A Legacy of Empowerment: YWCA O‘ahu Celebrates 125 Years of Serving the Community
September 3, 2025, Honolulu, HI — On August 8, 2025, YWCA Oʻahu together with Governor Josh Green, M.D., and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green invited the community to a very special “Dine With Us” event at Washington Place. This memorable evening honored YWCA Oahu’s 125th Anniversary of empowering women and advancing equity throughout Hawai‘i.
Held at the historic home of Queen Liliʻuokalani, the event brought together leaders from across government, business, and the nonprofit sector, along with community advocates and YWCA Oʻahu alumnae, to celebrate over a century of progress toward gender and racial justice. The evening featured a locally inspired dinner, curated by Café Julia, and included powerful stories from program graduates who have overcome barriers through the organization’s support to rise both personally and professionally.
Governor Green and First Lady Green welcomed guests with heartfelt remarks, emphasizing the vital role YWCA Oʻahu has played in shaping Hawai‘i’s future. “This is more than just a celebration—it’s a recognition of generations of women who have fought for justice, dignity, and equality,” said First Lady Jaime Green. “YWCA Oʻahu has been there every step of the way.”
At the heart of the organization’s mission, it has always been the goal of breaking down barriers and promoting equity. In its early years, YWCA O‘ahu offered language and lifestyle classes to support the influx of immigrants coming to Hawai‘i to work on the plantations. Throughout the decades, YWCA O‘ahu has remained dedicated to serving local women and girls by providing relevant and impactful programming to meet their evolving needs.
“As YWCA Oʻahu celebrates 125 years of serving the women and young girls of Hawaiʻi, we honor Queen Liliʻuokalani and the generations of women who have shaped our mission. Celebrating this milestone in her former home is deeply meaningful. As we reflect on this milestone, we renew our promise to uplift the women and girls of Hawaiʻi. I invite our community—individuals, families, businesses, and allies—to join us in this vital work. Together, we can continue to foster leadership, opportunity, and equity across our islands.”
Today, YWCA Oahuʻs programs address four major areas of need:
Economic Advancement: Offering safe housing and career support for women leaving incarceration and those who have financial need.
Business: Providing resources and mentorship to empower women in the workplace.
Leadership: Developing leaders through educational opportunities and spaces where they can grow in their confidence and skillsets.
Wellness: Promoting mental health and physical fitness through the aquatics.
Looking to the future, YWCA O‘ahu remains steadfast in its mission to create a world where women and girls feel empowered to thrive, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.