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Valerie Aguirre

Community Homeless Concerns Liaison

Hawaiʻi Department of Education

Valerie began her career in the classroom, where she spent 15 years as an Educational Assistant providing dedicated, one-on-one support to students with special needs. Working side-by-side with special education teachers, she developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges students face and a passion for individualized advocacy. This foundational experience shaped her 21-year tenure with the Hawai’i Department of Education, where she has now spent over 5 years serving the community as a Complex Area Community Homeless Concerns Liaison.

She has dedicated her time serving vulnerable children and families across Maui County. Serving the complex areas of Hāna, Lāhainā, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi, she has become a trusted advocate and compassionate leader for students experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Throughout her career, Valerie has worked tirelessly to ensure that every child has equitable access to education regardless of their circumstances. She plays a vital role in removing barriers to school enrollment and connecting families to essential support services, including housing assistance, transportation, food resources, healthcare, counseling, and other critical wraparound services. Her holistic approach recognizes that student success is deeply connected to family stability and well-being.

Valerie’s leadership has been especially impactful during times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the devastating Lāhainā wildfires, and recent storms, she provided steady guidance and immediate support to displaced families navigating uncertainty and loss. Working directly with impacted communities, she coordinated emergency resources, advocated for urgent family needs, and helped ensure educational continuity for students during some of Maui County’s most difficult moments.

As a proud member of Maui’s Filipino community, Valerie brings cultural understanding, empathy, and trust to the families she serves. She has been instrumental in helping Filipino families overcome language barriers, cultural transitions, and systemic challenges, empowering them to access services and opportunities that strengthen their futures. Her culturally responsive outreach has fostered meaningful connections and lasting community impact.

Beyond her formal responsibilities, Valerie is known for her collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication. She works closely with schools, shelters, nonprofits, and community organizations, often going above and beyond to ensure families feel supported, respected, and heard. Colleagues and community members alike recognize her as a compassionate professional whose leadership is defined by service, resilience, and heart.

Through her lifelong commitment to advocacy and education, Valerie Aguirre continues to transform adversity into opportunity for countless children and families throughout Maui County. Her enduring impact and servant leadership make her truly deserving of recognition through the Gintong Pamana Leadership Award.

Randy Retuta Cruz

Elder and Adult President, Western Pacific District

Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch)

2nd Vice President, Ilocos Surian Association of Maui

Randy Retuta Cruz is a dedicated faith leader, businessman, and community servant whose quiet acts of generosity and compassion have made a lasting impact throughout Maui’s Filipino community. Known for his humility, unwavering faith, and servant leadership, Randy has devoted much of his life to uplifting others through ministry, volunteerism, and community involvement.

As Elder and Adult President for the Western Pacific District of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch), Randy has provided spiritual guidance, mentorship, and support to countless individuals and families across Maui and beyond. Together with his wife, he regularly visits homes to offer prayers, encouragement, and healing ministry to those experiencing illness, hardship, or personal struggles. Their ministry reflects a deep commitment to serving others with compassion and faith.

Randy is also an active leader within the Ilocos Surian Association of Maui, where he serves as 2nd Vice President and Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. Through his leadership, he has helped raise funds for scholarship programs and death aid assistance initiatives that provide meaningful support to Maui families. He is also known for organizing affordable bento lunches for seniors, particularly for ILWU Pensioners and the Ilocos Surian Association Seniors Club, ensuring that kūpuna feel cared for and appreciated.

As owner of Randy’s Catering, Randy has generously served hundreds of community gatherings, celebrations, and special events throughout Maui. Though often working quietly behind the scenes, he consistently contributes his time, resources, and talents without seeking recognition. His elaborate catering, hospitality, and willingness to help wherever needed have earned him the respect and admiration of many within the community.

Most recently, Randy played a major leadership role in organizing the Home Free Global Crusade 2026 held on Maui, a large-scale spiritual gathering that welcomed internationally known artist Yeng Constantino and guests from around the world. Demonstrating extraordinary generosity and hospitality, Randy helped feed and support more than 300 missionaries who traveled to Maui for the event. He also donated the use of several of his vehicles for visiting VIPs and volunteers, contributing countless hours and resources to ensure the success of the gathering, which drew thousands of attendees.

Through his steadfast faith, humility, and lifelong commitment to serving others, Randy Retuta Cruz continues to exemplify servant leadership in action. His dedication to ministry, community, and uplifting others makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Gintong Pamana Leadership Award.

Nestor Ugale, Jr.

Board President, Kaibigan ng Lāhaina

Nestor Ugale, Jr. has emerged as one of Maui County’s most dedicated community advocates and respected leaders in the wake of the devastating Lāhainā wildfires. As a founder and current Board President of Kaibigan ng Lāhaina, Nestor has played an instrumental role in championing community-driven recovery efforts grounded in compassion, cultural understanding, and the spirit of bayanihan.

Since the disaster, Nestor has devoted countless hours toward advocating for families impacted by the fires and ensuring that local voices remain central in conversations surrounding recovery and rebuilding. Through Kaibigan ng Lāhaina, he has helped develop programs, resources, and partnerships that directly support survivors and strengthen long-term recovery efforts across Maui County. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to restoring not only homes and infrastructure, but also dignity, identity, and community trust.

Nestor serves on Mayor Richard Bissen’s advisory council and is also a board member of the Maui Long-Term Recovery Group, where he collaborates with government agencies, nonprofits, and community leaders to identify sustainable rebuilding solutions for Lāhainā residents. Widely respected for his strategic thinking and collaborative approach, Nestor consistently utilizes both his professional expertise and personal networks to connect the community with meaningful opportunities, resources, and advocacy.

A passionate voice for Filipino representation and leadership, Nestor embodies the values of service, resilience, and cultural pride. Through his work, he has inspired a new generation of Filipino-American leaders to become active participants in shaping Maui’s future. As keynote speaker at the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce Filipino Forum, he shared his personal journey of discovering identity through crisis, reflecting on how the aftermath of the fires deepened his understanding of what it means to be Filipino in Hawaiʻi.

Nestor often speaks about his great-grandfather, Teodoro Ugale, who arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1923 as a plantation worker and labor organizer advocating for workers’ rights and fair treatment. That legacy of courage, advocacy, and community responsibility continues through Nestor’s own leadership today. In reflecting on the formation of Kaibigan ng Lāhaina, he described how local residents united during the aftermath of the fires to protect and uplift their community, ensuring that recovery efforts honored the voices and needs of Lāhainā families themselves.

In addition to his community work, Nestor was recently promoted to Director of Marketing for Marriott Vacations Worldwide, where he oversees marketing operations for several major Maui hospitality properties, including the Marriott's Maui Ocean Club, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. In this role, he continues advocating for responsible tourism and meaningful community engagement, guided by his commitment to honoring Maui’s people, culture, and future.

Through visionary leadership, cultural advocacy, and unwavering service to the community, Nestor Ugale, Jr. continues to help shape a stronger and more resilient future for Maui. His dedication to empowering others and elevating the voices of Lāhainā residents makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Gintong Pamana Leadership Award.

Terri Ewbank

Owner, Elly’s Formal Wear & Bridals

Founder, Angel Hands Maui

Terri Ewbank is a respected business owner, community advocate, and compassionate leader whose dedication to service has touched countless lives across Maui. As the proud owner of Elly’s Formal Wear & Bridals, Terri continues the legacy of a beloved family business founded in 1994 by her mother, Elly Ewbank. For more than three decades, the boutique has served generations of Maui families, helping celebrate weddings, proms, graduations, and life’s most meaningful milestones.

With a background in fashion studies at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College and professional experience in Los Angeles working with national brands and production companies, Terri brings creativity, expertise, and innovation to the bridal and formalwear industry. Under her leadership, Elly’s Formal Wear & Bridals has continued to grow as one of Hawaiʻi’s premier destinations for bridal gowns, formal attire, and special occasion styling.

Beyond her business success, Terri is deeply committed to uplifting the Maui community through acts of generosity and compassion. She is the founder of Angel Hands Maui, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to providing free prom attire and formalwear to students across Maui County who may not otherwise have access to these experiences. Through partnerships, outreach efforts, and heartfelt community support, Terri has helped countless young people feel confident, valued, and celebrated during important milestones in their lives.

Terri’s servant leadership was especially evident during times of crisis. Following the devastating 2023 wildfires, Terri, alongside her family and close friends known as “The Angels,” helped prepare and deliver hot meals to members of Maui’s Filipino community affected by the disaster. Most recently, during the severe Kona low storms that impacted Hawaiʻi, her own business suffered major damage, with gowns and inventory buried in mud and her shop left in distress. Yet even amid personal and professional hardship, Terri remained steadfast in serving others. She led her team through the crisis with resilience and grace, personally responding to clients, supporting brides and families, and ensuring that weddings, proms, and special celebrations could continue despite the challenges.

Known for her hands-on leadership style, Terri exemplifies perseverance, faith, and compassion under pressure. Rooted in strong family values and guided by her faith, she believes that no obstacle is impossible to overcome with strength, purpose, and trust in God. Her appreciation and support for Maui’s Filipino community reflect a sincere commitment to honoring the people and cultures that have shaped both her personal journey and the island she proudly calls home.

Through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and unwavering community service, Terri Ewbank continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact across Maui. Her resilience, generosity, and heart-centered leadership make her a truly deserving recipient of the Gintong Pamana Leadership Award.

Lawrence Pascua

President, Maui Filipino Community Council

Artist, Designer, Cultural Advocate, and Community Leader

Lawrence Pascua is a respected creative professional, cultural advocate, and community leader whose decades of service have helped shape and strengthen Maui’s Filipino community. With a career spanning more than 35 years in graphic design, publishing, media, and the arts, Lawrence has consistently used his talents to uplift organizations, preserve Filipino culture, and support community initiatives throughout Maui.

A graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design, Lawrence built an accomplished professional career working with numerous publications, companies, and creative agencies across Hawaiʻi. He currently serves as Copy Editor for The Maui News and is co-owner and art director of Fil-Am Voice, a publication dedicated to informing, connecting, and celebrating Maui’s Filipino community. Throughout his career, he has also held leadership and creative roles with Maui Weekly, Maui Bulletin, Maui Net, HMSA Corporate Communications, and several design and advertising firms throughout Hawaiʻi.

Widely recognized for his creativity and professionalism, Lawrence has earned numerous industry honors for excellence in publication and magazine design, including multiple Pa‘i Awards for non-daily newspaper excellence and an International Association of Business Communicators Award of Excellence for magazine design. His artistic vision and technical expertise have contributed to the success of countless publications, community campaigns, promotional materials, and cultural events across the island.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lawrence has long been one of the Filipino community’s most dependable behind-the-scenes leaders. While some lead through words, Lawrence is known as someone who brings ideas to life through action. His graphic design talents have supported numerous nonprofit organizations and events through the creation of posters, tickets, advertisements, publications, and promotional materials that help strengthen community engagement and visibility. Friends and colleagues alike recognize him as someone who quietly and consistently delivers, often without seeking recognition for his contributions.

Lawrence is also deeply committed to preserving and promoting Filipino culture through the performing arts. As Dance Director and Choreographer for La Galería: Compañía Baile Filipino since 2004, he has taught traditional Filipino dances to younger generations while helping showcase Filipino heritage at festivals, cultural celebrations, and community events throughout Hawaiʻi. Through mentorship, performance, and cultural education, he continues to inspire pride and appreciation for Filipino traditions among Maui’s youth and broader community.

His leadership within community organizations has been equally impactful. Lawrence currently serves as President of the Maui Filipino Community Council after many years of service as vice president and board member. He has also served with organizations including Binhi at Ani and the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce, contributing his time, expertise, and leadership to initiatives that support culture, education, business, and community development.

Through artistic excellence, cultural preservation, and decades of selfless service, Lawrence Pascua has become a pillar of Maui’s Filipino community. His quiet leadership, dedication, and ability to turn vision into action make him a truly deserving recipient of the Gintong Pamana Leadership Award.

Joselito Yuzon

Community Leader, Businessman, and Faith-Based Volunteer

Joselito Yuzon is a respected community servant, businessman, and faith-driven leader whose quiet dedication and consistent service have positively impacted Maui’s Filipino community for many years. Known for his humility, generosity, and strong work ethic, Joselito has built a legacy of leadership rooted not in recognition, but in meaningful service behind the scenes.

A native of Isabela in the Philippines, Joselito is a mechanical engineer by profession and has been a longtime leader in Maui’s business community through his work with Johnstone Supply. Together with his wife, Helen, he has helped operate and grow the family business with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to serving the community. The Yuzon family relocated to Maui from California nearly two decades ago and have since become deeply rooted in both business and civic life on the island.

Joselito is also widely recognized for his active involvement in faith-based and community service organizations. He currently serves as a lector at Christ the King Church and regularly volunteers in the church’s food distribution efforts, helping provide assistance and support to families in need. His service reflects a sincere commitment to compassion, faith, and caring for others in the community.

A dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Council 15594, Joselito recently chaired the successful 2026 Christ the King Church Golf Tournament, helping bring together community members and supporters for a meaningful cause. His leadership, organizational skills, and willingness to serve wherever needed have made him a valued and dependable figure within the church and broader Maui community.

In addition to his volunteer work, Joselito previously served as a board member of the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce, where he contributed his time and expertise in support of local businesses and community initiatives. Colleagues and friends often describe him as someone who avoids the spotlight, yet consistently steps forward when help is needed. His quiet leadership and steadfast support have earned the admiration and respect of those who know him.

Above all, Joselito takes great pride in his family. Together with Helen, they have raised two children who reflect the family’s values of hard work, education, and service. One child is currently pursuing medical studies in Portland, Oregon, while the other assists with the operations of the family business on Maui.

Through decades of humble service, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to faith and community, Joselito Yuzon exemplifies servant leadership at its finest. His enduring contributions to Maui’s Filipino community make this recognition through the Gintong Pamana Leadership Award both meaningful and well deserved.