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As a native, it’s in her nature to help others; she is thankful for the opportunity to serve her island’s children and families.  Edwina embraces the spirit of Aloha in all that she does.  She truly believes that with love and kindness, resiliency follows. 

Edwina graduated from Molokaʻi High School in 1990 and seventeen years later in the Fall of 2007, decided to become a non-traditional student at UHMC – Molokaʻi Education Center where she obtained an AS Human Services & AA Liberal Arts.  She pushed forward to secure a BA in Psychology, from UH Hilo’s Distance Education Program, and persevered to obtain an MSW degree from UH Manoa’s Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work - Distance Education Program.  After completing graduate school in Spring 2017, Edwina obtained Licensure to become one of several LSW’s on the island of Molokaʻi. 

Edwina wholeheartedly dreamt of serving Native Hawaiian families through the legacy of Queen Liliʻuokalani; she remembers the first personal statement she wrote when applying to community college, it read, “I want to educate myself so that I can one day work for QLCC (at the time) and serve our Native Hawaiian people." 

Edwina worked in the tourist industry for 10 years until she happened upon the non-profit sector after the Kaluakoi Hotel & Golf Club shut down in 2000.  She worked at the Molokaʻi Community Service Council, in Admin, Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. – Molokai, as a Case Manager III, Partners in Development Foundation – Tutu & Me Traveling Preschool, as a Program Assistant.  While working at these agencies she would hear about the great work done at LT, she often called LT to see if there were any job openings. Edwina did not meet the eligibility criteria for employment.  This inspired her to pursue secondary education. 

After graduate school Edwina secured a job at Molokaʻi General Hospital as a Social Worker, perpetuating the legacy of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV.  It was here that she learned about the Health Care System.  This opportunity provided her with a vast amount of knowledge.  She was able to network and build relationships with a number of agencies through collaborative efforts to meet the healthcare needs of the people of Molokaʻi. 

Edwina is on the NASW-Hawaii Chapter, Board of Directors, as the Molokaʻi Branch Representative, serving since 2016.   

On a personal level, Edwina has a significant other (John), three children (Alaysha, Waianuhea, & Johnny Boy), three grandchildren (Hayden Kanaʻiaupuni, Kuʻenalani, and Kauʻiahina), and a dog named Dougie.  She enjoys spending time with them, watching them grow, and showering them with lots of quality time, love, and Aloha.  

Edwina has a deep connection to her beautiful island of Molokaʻi and enjoys the tranquil lifestyle Molokaʻi provides.  She treasures fishing, camping, NETFLIX binging, traveling, eating, and spending time with family. She is grateful for each blessed day which enables her to be with ʻohana and indulging in life’s simple pleasures.