Ginny Tiu began playing the piano at 3 1/2 years old. She was discovered by Ed Sullivan when she was five, and her career took off. She has performed throughout the world, including at Carnegie Hall. She performed for President Kennedy and President Bush. She did a movie with Elvis Presley when she was eight years old, called “Girls! Girls! Girls!”
She continues to perform, but her main focus now is on giving back and helping others, both people and animals. Tiu is especially passionate and committed to helping those most vulnerable, and hopes to encourage others to do the same, through her philanthropic work, fundraising, educating, and advocacy.
She has been on the board of the Hawaiian Humane Society for almost 10 years, and served as its Chair. She was instrumental in its successful Capital Campaign, which raised over $18 million dollars. She is also on the board of the Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra.
She was honored by Maryknoll School with the Monsignor Kekumano Award of Noblesse Oblige “To whom much is given, much is expected”, and with the Philanthropist of the Year award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Get to know Ginny Tiu: LeaderLuncheon Q & A
Q: WHAT TYPES OF QUALITIES MAKE A GOOD LEADER?
A good leader inspires and leads by example - is confident but not arrogant - one who can see the big picture. One who is competent and decisive but also open to suggestions, has integrity, compassion, and sincerity.
Q: WHAT HAS HELPED YOU BECOME A MORE EFFECTIVE LEADER?
Understanding the importance of planning and not getting too busy just doing things. Meeting people from different walks of life, sharing knowledge and experiences.
Q: NAME A WOMAN LEADER WHO INSPIRES YOU AND EXPLAIN WHY?
My sister Vicky Cayetano because she is not only very smart, she also has a very big and kind heart. I always say that the mind is only as good as the heart that drives it. She is strong and at the same time, compassionate.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM JOB GROWING UP?
I have been truly blessed by having been able to do what I love from a very young age, and making a career of it since I was 5 years old, playing the piano, traveling the world, meeting all kinds of different people, and learning to appreciate our differences.
Q: WHAT’S ONE OF THE BEST PIECES OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
To believe in God and believe in yourself - to treat others with respect and compassion.
Q: AS A WOMAN LEADER, WHAT CAN YOU ADVISE OTHERS TO DO TO HELP EACH OTHER OR HELP THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN LEADERS?
Don't let anyone dictate who you are or what you can do. Look for good mentors but don’t compare yourself with anyone. God created you unique and special. Just be the best that you can be. You have something to contribute that no one else has.
RSVP FOR THE 41ST ANNUAL LEADERLUNCHEON TODAY
Join YWCA O'ahu in honoring four extraordinary local women whose commitment, grace and spirit have made a tremendous impact in their communities. Guests from all fields of work are invited to attend the YWCA O'ahu LeaderLuncheon to support the advancement of women leaders in Hawai'i and the YWCA mission of "Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women."
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