Savina "Savy" Makalena - President
A life-time Caregiver, a Daughter, Mother and Mentor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. Savina is currently the Founder/CEO of Gimme A Break – a nonprofit, all volunteer organization that cares for caregivers, Producer/Creator/Host of the Caring Caregiver Show and Publisher of Givers Guides Magazine for caregivers. She serves as Board President for Hawaii Family Caregivers Coalition, a member of Hawaiʻi Dementia Initiative Coalition and the Camden Coalition Inspire Core Team. The winner of the 2021 Ruby Award, 2022 Remarkable Women Award, and a 2023 Andrus Award nominee.
It is her passion mission to connect caregivers to resources, to educate caregivers to survive their journey and continue to thrive in life after.
The past 10 years she has devoted her time as a Caregiver for her Father, Mother and Mother in Law. Currently she stands steadfast at the side of her Spouse in their battle with Cancer.
Lani Almanza - Vice President
Lani Almanza Born in Hawai`i and raised on the Windward side of Oahu, Lani has employed a number of roles in her lifetime, including wife, mother of four, and grandmother, which all include caregiving. Her most challenging, and awakening, caregiving experience was with her youngest son, Jacob, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 19 in 2002 and transitioned in 2005. She has been committed to helping create healthier lives and communities through her various professional roles as an educator/trainer, in retail management and non-profit organizations such as the American Cancer Society. Recently retired, she has embarked on a new journey as a wellness advocate through her own business, Alaka`i Associates, LLC. And serves as the Editor to the Givers Guides Magazine. Lani received both her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in communication from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa.
Christy Pickrell - Secretary/Treasurer
Christy Pickrell is a Wife, Mother, Author, and Advocate for individuals with disabilities or health concerns. Christy has been in the caregiving field for 30 plus years, starting with family members as well as a respite provider for the ARC of Maryland. She is the mother of a 22-year-old disabled son and wife of 29 years. Christy has been published in the Autism Parenting Magazine, as well as 50 plus Lifestyle magazine and writes a regular column for Givers Guides magazine and is the Founder and President of Our Little Peace of Mind.
Wendy Whiteman - Secretary
With over three decades of legal experience, Wendy Williams Whiteman is a seasoned attorney practicing in Elder Law and Estate Planning. Formerly a Medicaid and Benefit Fraud prosecutor, Wendy leverages her deep understanding of Medicaid regulations to craft tailored strategies for families, ensuring wealth preservation and asset protection amidst long-term care expenses. Embracing a holistic approach, Wendy and her dedicated team treat every client like family, offering comprehensive support beyond legal matters. Her compassionate approach has earned her recognition, including the esteemed Texas Star Award for her proficient and conscientious practice, along with membership in the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Acknowledged as the 2021 Local Business Person of the Year in North Central Dallas, Wendy's contributions during the challenging COVID era have been exceptional, reflecting her unwavering commitment to her community. Driven by her personal journey of caring for her mother over the past decade, Wendy's dedication to Elder Law has deepened. Her firsthand experience has inspired her to extend assistance beyond legal realms, leading her to author "Creative Caregiving and Beyond: Helping Mom and Dad," offering practical insights derived from her own caregiving experiences and legal experience. In addition, Wendy hosts the podcast "Creative Caregiving and Beyond," offering guidance and support to those navigating the complexities of aging parents and loved ones, fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience. An alumna of Southern Methodist University, Wendy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctorate from the Southern Methodist University School of Law, laying the foundation for her distinguished legal career and her unwavering dedication to serving her community with compassion and expertise.
Marilyn Lamer - Member
Marilyn Lamer a graduate from Punahou School and later graduated from Chaminade University with a degree in Business Management and was part of the Hogan Entrepreneur program there. She has two boys and lives on a 6-acre farm. She loves to learn about frequency and vibration to help people heal faster. Frequency meeting nutrition is her new passion and it's been life changing for her. She has been a part of BNI Hawaii for almost 4 years serving as their previous visitor host, VP, president, and currently the events coordinator. She is also a chapter success coach overseeing two Oahu BNI chapters. She is the president of the Liliuokalani Toastmasters club and volunteers for different organizations during her free time. Giver’s gain is one of her core values and she loves personal development!
Dr. Robert Wu PhD - Member
Robert Wu UHM PhD in American Studies As a graduate student, he was actively involved in student activities serving as vice president of Chinese Students & Scholars Association. Nankai University of Tianjin China, BA in English, Officer of the Student Body in WORK Premier Financial Alliance: Senior Associate & Certified Field Trainer. Promote life insurance with living benefits, offering clients innovative products exclusively from our carrier partner and presenting an exciting business opportunity for growth. COMMUNITY SERVICES - Hawaii Aspiring Aerospace Engineer Academy (HAAEA) – University of Hawaii at Manoa Voluntary Coordinator, Inviting and fostering support from the University, government, and industry for the HAAEA to promote STEM education and aerospace engineering among aspiring engineers. Hawaii Mainland Chinese Overseas Association President & Secretary, Led the transition of the Association into a non-profit, non-membership organization, successfully growing its financial base and expanding the Board of Directors to over 20 members. Hawaii Interpreters and Translators Association President & Secretary, Provided visionary leadership for more than a decade, fostering collaboration among leaders to maintain and expand the organization’s mission and outreach efforts is a seasoned life insurance agent who’s passionate about helping others secure their financial future. With a strong commitment to his community, he actively volunteers and supports local causes, embodying his Buddhist values of kindness and service. A proud father and grandfather, Robert finds fulfillment in family and in making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Leilani Soliven -Member
Leilani was born and raised in Honolulu, the daughter of two hard-working immigrant parents from the Philippines and the youngest of seven. Her parents taught her the importance of family bond, respect, and the value of strong work ethics. She grew up in Kalihi Valley and later moved to Pearl City where she graduated from Pearl City High School in 1992. She attended University of Hilo during her first semester and later transferred to Rutgers College in New Brunswick, NJ where she graduated with her baccalaureate degree in Accounting and Psychology in 1998. She later moved back to Hawaii in 2000 where she pursued her master’s degree in Information Systems at Hawaii Pacific University. Leilani obtained her health insurance license from the State of Hawaii in May 2015 while working full-time as a Federal employee. She later transitioned full-time status as an insurance agent in February 2017 after she realized that this was her calling and recognized her defining moment for her career in Medicare Advantage insurance industry. Previously she was employed by Department of Defense (DoD) with various commands and agencies including Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and Department of the Navy (DoN) for Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station of the Pacific. She was also employed by private companies including Symantec Corporation, Deloitte, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Leilani takes pride in helping others and is deeply passionate about helping the people in the community. She served as the Vice-President for Board of Directors for Ka Makana at Hoakalei, a member of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and a member of the Magsingal Association of Hawaii. She continues to work closely with Centers of Influences, including medical clinics and facilities, non-profit organizations, and partners who work closely with the Medicare & Medicaid population in the State of Hawaii. Leilani enjoys traveling the world to experience different cultures and exploring unique architectures. She appreciates the outdoors, especially hiking and camping. She also values time spent with friends and family.
Trina Simeona - Member
Trina Simeona had been a Medicare Specialist for over 10 years. As a Roosevelt High School Graduate, Trina was born and raised on Oahu in beautiful Papakolea Homestead. Whether it be a simple “small talk” discussion or providing solutions to help with people’s needs, Trina has been always known for her selfless, compassionate, loving and caring characteristics. Trina is a Licensed Insurance Agent in the State of Hawaii and contracted with United Health Care, Wellcare by Ohana Health Plan, HMSA, Alohacare and GTL. With considerable amount of experience in the customer service call center field for Medicare health plans, Trina’s expertise and consumer service skills are unsurpassed. Trina strives to continue her career with several different organizations, including; Hawaii State Social Services, Hawaii State Guardianship, Kahi Mohala, Mental Health Kokua, Liheap, HCAP, Caravan, Waikiki Health Center, Bay Clinic, Alu Like, Hui Malama, Foodbasket and the Hamakua Health Center. She is also involved in many Statewide Clubhouses, City and County senior groups and churches. Trina’s extensive healthcare insight, compassion and ability to connect with people are truly paramount.
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