President/Secretary
Savina “Savy” Makalena is a life-time Caregiver, a daughter, Mother and Mentor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and an extensive background in business strategies, financial management, sales management, marketing & branding, and training & development. Savina is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Gimme A Break and the Publisher of the Givers Guides Magazine. Prior to Gimme A Break, Savina was Executive Vice President of Sales for Maui Divers Jewelry. Savina has also served as the Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy and the Vice President of Retail Operations for Martin & Macarthur. She also serves as Vice President on the Hawaii Family Caregivers Coalition. The past 7 years she has devoted her time as a Caregiver for her Father and Mother. Currently she stands steadfast at the side of her Spouse in their battle with Cancer.
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.
Treasurer/Secretary
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 out of Honolulu, HA called “Ask Christy”. Christy is the Founder and President of Our Little Peace of Mind, where she creates solutions for care coordination for individuals and families
Member
Geanna Benson
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!
Recent Comments