News Archive
Mahalo Library Workers & Administrative Professionals
April 26, 2023
HGEA would like to mahalo library workers and administrative professionals throughout Hawaii who keep our state and county agencies and libraries running. We are proud to represent library professionals at 51 libraries statewide who are helping to connect ohana with books, research materials, free internet access, a safe place to study, and a plethora of community programs and classes. We also extend our thanks to dedicated administrative professionals across the state who are helping to deliver essential government services.
A few of your fellow HGEA members reflected on the work they do on behalf of our communities.
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Sheri-Lyn Amimoto, Kauai Secretary III, Kauai Community College Unit 3 Member I have been working at Kauai Community College since October 1989. A big part of why I have been working at Kauai Community College for this long is knowing that you have helped make a difference in the lives of those who have come through our doors. I love seeing them succeed in life's journeys. It's rewarding when I am out and about in the community, seeing familiar faces and someone remembers me as a person who had helped them on campus. |
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Carolyn Caires, Maui Secretary II, Dept. of Human Services Unit 3 Member The typical day of an administrative professional is rarely dull. I engage in a wide variety of activities, deal with different personalities and manage changing priorities on a day-to-day basis. My role as a Secretary II can be very challenging, but it's rewarding because of the increasing responsibilities, the daily multitasking duties, and the satisfaction knowing that what I do truly makes a difference for so many individuals. |
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Hollie Dalapo, Maui Secretary II, County of Maui Unit 3 Member I was a golf course clerk, and one of the many steady golfers I got to know was looking for a secretary. I offered to help him out and fill this role, even though it is a limited-term position. I enjoy meeting all of my coworkers in the Dept. of Environmental Management, Wastewater Division. Everyone has made me feel welcome. Assisting each one of them is rewarding. It was nice to hear that they were happy that I accepted the position even if there was a chance that it could be short term. |
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Terry Ann Richter Secretary II, Leeward Community College Unit 3 Member Besides working at Leeward Community College, I am also a member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Through IAAP, I attained the Certified Administrative Professional designation. While attending an IAAP convention, I was able to connect with expo vendors and start coordinating and organizing mini expos at the various community colleges. Each project brought out my leadership skills along with great teamwork from all participants. |
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Dakota Cotton, Maui Librarian IV, Makawao Public Library Unit 13 Member I love being able to serve our patrons and try to provide the best possible resources for local people’s needs – whether that’s picture books, internet access, workforce development, language learning materials, beach reads, and everything in between. Our communities are what make each library important and our jobs are so rewarding. |
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Natasha Puaoi, Oahu Library Assistant IV, Waianae Public Library Unit 3 Member The most rewarding part of my job is the many friendships I’ve made with the people who walk into our library — from our kupuna to the little ones who attend our toddler times. I love seeing them and catching up on how their weekends went or how they did on a test they were cramming for. No matter who they are or where they’re from, the minute they walk into our library I like to make sure they’re taken care of and feel welcomed. |