A Celebration of Leadership, Legacy, and Community
Family, friends, colleagues, and supporters gathered to celebrate Wendy Shewalter as one of four women honored at the 2026 YWCA Oʻahu LeaderLuncheon.
On May 6, Office Pavilion had the privilege of celebrating CEO Wendy Shewalter as one of four women honored at the 2026 YWCA Oʻahu LeaderLuncheon.
The annual event recognizes women whose leadership, service, and contributions have made a meaningful impact on Hawaiʻi’s communities. Family, friends, colleagues, and supporters gathered to celebrate this year’s honorees and their commitment to leadership, community involvement, and creating opportunities for others.
For Wendy, the recognition carried special meaning. As a child, she spent countless days at YWCA Oʻahu’s Kokokahi campus, never imagining that one day she would be recognized by an organization that played such a significant role in her early years.
During her remarks, Wendy reflected on the influence of her mother, Gerri Hayes, who moved to Hawaiʻi as a single mother and later took a leap of faith in purchasing Contract Furnishers of Hawaiʻi in 1986, now Office Pavilion. That decision laid the foundation for what would become a 40-year legacy as a woman-owned business.
The occasion also carried a sense of full-circle significance. Decades ago, Contract Furnishers of Hawaiʻi was recognized by YWCA Oʻahu during Gerri’s leadership. This year, Wendy was honored individually by the same organization, highlighting a continuing legacy of leadership, perseverance, and community involvement.
As Office Pavilion celebrates its 40th anniversary year, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the people and decisions that helped shape the company’s journey. Wendy shared her belief that leadership is not about titles or authority, but about supporting others, creating opportunities, and helping people grow.
We are proud to celebrate Wendy and this well-deserved recognition alongside fellow honorees Darlene N. Blakeney, Kaleialoha “Kalei” Cadinha-Puaʻa, and Dana M. Tokioka.
Mahalo to YWCA Oʻahu for this meaningful honor and for its continued work to empower women, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for future generations of leaders.