPEACE, and founded Lāʻau Inc. Dr. Nāone holds a Ph.D. from UH Mānoa, is originally from Kaua‘i, and is a proud mother of four and avid CrossFitter. 

Emi Kanai Au

Chief Financial Officer

HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union

Emi Kanai Au is Chief Financial Officer at HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union with more than 20 years in financial services. She serves on the boards of the Hawaiian Humane Society, Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership, and U.S.-Japan Council. A Pacific Century Fellow and alum of the Patsy T. Mink Leadership Alliance, she has been recognized by Pacific Business News and Hawaii Business Magazine. She enjoys time with her family, cats, and foster kittens.

Emily Fukunaga

Vice President

Servco Parts Center

Emily Fukunaga is Vice President of Servco Parts Center and a board member of Servco Pacific Inc. and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. She has 15 years of global experience in strategy, operations, and supply chain, with previous roles at Strategy&, adidas, and Duty Free Shoppers. Passionate about intergenerational leadership and legacy stewardship, Emily serves on the Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation’s selection committee and her family council. She holds a BA from Colorado College and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Jennifer Ablan

Editor-in-Chief

Hawaii Business Magazine

Jennifer Ablan is Editor-in-Chief of Hawaii Business Magazine. She returned home to O‘ahu after nearly three decades in New York City covering finance and business as a reporter and editor. She previously led Pensions & Investments as Editor-in-Chief, held senior roles at the Financial Times and Reuters, and began her career at Barron’s and Dow Jones. A UH Mānoa graduate, Ablan has interviewed many of the world’s top investors and was recognized as a Women’s Bond Club Rising Star.

Jen Lau

Executive Vice President

Finance Enterprises

Jen Lau is Executive Vice President of Finance Enterprises, parent of Finance Factors, Finance Insurance, Finance Realty, and Waipono Investment Corporation. She leads strategic planning, culture, and community engagement, and spearheaded the transformation of Finance Insurance. Jen also serves on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Hawaii and the East-West Center Foundation. Previously, she held roles at StubHub, eBay, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. She earned her MBA from MIT Sloan and her BA from Wellesley.

Kent Coules

Publisher

Hawaii Business Magazine

Kent joined Hawaii Business Magazine in August, 2021 following a long career in newspaper and event management. He spent 20 years in advertising management positions at three daily newspapers- the Bakersfield Californian, The Star-Tribune in Minneapolis and The Star-Ledger in Newark, New Jersey before operating his own event production company for 12 years. After relocating to Hawai’i in 2013, he joined Hagadone Media as the Publisher for This Week Magazines, a group of visitor publications, before moving to Hawaii Business.

Lauren Teruya

Media Executive

Hawaii News Now

Lauren Teruya is a media executive at Hawaii News Now, specializing in digital strategy and storytelling for businesses and community organizations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and theatre, and a master’s degree in specialized journalism from the University of Southern California. An experienced reporter, host, content strategist, and former Miss Hawaii, Lauren is passionate about empowering others with practical tools to communicate confidently and show up with impact.

Lisa Maruyama

Independent Consultant

Lisa Maruyama is an independent consultant serving nonprofits, philanthropy, government, and higher education. She led the Hawai‘i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations for 16 years and previously held leadership roles at Bright Light Marketing, Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, and the Mental Health Association. Maruyama chairs the State Procurement Policy Board and serves on several local boards. A UH Mānoa graduate and Pacific Century Fellow, she co-founded the True Cost Coalition, Funder Hui, and Kūkulu Switchboard.

Michele Saito

Former Insurance CEO and Community Leader

Farmers Insurance Hawaii and DTRIC Insurance Company

With over 35 years in the insurance industry, Michele has a proven track record of helping teams navigate challenges, including her time as President/CEO at Farmers Insurance Hawaii and DTRIC Insurance Company. Dedicated to her community, she was on numerous boards, including the Hawaii Business Roundtable. As chair, she worked with its members to better position the organization as an effective voice of business by engaging and collaborating with key stakeholders.

Michelle Bartell

President & CEO

Aloha United Way

Michelle Bartell is President & CEO of Aloha United Way, leading programs such as the 211 Statewide Helpline, ALICE initiative, and Safety Net Fund. She previously spent more than a decade at American Savings Bank, where she launched the Affordable Housing Hui and KeikiCo Contest. Recognized by Pacific Business News as a 2022 Woman Who Means Business, Bartell is a UCLA graduate, active board member, and longtime volunteer committed to strengthening Hawai‘i communities.

Molly Schmidt

CEO

American Red Cross, Pacific Islands Region

Molly Schmidt is CEO of the American Red Cross, Pacific Islands Region, overseeing operations across Hawaiʻi, Guam, the Northern Marianas, and American Samoa. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience with international NGOs and nonprofits, including the Girl Scouts and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Southeast Asia. A graduate of Emory University, Schmidt is active in Rotary, Women’s Fund Hawaiʻi, and leadership networks while residing in Kailua with her family.

Olena Heu

Founder

Heu Communications

Olena Heu is an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and marketing professional based in Hawai‘i. A former television news anchor, she is the founder of a successful media and communications company specializing in storytelling, digital strategy, and brand identity. With a Master’s degree in Speech Communication and a certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy from Harvard Business School Online, Olena blends creativity with expertise. She is passionate about connecting communities, uplifting local businesses, and sharing Hawai‘i’s unique stories.

Sarah Guay

President & CEO

Hawaii Employers Council

Sarah Guay is President & CEO of Hawaii Employers Council, where she works with the board, members, and staff to support Hawai‘i’s employers. She has over 20 years of experience in HR, change management, and workplace culture, previously serving as VP of Human Resources at HEMIC and in leadership roles at American Savings Bank. Guay serves on boards including Oahu Economic Development Board and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i. She lives in Kailua with her husband and three children.

Sharilyn Tanaka

Senior Vice President of Personal Lines and Independent Agents

Atlas Insurance Agency

Sharilyn Tanaka is Senior Vice President of Personal Lines and Independent Agents at Atlas Insurance Agency with over 17 years of experience on the Atlas team. Sharilyn holds the Associate in Insurance (AIS) and the Chartered Property & Casualty (CPCU) designations. She serves as a board member for YWCA of Oahu, Hawaii Homeownership Center, Board President of Hawaii Independent Insurance Agents Association, and was recently appointed to the Wildfire subcommittee for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

Susan Utsugi

Group Senior Vice President & Division Manager of Business Banking

Central Pacific Bank

Susan Utsugi is Group Senior Vice President & Division Manager of Business Banking at Central Pacific Bank, where she has worked for 25 years and brings more than 35 years of banking experience. She serves on several nonprofit boards and helped found CPB’s WE by Rising Tide program, the Women Entrepreneurs Conference, and Women Rise Collective. In 2022, Utsugi was named the SBA Women in Business Champion for Hawai‘i.

Unyong Nakata

Founder & Principal

Nakata Advisory

Unyong Nakata is the Founder and Principal of Nakata Advisory, a strategic consultancy known for turning ideas into action and complexity into results.  With over 20 years of experience across the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, she is recognized for her ability to build momentum, forge meaningful partnerships, and lead with clarity and heart.  Unyong specializes in strategic planning, board facilitation, business development, integrated communications, and impact storytelling.  A first-generation college graduate and award-winning leader, she currently serves on the boards of several community organizations and is a champion for values-aligned, results-driven leadership in Hawaii.

Venus Kauʻiokawēkiu Rosete-Medeiros

President & CEO

Hale Kipa

Venus Kauʻiokawēkiu Rosete-Medeiros is the first female President & CEO of Hale Kipa, leading with a focus on juvenile justice reform, child welfare transformation, and community-based mental health through Hawaiian values and trauma-informed care. Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, she co-chaired the Mālama ʻOhana Working Group and champions initiatives that center cultural identity, equity, and preventative care. Widely known as the “Passion Sherpa,” Rosete-Medeiros is a powerful advocate for Hawaiʻi’s most vulnerable youth and families.

Early Bird Ticket

$195

Regular Ticket

$225