Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities | Aloha United Way Women United

In honor of Women’s History Month, Bank of Hawaii is honored to celebrate individuals and organizations such as Aloha United Way Women United who are empowering women and actively shaping a better future for our island home.

Recently, two dedicated employees of the Institute of Health Services (IHS) decided to further their education. "Malia" aimed to complete the bachelor's degree she began nearly a decade ago but paused to start a family. Meanwhile, "Kiana," who had never attended college, sought to acquire new skills and certifications to better assist those experiencing homelessness. Both friends (pseudonyms used to protect their privacy) wished to continue working at IHS while pursuing their studies. However, they recognized that balancing school, careers, and family responsibilities would pose a challenge.

Fortunately, IHS offered a program to help their employees return to school. Thanks to a special grant provided by Aloha United Way Women United and other organizations, funds were available for Kiana’s school tuition and to help cover Malia’s childcare costs while she attended class. “These women were able to get the support they needed to advance professionally while still giving back to our community through their work at IHS,” says Bank of Hawaii assistant vice president Lanae Santos.

As board chair for Aloha United Way Women United, Santos helps oversee the Hawaii chapter of Women United, a global community of more than 55,000 women committed to creating opportunities for women and families to achieve economic mobility and security. Since 2002, the organization has raised more than $2 billion towards improving education, health resources, and poverty prevention to create lasting change for women worldwide.

Santos became president of AUW Women United in 2024 and leads the Women United fund committee, which selects local nonprofits to support each year. “Her leadership comes at a pivotal time as we re-energize our membership and focus on creating a supportive community where all women can thrive and shine,” says Emmaly Calibraro, vice president of resource development at Aloha United Way. “Under Lanae’s guidance, we are confident in our collective ability to foster an environment that embodies the spirit of ‘Empowered Wahine.’”

“Women and families have many specific needs when it comes to achieving financial independence,” Santos says. “Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have the day-to-day resources I needed to get by, go to college, and obtain a career. Being involved with Women United has opened my eyes to many people in our community who lack access to the resources they need to improve their lives.” Through financial literacy programs, job training, and employment opportunities, Women United is empowering women at all levels across their communities.

Every year, AUW Women United raises funds for nonprofit organizations through their annual fundraiser, Chocolate, Champagne, and Couture For-A-Cause. This gala event features an elegant brunch, sparkling champagne, delectable chocolate desserts, and a Neiman Marcus runway show; it’s an afternoon of indulgence to benefit the worthy cause of funding programs providing essential services to women and families throughout Hawaii.

“When I first joined the AUW Women United board eight years ago, this event brought in around $30,000. Last year, we raised more than $90,000,” says Santos. Proceeds from Chocolate, Champagne, and Couture For-A-Cause go back into the community to support nonprofits—from clothing drives for the YWCA to social services for women transitioning out of correctional facilities with Women In Need Hawaii to trafficking prevention efforts with Hoola Na Pua.

Women United also provides funds for a wide range of projects working towards empowering women through economic independence, continuing education, improving health and wellness, and community service. At monthly meetings, Women United members check in with organizations that have received assistance as well as formulate new ways to give back. For instance, Women United works with volunteer dentists who are willing to offer free or reduced-price dental care for women entering the workforce, so they feel more secure and confident.

In 2022, AUW Women United supported Waimanalo Health Center’s Women, Infants, and Children program, which provides free healthy food, nutritional resources, and referrals for healthcare and social services for low-income Hawaii residents who are pregnant, just had a baby, are breastfeeding, or have a child under five years old.

Then in 2023, AUW Women United partnered with the Purple Maia Foundation to empower Native Hawaiian and underserved women through technology, education and entrepreneurship. Through a Women United grant, Purple Maia was able to launch a specialized course to teach women digital literacy, coding, and business development skills to help them create sustainable careers.

Last year, AUW Women United supported five nonprofits whose collective efforts assisted more than 5,000 women in Hawaii. These include the Hawaii Community Action Program’s Head Start program, which provides educational and health services to low-income children so these vulnerable youth can be ready for success in school; and Domestic Violence Action Center’s community outreach efforts that provide resources for survivors of domestic violence in Hawaii.

Funds also went to AUW’s own ALICE Initiative, which aids Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE) families that earn enough to keep them above the Federal Poverty Level but still cannot afford Hawaii’s basic cost of living. “There are so many needs in our community and this organization is working to address inequalities for women and families,” Santos says.

For Santos, participating in Women United represents not only an opportunity to give back through events and fundraising, but to also learn more about local nonprofits and ways she can assist organizations supporting women in Hawaii. “The work that Aloha United Way and Women United does is empowering,” says Santos. “I love sharing stories about what I learn through volunteering with this organization to find ways my friends and I can all work together to support our community.”

Women United is an initiative of United Way, a global network of nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving communities in over 40 countries. Aloha United Way, the Hawaii chapter of United Way, was founded in 1919 and has been addressing issues such as food insecurity, homelessness, childcare, education, and financial stability for over a century.

Bank of Hawaii is proud to sponsor Aloha United Way Women United and its fundraiser, Chocolate, Champagne, and Couture For-A-Cause. You can support their work in our community by attending the fundraiser or becoming a member at Aloha United Way Women United.